MA percentage of homeless veterans declines

WWLP TV

Updated: Jan 9, 2013 8:27 PM

BOSTON (WWLP) — State officials say veteran homelessness has gone down by 26 percent in Massachusetts between 2010 and 2012, exceeding the 17 percent national rate of decline over the same period. 

Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray announced at the State House that the improved results were made possible because of the state's commitment to veteran programs and comprehensive benefits.

Still, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports that there were more than 1,100 homeless vets on the street in Massachusetts last January. The Patrick administration plans to release a statewide plan later this winter to further address veteran homelessness. 

According to Lt. Gov. Tim Murray, “We want to make sure that employers know that there are tax benefits in addition to just the work benefits that veteran will provide and we are working hard to expand training opportunities and manufacturing in particular for veterans.”

SSG Brian Willette (Ret.), Commander, WMass 875 Military Order of the Purple Heart, told 22News, “Our crown jewel is our soldier's home, plus the outpatient clinic at Springfield as well as the very active vet's center so I think that services are there but of course more can be done.”

The Massachusetts Department of Veteran Services offers expedited housing programs and mental health services for vets.

Since 2011, the Department has managed to find housing for 48 chronically homeless vets in the Commonwealth.

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