VA Homeless Programs

IN Mayor Tyler Moore, March 12, 2021
“The City of Kokomo could not be more proud of the efforts of so many agencies working together to achieve this incredible status and recognition. Our local Veterans deserve as much as we can give them, and so knowing that Kokomo and Howard County have succeeded in providing the most basic necessity that many of our homeless Veterans need is very exciting.”

MN Governor Tim Walz, November 11, 2020
“Minnesota veterans have served and sacrificed to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. Once they complete their service, we should ensure they have a safe place to call home.”

MN Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Herke, November 11, 2020
“Today’s announcement demonstrates that ending veteran homelessness is achievable when there is a plan and strong partnerships…together we can change lives and bring our veterans ‘all the way home.’”

VT Mayor Miro Weinberger, November 10, 2020
“We are helping to honor the service and sacrifice of those who have served in the military.”

IA/IL Mayor Mike Matson, November 10, 2020
“An end to homelessness (among veterans) will not mean no one will ever experience a housing crisis again….An end to homelessness means that every community will have a systematic response in place that ensures that homelessness is prevented whenever possible, or is otherwise a rare, brief and non-reoccurring occurrence. And that's what we have here.”

PA Gov. Tom Wolf, September 13, 2019
“It has been my goal since I took office to reduce Veteran homelessness and we have made progress. It is my hope that the example set by the Western PA CoC becomes a model and inspiration for the rest of the state so we can end Veteran homelessness Commonwealth-wide.”

MN Gov. Tim Walz, July 18, 2019
“The circumstances that lead to people being homeless are a multitude of things. The collaboration and the thoughtfulness of moving people into permanent housing is something this community and the organizations represented here have chosen to do, and the state of Minnesota has chosen to do.”

TX Mayor Anthony Williams, July 18, 2019
“Can this community really end Veterans who are neighbors who don't have homes, and we answered that with a yes.”

IL Illinois Rep. Brad Schneider, July 2, 2019
“All those Veterans who serve need to know we have their backs when they come home, and we are demonstrating that today.”

MS Mississippi Balance of State Continuum of Care Director Hannah Maharrey, June 19, 2019
“We have a system in place to address Veteran homelessness... we want to make sure Veteran homelessness is brief and non-recurring.”

MI Mayor Andy Schor, May 8, 2019
“We owe it to our veterans to help them find a place to call home.”

MI Dr. Joan Jackson Johnson, City of Lansing Human Relations & Community Services Director, May 8, 2019
“We know there are still homeless veterans in our area, but we now have the systems in place to quickly identify and house them, and to ensure their homelessness is rare, brief and non-recurring.”

KY Lexington, KY Mayor Linda Gorton, Apr. 25, 2019
“Today’s announcement means we are ready to help any homeless or at-risk Veteran known to us. Congratulations to the social workers, outreach workers and homeless system leaders who work day and night to find and nurture relationships, and to remove barriers that previously kept Veterans from permanent places to call home.”

GA Mayor Bill McMurray, Apr. 8, 2019
“This [achievement] is a product of all of these organizations working together.”

AR Little Rock, AR Mayor Mark Stodola, Dec. 14, 2018
“We’ve re-tooled programs and systems to be more coordinated and overall more effective at finding our most vulnerable Veterans, triaging their needs, and then navigating them to the most appropriate housing resources and supportive services.”

NE Mayor Chris Beutler, Oct. 5, 2018
“This is a very proud milestone for our entire community.”

FL Miami-Dade County Mayor, Carlos A. Gimenez, Aug. 2, 2018
“Today, we say with certainty that Miami-Dade is treating its Veterans with the respect they deserve.”

OK Norman, OK Mayor Lynne Miller, Feb. 27, 2018
“It is because of this relentless community-wide effort that we have reached such a significant and immeasurably impactful goal.”

WV Beckley, WV Mayor Rob Rappold, Feb. 8, 2018
“It’s certainly an accomplishment that we don’t take lightly. It’s something that certainly puts our local VA and its great staff on the map nationally. It also is a real compliment to the City of Beckley.”

