VA shifts away from target of zero veteran homelessness
July 07, 2017
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is doing an about-turn from the target of zero veteran homelessness set by former President Barack Obama’s administration. However, VA Secretary David Shulkin insists the department is simply modifying the goal rather than abandoning it.
Shulkin said ending veteran homelessness completely will take much longer than previously predicted. The secretary added that he believes zero is no longer “the right goal” for the VA’s efforts. Instead, the department is focusing on reducing the population of homeless veterans nationwide from around 40,000 to under 15,000.
The original plan — devised seven years ago — called for reaching the milestone of zero veteran homelessness by 2015 year-end. That goal was not met. However, three states — Connecticut, Delaware and Virginia — and 52 metropolitan areas have effectively eliminated homelessness among veterans.
Defending the department’s shift from the original goal, Shulkin commented, “I don’t think it’s giving up. This is learning along the way, and I think when you attempt to do something ambitious, you are likely to learn.”
VA officials said they have been coordinating with the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness and the Department of Housing and Urban Development about the modified target. Shulkin also said that in the coming years the VA will prioritize helping the large populations of homeless veterans in California, Colorado, Florida, New York, Oregon, Texas and Washington.