Virginia ends Veteran homelessness will other states figure it out?

2015-11-23T13:11:51-05:00

Kudos to VA for this I hope other states can learn and execute from VA. This could be the start of ending veteran homelessness across the country. Is your state doing something to end it? What are they doing to get our veterans off the streets?

One down, 49 more to go.

Virginia became the first state to officially end veteran homelessness, Gov. Terry McAuliffe said on Wednesday. The milestone declaration means that every veteran in the state has housing, except for those were offered shelter, but declined, the Washington Post reported.

By streamlining resources and having the Department of Veterans Affairs, public housing groups, local utility companies and other key partners collaborate on the issue, Virginia housed 1,432 veterans since October 2014, according to a state press release.

In August, Connecticut became the first state to end chronic veteran homelessness. That’s the more “long-term pernicious” form of the issue, when people are habitually without shelter, Brian Sullivan, HUD public affairs specialist, told The Huffington Post.

Virginia, however, has “functionally” ended homelessness among veterans, which means the state has put systems into place that ensure homelessness is prevented whenever possible, or is otherwise a “rare, brief, and non-recurring experience.”

To maintain its status, Virginia has to be able to secure a home for a veteran within 90 days, and have more homes readily available than the amount of veterans without shelter, according to the Post.

The Veterans Day announcement came ahead of schedule.

McAuliffe committed to first lady Michelle Obama’s Mayor’s Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness in June of last year. The initiative is calling for an end to veteran homelessness by the end of this year. Since then, 20 mayors and county chairs throughout the state have joined in.

On a single night in January, there were 49,993 homeless veterans across the U.S.

Part of Virginia’s success hinged on its implementation of the “housing first” model.

The approach encourages housing people in need first, and then addressing their employment and health issues afterwards.

To help expedite the process, the state organized a “100 Day Challenge” among four communities in Virginia. At the end of the period in February, Roanoke, Richmond, the Peninsula and South Hampton Roads were able to house 462 veterans by harnessing community outreach efforts and housing programs.

While Virginia's the first state to eradicate the issue, a number of major U.S. cities have succeeded in completing the FLOTUS challenge.

New Orleans declared in December that it had ended chronic veteran homelessness and Houston announced in June that it, too, had put an end to the issue.

McAuliffe said this recent success will serve as the “launching pad” to end chronic homelessness for all Virginians by the end of 2017.

“This is an important victory in our ongoing efforts to make our Commonwealth the best place on earth for veterans to live, work and raise a family,” McAuliffe said in a statement. “However, we must remain committed to keeping homelessness among veterans, and, all Virginians, rare, brief and non-recurring.”

CLARIFICATION: This article has been updated to explain Virginia's precedence over Connecticut.

Virginia Is First State To End Chronic Veteran Homelessness

That means every veteran has a home, except for those who were offered shelter, but declined.

Response by CSM Michael Lynch made Nov 23 at 2015 1:29 PM

2015-11-23T13:29:36-05:00

Here is the link on it.

Virginia Is First State To End Chronic Veteran Homelessness

That means every veteran has a home, except for those who were offered shelter, but declined.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 23 at 2015 1:40 PM

2015-11-23T13:40:30-05:00

I live in VA and have heard absolutely nothing about the state of Virginia ending Veteran homelessness CSM Michael Lynch. Was this a legislative bill that wa recently signed by the Governor?
The most problematic quote is the following which implied that every single homeless veteran in the state has been found and asked if they want shelter.
"The milestone declaration means that every veteran in the state has housing, except for those were offered shelter, but declined, the Washington Post reported."
What are you thoughts COL Mikel J. Burroughs SGT Private RallyPoint Member SGT Forrest Stewart SGT Randal Groover SGT Robert Hawks GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Nov 23 at 2015 1:58 PM

2015-11-23T13:58:32-05:00

Outstanding! Well done VA!

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 23 at 2015 2:07 PM

2015-11-23T14:07:40-05:00

I wish there were more details. What kind of homes? Is there a payment plan? If so, for whom? Does it vary by marital status? How does one apply for a home? Can any veteran now have a free home? How does one prove homelessness? Can I just end my current lease and If so, am I now homeless enough? I hope there are more details in upcoming stories..

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Nov 23 at 2015 2:19 PM

2015-11-23T14:19:12-05:00

CSM Michael Lynch fantastic post. Thanks for sharing!

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Nov 23 at 2015 3:10 PM

2015-11-23T15:10:23-05:00

If the program functions like it is designed, this will be great. How are they going to help the Vets stay in housing, once they move in. Who will be picking up the tab for the housing, utilities and stuff like that, if the Vet has no job or money.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2015 7:52 PM

2015-11-23T19:52:01-05:00

Our Mayor and city council took a lot of homeless vets off the Houston,Texas streets, but I've heard nothing about the state doing anything. Here's the link to that. Maybe the states will take a lead from VA and start doing something about it. Great post CSM Michael Lynch . Thanks for sharing.