PA Pittsburgh, PA Mayor Bill Peduto, Nov. 21, 2017
“Five hundred eighty-seven individuals and their families are in a much better position because of the work that was done between federal, state, county and city government together with those that were on the ground carrying out the mission.”

KS Kansas City, KS Mayor Mark Holland, Nov. 20, 2017
“One of the things we recently did was we took the opportunity to combine the Coordinated Council for Homelessness so there could be one single voice. We need to do a better job of tracking and caring for people and not caring what side of the state line they are on.”

GA Atlanta, GA Mayor Kasim Reed, Nov. 6, 2017
“I want to express my sincere thanks to all of our partners and the providers who made this possible. It means so much to me to know that we have been able to help the women and men who risked it all in service to their country.”

MI Kent County Board Commissioner Tom Antor, Sept. 26, 2017
“The County staff has shown a great dedication to helping Veterans and ending homelessness. More than 170 Veterans Affairs Housing Vouchers have been provided in Kent County in recent years. I’m proud of the work they’ve done to help reach Functional Zero.”

MN Northwest & West Central Minnesota Continuum of Care Coordinator Carla Solem, Aug. 24, 2017
“The plans ensure that when homelessness does occur, it is rare, brief, and non-recurring,” said Carla Solem, Continuum of Care Coordinator. “[I]t is evidence that the CoCs have plans in place to assure Veteran[s] is sheltered immediately, housed rapidly and supported in a manner that reduces the likelihood that he or she will ever become homeless again.”

MA Lowell, MA Mayor Edward Kennedy, Aug. 23, 2017
“Lowell has identified every homeless Veteran by name and has a support system in place to ensure, whenever possible, that no Veterans are sleeping on the streets ... Every Veteran has access to permanent housing, and the community has a capacity to ensure that Veteran homelessness when it occurs is rare, brief and nonrecurring.”

IL Will County Executive Larry Walsh, July 12, 2017
“Our veterans have made significant sacrifices to insure our country's freedom. Helping them find a permanent home is the least we can do to honor their service.”

PAAllentown, PA Mayor Ed Pawlowski, July 10, 2017
“[T]he idea that anyone who has worn our country’s uniform spends their nights sleeping on the ground should horrify us. Our veterans fought for our freedom and they deserve our help when they need it most.”

OHAkron, OH Mayor Daniel Horrigan, May 26, 2017
“This designation is a significant achievement for the city of Akron and the Continuum of Care, and a milestone in our fight to end Veterans’ homelessness in this community.”

FLCharlotte County Homeless Coalition's CEO, Angela Hogan, Mar. 30, 2017
“We have made homelessness in our community rare, brief and non-reoccurring.”

NHNashua, NH Mayor Jim Donchess, Mar. 24, 2017
“The Nashua community takes care of our people, and the elimination of Veteran homelessness is an example of that caretaking.”

MNMinnesota State Director to Prevent and End Homelessness, Cathy ten Broeke, Mar. 23, 2017
“[W]hat has been so powerful about the work of ending Veteran homelessness, and the reason we're actually seeing the end of it here in Minnesota and other places around the country, is that they set this goal at the federal level, and it was a bipartisan goal.”

TNChattanooga, TN Mayor Andy Berke, Feb. 9, 2017
“Veterans who have served our country should not ... be forced to sleep in parking garages, shelters, cars, or on street corners—unfortunately, that is a reality in too many cities across the country. But over the last two years, Chattanoogans have banded together to say ‘Not in our city’.”

LAShreveport, LA Mayor Ollie Tyler, Jan. 5, 2017
“It is my prayer that all that we accomplish in working to eradicate homelessness for Veterans, would be transformational in their lives and allow them to transition into society as productive citizens who enjoy a good quality of life.”

WILa Crosse, WI Mayor Tim Kabat, Dec 19, 2016
“La Crosse signed on to the national effort, as part of the Mayor’s Challenge, to work together and provide permanent housing for our homeless Veterans and it is awe-inspiring to see this dream realized. We are so fortunate to live in such a caring, compassionate, and hard-working community.”

