15 October 2024
ST.PAUL — Gov. Tim Walz declared Oct.15 Veteran Homelessness Prevention and Awareness Day in the state, according to a press release sent Tuesday.
The proclamation was announced Tuesday, Oct. 15 in conjunction with Hennepin County becoming the ninth of ten regions in the state to “functionally end” veteran homelessness.
In 2015, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and its partners began these efforts to combat veteran homelessness, splitting the state into 10 “Continuums of Care” regions. These include West Central, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, Suburban Metro Area, Central, Hennepin County, St. Louis County, and Ramsey County.
Each of these regions has a designated “CoC” group, which is a government-led task force to coordinate housing and other resources for the homeless population. Of these 10 regions in Minnesota, Ramsey County is the only one left to achieve this goal of “effectively ending.” veteran homelessness.
A spokesperson from MDVA, said that the distinction of having “effectively ended” veteran homelessness isn’t meant to imply that those regions have no homeless veterans, but that the region now has the resources to properly assist all of its homeless veterans.
“Hennepin County announced it has built a system that ensures any veteran experiencing homelessness is quickly identified, sheltered, and re-housed in an average of 90 days,” the proclamation states.
“Minnesota is dedicated to offering top-notch services and support to our veterans. This achievement brings us closer to becoming the fourth state in the nation to eradicate veteran homelessness,” Walz said, crediting the MDVA for their hard work.
If Ramsey County becomes successful in its efforts, Minnesota will join the ranks of Connecticut, Delaware, and Virginia in “ending veteran homelessness”, Walz said in the press release.
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs recently opened three new veterans homes in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston. According to the press release, Minnesota is the only state to open three new veterans homes at once, with the new facilities providing space for nearly 200 additional veterans needing care.
“Everyone deserves a safe home, especially those who have fought for our freedoms,” Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said. “I am proud of Hennepin County and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs for their remarkable efforts in addressing veteran homelessness in our state.”
]]>