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Houston-recognized-for-program-that-helps-6300349.php

Houston recognized for program that helps homeless veterans

The same day federal officials acknowledged they would might not meet President Barack Obama's ambitious goal to end veteran homelessness nationwide by the end of 2015, they also praised efforts by a handful of communities that have, including the city of Houston. In 2010, when Obama issued the goal, there had been approximately 75,000 homeless veterans across the country. [...] that number has dropped by about 33 percent. Three Cabinet...

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Nov 23 at 2015 9:43 PM

2015-11-23T21:43:11-05:00

If true that is some Serious Bragging Rights and something to be proud of.

Response by TSgt Bob Dalpe made Nov 24 at 2015 7:50 AM

2015-11-24T07:50:37-05:00

I am sorry but complete end to veterans homelessness is a publicity stunt. Phoenix announced this last year but was only honest for 24 hours. There is no way to end all veteran homelessness due to the multiple causes of vet homelessness including, job loss, mental health issues etc. The most on can do and be honest about your efforts is say that there is enough housing for vets who want to end their homelessness.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2015 8:00 AM

2015-11-24T08:00:39-05:00

I'm proud of my home state of Virginia for doing this. I hope other states follow suit.

Response by PFC David Ryba made Nov 24 at 2015 8:20 AM

2015-11-24T08:20:55-05:00

Great program. Thanks VA!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2015 8:36 AM

2015-11-24T08:36:56-05:00

maybe this is a way to "vet" some these homeless claims that they are veterans. I still say its a very small portion of the homeless that are vets and some of those might have only served a month and got kicked out for drugs or stealing

Response by SP5 Armando Burbank, PMP made Nov 24 at 2015 8:40 AM

2015-11-24T08:40:05-05:00

Is about time that ALL US STEPS UP!

Response by SSgt Ed Gamble made Nov 24 at 2015 9:12 AM

2015-11-24T09:12:46-05:00

Outstanding! Exactly how I would do it.

Response by SSG Drew Cook made Nov 24 at 2015 9:29 AM

2015-11-24T09:29:16-05:00

Headline is a bit misleading. You should probably spell out "Virginia", because the VA certainly has not figured out veteran homelessness.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Nov 24 at 2015 10:18 AM

2015-11-24T10:18:39-05:00

Have you ever heard of a homeless crisis for the refugee? We can not afford to make sure ALL citizens of the USA can have a place to live, yet we can spend hundreds of thousands a year for each of them we take in. Look this over:

http://www.rcusa.org/post-arrival-assistance-and-benefits

Response by 1SG Joseph Yorski, MHS made Nov 24 at 2015 1:42 PM

2015-11-24T13:42:19-05:00

Actually, CT was first if you believe that homelessness can actually be eradicated: http://www.militarytimes.com/story/veterans/2015/08/28/connecticut-ends-vets-homelessness/71297492/

Response by SGT Ronald Audas made Nov 24 at 2015 2:13 PM

2015-11-24T14:13:34-05:00

Sorry to hear that this story may not be true.Texas has 6 Veterans homes.Paid for by the citizens of Texas.Obviously not near enough to house all homeless Vets.The newest is in Tyler ,Tx. A wonderful facility that has 10 pods,capable of housing 10 vets per pod. ( spouse included ).Each pod has its own kitchen and staff. ( you can order specialty foods ).A laundry room,medical staff with clinic,a rehab room,a commons area,rails to take the bedridden to private shower in room.Where I`m headed when mama kicks me out.If there is space.Country setting with walking,and wheelchair trails. Texans have always loved their Veterans.

Response by CPL Brian Clouser made Nov 24 at 2015 2:54 PM

2015-11-24T14:54:35-05:00

I don't believe it. Right now under THIS government the VA is a joke

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Nov 24 at 2015 6:28 PM

2015-11-24T18:28:33-05:00

Sp4 Byron Skinner, I've been around the VA since 1967 and have seen these stories come and go. Its election year. Another item here the last I heard that the nation wide population of homeless Veterans was in the neighborhood of 350,000, not 50,000. The money it would take to help all of the homeless Veterans in the country just doesn't exist. Just do the arithmetic, I'll go easy I will use the absurdly low number of $1,000 per veterans even for the absurdly low count of 50,000 That $50,000,000.00. Does anybody really think that the el cheap Congress is going to fund that kind of a budget for the homeless. Veterans benefits are part of the cost of going to war. The Civil War was not paid off till the last Union widow died in 1963. The Veterans Administration is still send pensions checks to WW I widows. The homeless problem is very real and with the resources in a variety of areas it can be brought down. All many homeless Veterans need is a few bucks, a job and some help with food and shelter till they can get their sh-- squared away, but they need to eat tonight, that's the issue.