ORHales, Multnomah County Chair, Deborah Kafoury, Dec. 10, 2016
“This is what it looks like when a community comes together to get things done. We can change lives.”

ORPortland, OR Mayor Charlie Hales, Dec. 10, 2016
“I’m proud today, that Portland is the first West Coast city to receive official designation in meeting the ... Mayors Challenge to End Veterans Homelessness. This would not have been possible without our government, nonprofit, faith and private sector partners’ complete dedication to this work. With continued commitment, I know our community can reach our goal to provide permanent, affordable housing to every Portlander who needs it.”

GADeKalb County iCEO, Lee May, Dec. 9, 2016
“If you are a veteran in DeKalb County and need a place to live, we will help you.”

OHDayton, OH Mayor Nan Whaley, Nov. 28, 2016
“Together, the City of Dayton, Montgomery County, and our community partners have worked to ensure that every veteran has access to permanent housing. Targeted collaboration among our partners has streamlined a community process that ensures that any veteran in the Dayton community, who needs assistance, receives a rapid connection to housing resources.”

DEGovernor’s Weekly Message: Ending Veteran Homelessness in Delaware, Nov. 16, 2016
“Even one homeless veteran is one too many. That’s why this week I was thrilled to announce that – after more than a year’s work with our local, state and federal partners – we have effectively ended veteran homelessness in our state. Thank you to everyone who has made it possible to get our veterans the help they need and deserve. Showing them the same level of commitment they made to our country will help keep Delaware moving forward.”

NJMiddlesex County, NJ Middlesex County Freeholder Director, Ronald G. Rios, Nov. 4, 2016
“This is the story of many hands and heads working together to achieve a common goal. I thank and commend our County staff and our community partners for sharing my passion and my vision for ending Veterans Homelessness. We did it. And we did it together.”

FLVolusia County/Daytona Beach, FL Executive Director of the Office on Homelessness with Florida Department of Children and Families, Erik Braun, Nov. 4, 2016
“All cities in Volusia County need to come together and collaborate with the county…If you rapidly house people…we see stability over the long term. About 85 percent don't return to homelessness.”

NYBuffalo, NY Mayor Byron Brown, Nov. 4, 2016
“We accepted that challenge, we delivered, and I can announce proudly today that we have essentially ended veteran homelessness in our community.”

MAAdviser to the Mayor for the Initiative to End Chronic Homelessness, Laila Bernstein, Oct. 5, 2016
“In most cases, folks who've been homeless make tremendous tenants. They're very grateful for the housing and they take care of their apartments very well.”

FLOrlando, FL Mayor Buddy Dyer, Sept. 23, 2016
“It’s important that we reflect on victories when we have them and our victory on effectively reaching the end of chronic Veteran homelessness ... is a cause for celebration.”

TXAustin (Texas) Mayor Steve Adler, Aug. 19, 2016
“We got to this community win today in a classic Austin way. We were innovative, creative and determined. There was great work already being done when this initiative started, but these efforts weren’t quite getting the job done all the way. We needed a new way, new partners, and a wider and renewed commitment.”

NJBergen County Executive, James J. Tedesco III, Aug. 4, 2016
“The men and women who have so bravely served our country deserve more than just our deepest gratitude. They deserve to live securely and prosperously in our communities. That security starts with a roof over their heads.”

NYNassau County (Long Island) Executive Edward P. Mangano, July 15, 2016
“Along with my partners in government, we have ensured that every homeless Veteran seeking shelter on Long Island has been housed, and that any Veteran or active-duty military personnel who may be in need in the future will receive immediate shelter.”

MSHattiesburg, Mississippi, Mayor Johnny DuPree, June 15, 2016
“Our community is one that stands with one another, especially those who sacrifice their lives for the very freedoms we enjoy today.”

