Despite efforts since 2010, when the U.S. Department Veterans Affairs launched its plan to end veterans' homelessness, Connecticut's numbers have dropped less than 15 percent, now totaling about 340 – while the demand for services is growing.
Overall, more than 1,000 state veterans have sought services, such as housing assistance, counseling, and job placement, from the VA homeless system in the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, up from 400 five years ago, said Preston Maynard, director of homeless programs for the Connecticut VA.
In response to the slow progress, a coalition of government, social service and business people developed a strategic plan outlining specific actions to acquire more safe housing for homeless veterans and help them achieve independence. It strives to coordinate programs to avoid duplication, fill gaps in services, and step up efforts to get homeless veterans jobs.
