Many states and cities have undertaken the challenge from the federal government to end homelessness among veterans within their borders. While there have been varying degrees of success in this regard over the last year-plus, there are a number of superlative success stories, and Connecticut is the latest.
Earlier this month, the state of Connecticut received official certification from the federal government that there were effectively no homeless veterans living there, according to a report from the office of Gov. Dannel Malloy. This came about rather quickly, because the state only announced it had ended chronic veteran homelessness last summer, so to have effectively ended it altogether was a big step as well.
"This milestone is a major one – we have been a national leader on so many issues and today is yet another reflection," Malloy said. "We have a responsibility to take care of our veterans, to ensure that veterans have access to housing, quality health care, education, and career opportunities. We're proud to have achieved this ambitious goal."
Connecticut took on the challenge of ending veteran homelessness in 2014, the report said. At that time, the state did not even have a Department of Housing, but now, with the help of other agencies, nonprofit organizations, and more, the goal has been reached. After a review from a number of federal agencies including the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the VA, the state received a congratulatory letter from first lady Michelle Obama to commemorate the milestone.
As more cities and states ramp up their efforts in partnership with nonprofits, these efforts could reach thousands more veterans nationwide and provide them with the stability that anti-homelessness programs can provide.