LATerrebonne Parish, Louisiana, President Gordon Dove, June 3, 2016
“This is an important victory in our ongoing efforts to make our Parish the best place for veterans to live, work and raise a family. However, we must remain committed to keeping homelessness among veterans rare, brief and non-recurring.”

NYRochester, NY Mayor Lovely Warren, May 18, 2016
“Our Veterans fought for us, and now it's time to fight for them.”

TXSan Antonio Mayor Ivy R. Taylor, May 13, 2016
“In January 2015, I pledged my commitment to the Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness. Together, the City of San Antonio, our business sector led by USAA, and our non-profit partners have achieved the goal of effectively ending veteran homelessness in our community.”

MALynn, MA Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy, Mar. 17, 2016
“We embrace our responsibility to provide our Veterans with the services and supports they need, with housing at the top of that list.”

IASupervisor for Central Iowa’s Department of Veteran Affairs, Jennifer Miner, Mar. 17, 2016
“Any veteran who is experiencing or is at risk of homelessness in Des Moines and Polk County has access to a safety net of resources and services.”

PAExecutive director of the Berks Coalition, Sharon Parker, Feb. 18, 2016
“We work[ed] really hard to achieve this goal.”

NC Fayetteville, NC Mayor Nat Robertson, Jan. 16, 2016
“You need someplace to brush your teeth and clean your clothes and bathe, so you can look presentable when you’re out interviewing for a job.”

CARiverside, CA Mayor Rusty Bailey, Jan. 7, 2016
“I am so proud of our City staff and immensely grateful for their efforts in combating homelessness among Veterans in Riverside.”

MSBiloxi, Mississippi, Mayor Andrew Gilich, Dec. 31, 2015
“This effort has been a team effort. Biloxi and Gulfport are receiving this designation because of strong partnerships with the Biloxi Veterans Administration, the Biloxi Housing Authority, the Mississippi Housing Authority Region VIII in Gulfport, and community partners that include Oak Arbor, Hancock Resource Center, and Voices of Calvary Ministries who have received federal funds to assist veterans and their families across the Coast.”

MSGulfport, Mississippi, Mayor Billy Hewes, Dec. 31, 2015
“As the lead agency for the Harrison County HOME Consortium, Gulfport has partnered with Biloxi, Back Bay Mission and Gulf Coast Housing Initiative in the construction of eight new apartments designated for our veterans. This benchmark for veterans is crucial, however, we must build on this work to create solutions for the overall problem and causes of homelessness which persists in our communities.”

NYNew York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, Dec. 30, 2015
“The brave women and men who valiantly protected our nation abroad should never be left without a home. Today, we have ensured that those in the veteran community who have struggled to find and remain in housing time and time again will have a stable place to call home. I’m grateful to the city agencies, federal partners and the City Council, who all worked tirelessly together to make this pledge a reality.”

NYAlbany, New York, Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Dec. 22, 2015
“We are proud of this recognition and the work we have done, yet we know that our efforts to end homelessness among veterans will continue in the days and years ahead. We are resolved to make sure that homelessness among veterans will remain infrequent and short-lived.”

MDMontgomery County, Maryland, Councilman George Leventhal, Dec. 18, 2015  
“Montgomery County now has a coordinated and efficient system, which has been developed with our community partners to ensure that every veteran in our County has access to the supports needed to move quickly from homelessness to permanent housing. Providing a stable home for our veterans is simply the right thing to do for those who have sacrificed so much for our country.” 

PAPhiladelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, Dec. 17, 2015
“Too often, veterans find themselves struggling with issues like homelessness and poverty and that is a shame. For those who gave so much of themselves to this Nation, there is no reason why they should be left out in the cold. Today, I am happy to report that homelessness among veterans in Philadelphia is now rare, brief and non-recurring. In other words, Philadelphia has effectively ended veteran homelessness for those who want a home.”

ILRockford, IL Mayor Larry Morrissey, Dec. 15, 2015
“Every Veteran has a name. Every person has a story. When we make their story part of our story and our life and our work, we’re able to get people housed, we’re able to manage that list, we’re able to make the connections to solve that problem.”