Response by SPC Elizabeth Pello made Nov 24 at 2015 10:52 PM

2015-11-24T22:52:53-05:00

Our country should have never had to put an end to homelessness amongst it's veterans. Veterans should have been takin care of a long time ago.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Nov 24 at 2015 11:54 PM

2015-11-24T23:54:20-05:00

I think that any such legislation is more of a "feel good" move on the part of the government. Homelessness is a broad issue, regardless of veteran status or not. I would like to know the details of this plan. Where are the funds coming from? What is the vetting process? Last but not least is there an end goal of getting Veterans on their feet on and out of the program?
Living in Southern California I have seen a lot of Homeless People and even worked with some Veterans who were homeless at one time. They all had the same story. They became addicted to drugs or alchohol and their lives spun out of control. They burned every bridge and pushed family and friends away by their behavior. To them the next high became more important to them to holding a job, relationships and even having a roof over their head.
Having the Government lease a bunch of housing units and putting homeless (veterans) in them is a feel good, short term fix. If anything it will do nothing more than group together a set of people with the same issues which will lead to nothing but more problems.
HOUSING itself is not the issue, its addressing HOW the veterans became homeless. Addiction and Mental issues are the major causes of constantly being homeless. Financial hardship is often temporary, and with short term assistance and helping with finding employment that can be addressed.
I also wonder who will they consider a veteran. Will they consider those that were boot camp failures and those with bad discharges as eligible? Will they simply take someones word because they are wearing a surplus jacket and say they were in Vietnam?

Response by PO2 Michael Henry made Nov 25 at 2015 12:32 AM

2015-11-25T00:32:50-05:00

They could build aprartment complexes for homeless veterans at little to no cost to the vet.

Response by Sgt Dee Watts made Nov 25 at 2015 1:54 AM

2015-11-25T01:54:22-05:00

So if I move to Virginia can I stop making house payments?

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Nov 25 at 2015 2:00 AM

2015-11-25T02:00:43-05:00

The fact that they were offered housing does not get them off of the street. Many are exactly where they want to be. Here hundreds of them even refuse shelter when it is well below freezing. Many won't stay at free housing because they aren't allowed to drink and use drugs at the shelters. Just offering them housing will not end the problem.

Response by Capt William "Scott" Norris made Nov 25 at 2015 4:57 AM

2015-11-25T04:57:46-05:00

This is a very precise number, what is it's source? This is a press release not reporting. The sentiment is nice but as another commentator posted who get's to decide and does being a veteran now come with guaranteed lifetime housing? Who and how will it be paid for?

Response by TSgt Ed Lewis made Nov 25 at 2015 9:37 AM

2015-11-25T09:37:46-05:00

I congratulate the State of Virginia I question New Orleans. Being a resident of South Louisiana I am aware that there are Veterans still on the streets every day. I can also verify that a Village for homeless Veterans was planned for the area and had the support pulled after near year of work. I wish people could be more dedicated to our brave men and women who served and only need a hand up not a hand out.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2015 9:55 AM

2015-11-25T09:55:41-05:00

hopefully ... they are not moved to other states ... WV received homeless from other states ... I remember reading it on the local newspaper.

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Nov 25 at 2015 11:39 AM

2015-11-25T11:39:26-05:00

Ending veteran homelessness is a dream. Veterans get ashamed and because of this a lot of veterans wont self identify and others wont because they don't want to feel any different than anyone else. Another problem is after all the deployments some veterans just feel safer out in the woods and away from people. The last thing I'll comment about is all the red tape that stops organizations from helping those in need. The definition of being homeless really needs to be changed to reflect what we see everyday.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 25 at 2015 1:33 PM

2015-11-25T13:33:52-05:00

That is great news, now they need to do an AAR for rest of the states.

Response by Sgt Jay McKinney made Nov 25 at 2015 7:19 PM

2015-11-25T19:19:45-05:00

I want to help here in Ohio, what can I do//

Response by SSG Clinton Cunningham made Nov 25 at 2015 9:08 PM

2015-11-25T21:08:21-05:00

The VA is trying to end Veterans being homelessness for vets already out of the military, but what about those vets that just got out or is about to be kicked out because they can only serve a total of 20 years. Those that get out now their pay goes from close to $5,000 a month while serving to less that $2,000 when they get out and it will take the VA along time to pass judgement on a vets claim. So I really wonder if the VA really helping ALL the vet or not.

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Nov 25 at 2015 11:49 PM

2015-11-25T23:49:28-05:00

I certainly hope,so. A friend of mine is a serving member if the VIrginia Hiuse if Delegates (and retired military), I am very proud if the work he and many others have dine to make this a reality.
If Virginia can lead the way, the other states cansurely follow.

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Nov 25 at 2015 11:58 PM

2015-11-25T23:58:17-05:00

More at: http://vceh.org

Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness - Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness

Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness - dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness in the Commonwealth of Virginia through community collaboration, capacity building, education and advocacy.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2015 7:21 AM

2015-11-26T07:21:17-05:00

That's news to me and I live in Virginia. If it's true, outstanding!