August 01, 2016

Acting Ranking Member Takano Applauds Nearly 50 Percent Decline in Veteran Homelessness

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Acting Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement after the Obama Administration announced that homelessness among veterans dropped nearly 50 percent since 2010.

“Ensuring that America’s veterans have a roof over their heads is the most basic and essential way to honor their service and sacrifice. I am extremely proud of the steps we’ve taken to address the complex challenge of veteran homelessness and I applaud the Obama Administration as well as the many veterans support groups, both local and national, that have made this progress possible.

“Of course, the only acceptable number of homeless veterans is zero. We cannot be satisfied until we’ve reached that goal and we cannot be satisfied until our VA is more consistently meeting veterans’ expectations. Congress must continue to invest in programs that provide veterans the tools and support they need to successfully transition into civilian life – from education and job training to health care and peer counseling.

“I also encourage anyone who knows a homeless veteran, or a veteran at imminent risk of becoming homeless, to contact their local VA Medical Center to speak to a homeless coordinator or call 1-877-4AID-VET."