NVChief of Social Work Service at the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System, Josh Brown, Dec. 8, 2015
“I’m excited that the [mayors] have supported and stood behind this, and as a community, we all can achieve this. Does that mean that we still have some work to do down the road? Absolutely.”

NMSanta Fe, NM Mayor Javier M. Gonzales, Nov. 12, 2015
“The problem of Veteran homelessness has been a shadow hanging over our country and our community for far too long. But we can finally say that, working with this coalition, we have built a collaborative system that within 30 days will enable us to house the few remaining homeless Veterans in Santa Fe, and, moving forward, any Veteran who becomes homeless in the future will be housed within 30 days.”

VAVirginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, Nov. 11, 2015 (Veterans Day)
“On a day when we remember those who fought and died for our nation, I am proud to proclaim that Virginia is leading the way in the fight to end veteran homelessness. 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. However, we must remain committed to keeping homelessness among veterans, and, all Virginians, rare, brief and non-recurring. This successful effort will serve as the launching pad for our next goal of functionally ending chronic homelessness among all Virginians by the end of 2017.”

NYSchenectady, NY Mayor Gary McCarthy, Nov. 11, 2015 (Veterans Day)
“It’s the nature of it where you have to go through each individual and see what their unique features are and then work through issues like housing, drugs and mental health problems.”

NYSyracuse, NY Mayor Stephanie Miner, Nov. 11, 2015 (Veterans Day)
“It means we have a process put in place to identify and find services for Veterans to make sure they are not homeless, or slip into homelessness.”

NCWinston-Salem, North Carolina, Mayor Allen Joines, Oct. 27, 2015
“Achieving this milestone is a testimony to the hard work of the people and organizations that have been working tirelessly to house our homeless veterans. Given this success, I have no doubt that we will succeed in meeting our ultimate goal of ending chronic homelessness for all in our community.”

PAMayor Bill Courtright, Oct. 2, 2015
“Our men and women in uniform make incalculable sacrifices for our country. It's up to us to make sure they don't end up on the streets.”

NYTroy, New York, Mayor Lou Rosamilia, Sept. 26, 2015
“Providing homeless veterans a path to proper housing opportunities is a fulfillment of a responsibility to those who answered the call to defend our freedoms. I am incredibly proud of the effort undertaken by our city and our community partners in assisting veterans here in the City of Troy and I look forward to our continued efforts to provide these important services to those who served our country.”

PACraig Lehman, Lancaster County Commissioner, Sept. 2, 2015
“Veterans have served their country, and we have a great responsibility to make sure they and/ or their families do not fall through the cracks … "The real measure of our success will be continuing to maintain that functional zero.”

CTConnecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, Aug. 27, 2015
“We established this bold goal to end homelessness among our veterans, not because it’s good for our economy and makes communities stronger, but because it’s morally right. Ending chronic veteran homelessness is just another step forward and another marker of progress towards reaching our goal of ending all veteran homelessness by the end of this year.”

NYSaratoga Springs, NY Mayor Joanne Yepsen, July 29, 2015
“Our pledge is that if a Veteran presents as homeless, they do not spend a single night on the street.”

NMLas Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima, July 2015
“Ending veteran homelessness is important for one simple reason: Veterans fought for our freedom and our way of life, and it is now our turn to fight for them.”

TXHouston Mayor Annise Parker, June 1, 2015
“Houston is there for our heroes, and just like on the battlefield, we will leave no one behind. From regular provider coordination meetings and aligning local and federal resources, to dedicated street outreach teams and a coordinated assessment system that identifies, assesses, refers and navigates homeless veterans to housing, the Houston region has come together as a team to transform our homeless response system to effectively end veteran homelessness.” 

LANew Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Jan. 7, 2015
“New Orleans is now the first major city in the nation to answer the call ... to end Veteran homelessness—and we did so one year earlier than the federal goal. We owe our Veterans our eternal gratitude for their service and sacrifice to this nation, and making sure they have a place to call home is a small but powerful way we can show our appreciation.”