Efforts to Address Veteran Homelessness Show Promise, Yet Significant Hurdles Persist

On an active street in Atlanta, Harold Tilson Jr., a 68-year-old veteran of the Vietnam War era, has discovered what he describes as a perfect fit.

Earlier in the year, Tilson faced homelessness. However, for several months now, he has been residing in a transitional home provided by the Veterans Empowerment Organization (VEO), a nonprofit that offers both emergency and long-term housing solutions for numerous veterans who previously experienced homelessness.

Tilson expresses immense gratitude for the organization, saying, “For anyone homeless seeking assistance, there’s no better option. They virtually handle everything.”

This is a reflection of a broader, longstanding initiative by various government entities and nonprofits across the United States aimed at reducing veteran homelessness. Since January 2020, there’s been an 11% decrease in the number of homeless veterans, and a 55% reduction over the last 13 years, according to official statistics. This is a stark contrast to the trends observed in the overall homeless population.

The strides made are partly attributed to the Obama administration’s emphasis on prioritizing veteran housing and the recent $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief fund, which enhanced the Department of Veteran Affairs’ homelessness programs and increased rental assistance. Successful collaborations between government agencies, nonprofits, and corporate foundations have also been pivotal.

Jill Albanese, the Director of Clinical Operations at the Veterans Health Administration’s Homeless Programs Office, remarks on the collaborative nature of these efforts, noting the critical role played by community expertise on homelessness.

Yet, the challenge remains considerable. Over 33,000 veterans are still homeless, based on the 2022 Point-in-Time count conducted by various federal agencies. Kathryn Monet, CEO of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, emphasizes that affordable housing is crucial, a challenge that many communities continue to grapple with.

VEO not only provides housing but also offers educational programs on financial literacy, securing VA benefits, and pathways to employment and housing independence. They also have communal spaces for reading and exercising.

Tony Kimbrough, a former military intelligence officer and CEO of VEO, underscores the reciprocal nature of the program: Veterans are expected to actively participate in their rehabilitation.

Tilson’s journey to VEO was marked by hardship. After losing his rented home, he relied on the support of his church community for basic needs before being directed to VEO. Now in emergency housing, he is focused on improving his financial situation and addressing health issues with the support of a VA case manager.

VEO, which started in 2008 with a single house, has expanded significantly, thanks in part to over $2.3 million in donations from The Home Depot Foundation. This foundation has been instrumental in aiding approximately 50,000 homeless veterans nationwide and has pledged substantial future funding.

Jennifer A. Taylor, a professor and military spouse at James Madison University, highlights the multifaceted role of corporate foundations like Home Depot in addressing veterans’ housing needs.

Despite these positive developments, the reality of tens of thousands of homeless veterans, including a significant number in Los Angeles, remains a pressing issue. Navy veteran Malcolm Harvey III’s transformation from homelessness to being a homeowner and program director at a Long Beach nonprofit exemplifies the potential for change.

Harvey emphasizes the importance of not becoming desensitized to the plight of homeless veterans, reminding us of the nation’s obligation to take action.

Report by Michael Casey, Big Big News Writer in Boston.

Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness can seek assistance by contacting the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Veteran Homelessness

More about Veteran Homelessness

• Veterans Empowerment Organization
• National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
• The Home Depot Foundation Veterans Programs
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Homeless Programs
• National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
• Point-in-Time Count for Homelessness Data
• Obama Administration Veteran Housing Initiatives
• COVID-19 Relief Measures for Veterans
• Veteran Homelessness Reduction Statistics