Many cities across the country are pouring money, attention, and love into efforts to help get homeless veterans off the streets. Meanwhile, a number of tribes of Native Americans have similar problems in dealing with this issue, but a few in the American Southwest recently received some federal funds to help them address it.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, along with the VA, recently awarded some $6 million to 26 tribes and associated groups to help them tackle homelessness among veterans, according to a report from the Associated Press. That includes $1.1 million for tribes in Arizona and New Mexico alone.
The tribes in the Southwest that will be receiving a share of that money include the Navajo and Hopi in Arizona, as well as the San Carlos Apache and Tohono O'odham, the report said. The Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico also will get some of those funds.
In all, the above-mentioned tribes are expected to be able to help get 80 homeless vets off the streets with housing assistance and vouchers, as well as new support services, the report said. These grants were allowable under new changes to the law.
Fortunately, these kinds of efforts often go a long way toward helping veterans in need, and whether it's tribal governments, cities, or states, the impact of helping even 80 can be immeasurable. Veterans who are in need of some sort of assistance, whether it's related to housing or just getting through the day sometimes, may be able to reach out to a number of organizations in their areas, either governmental or private. There is almost always going to be someone who is able to lend a hand, and often all veterans have to do is ask.