The Number of Homeless Veterans Declines
The veterans who served the nation in times of need are getting better at avoiding homelessness. This was revealed in the official data. The progress is a result of partnerships between many federal, local and state bodies who are working continually to ensure that the veterans get a home to live in. Some key people that are associated with the project shared their happiness about the fact that they are able to fight this problem and expressed hope on doing even better in preventing the homelessness.
The Announcement regarding Veterans’ Homelessness
The announcement that enlightened people on the declining number of homelessness in veterans was made by the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, Veterans Affairs department and The Housing and Urban Development. In the announcement, it was pointed out that the homelessness in the U.S. is nearly half of what it was in 2010.
The data also showed that there was a 17 percent decrease in the veteran homelessness from January 2015 to January 2016. There was 47 percent decrease since 2010. The HUD’s annual Point-in-Time estimate of America’s homeless population has also discovered that less than 40, 000 veterans were homeless during a given night in January 2016. The estimate also highlighted that just over 13,000 veterans were living on the streets. It demonstrates a 56 percent decrease since the year 2010.
The Reasons behind the Success
The key reasons behind the success were the partnerships formed between USICH, VA, HUD and several other local, state and federal partners. The first strategic plan to curb homelessness, Opening Doors was launched in 2010 which was also effective. The HUD-VA Supportive Housing program also proved to be successful.
This plan combines HUD rental assistance with clinical services provided by the VA and case management. Since the year 2008, about 85,000 vouchers have been distributed that helped in serving over 1, 14,000 veterans who were homeless through the HUD-VASH program.
The Happiness and Hope
The amazing numbers achieved while reducing the veterans’ homelessness seems to be a ray of hope for many people. The executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, Matthew Doherty has stated that these numbers are proving that it is possible to solve one of the complex challenges faced by the nation. He added that this progress should give confidence to the people working towards reducing the number further. He also believes that when people work together, hold themselves responsible and set bold goals, nothing will remain unsolvable.
