Focusing on an End to Homelessness Among Veterans

Wed, 12/24/2014 - 1:22pm

Key actions to achieve an end to homelessness among veterans by the end of 2015 were discussed at the quarterly meeting of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, chaired by Secretary Perez. The council agreed to a work plan to engage states and cities, deploy targeted resources and leverage other federal resources, such as the workforce system. The secretary hosted the meeting on Dec. 18 and was joined by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro, Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Kristie Canegallo, U.S. Interagency Council on Homeless Executive Director Laura Zeilinger and other officials.

The council heard from two communities, Richmond and Los Angeles, which are developing coordinated entry systems to better serve those experiencing homelessness. The systems ensure that households have ready access to a range of assistance programs and receive a level of assistance that is matched to their needs. Based on the community presentations, the council agreed to help support the implementation of coordinated entry systems and to incorporate this work into agencies' broader efforts to end homelessness. Since 2010, the Obama administration's implementation of a federal strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness has led to a 33 percent decline in veterans experiencing homelessness.

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