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US Aims To End Veteran Homelessness

US Aims To End Veteran Homelessness

It could take longer than previously claimed.

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

The newly appointed US Veterans Affairs chief has announced he aims to end homelessness for veterans but warns it will take longer than former President Barack Obama's administration claimed.

VA Secretary David Shulkin told the Associated Press that he shares the same goal set by the former president.

Shulkin said: "This is a continuous problem of people finding themselves in economically difficult situations and then being out on the street or going from shelter to shelter."

Shulkin (right) in a meeting with President Donald Trump in March. Credit: PA

He added that he aims to lower the number of homeless veterans nationwide from around 40,000 to 10,000, or that 15,000 is a more 'achievable goal' for Trump's administration. He said: "We're still looking at a multi-year process."

However, despite his promises, some are unhappy with Shulkin's plans, wishing he would be more ambitious.

Senator Richard Blumenthal, a democrat, said he believes veteran homelessness can be wiped out during Trump's administration. He said: "There's no reason we can't achieve it if enough resources are dedicated to the fight."

Credit: PA

Meanwhile, Lisa Vukov, who works with homeless veterans, told AP: "My personal take is, the VA secretary is being cautiously optimistic about what can be achieved and not wanting to kind of set the administration up for a missed goal.

"I'm a firm believer in setting your goals big because you achieve more that way."

Shulkin has said high house prices and a housing shortage in some parts of the country will make it hard to house some veterans. He said Los Angeles will be the biggest challenge.

Major of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti said the issue of homelessness in the city is a 'long-term crisis' but one it is addressing. LA has helped 8,000 veterans find homes since 2014 and it will continue until all have a safe place to live.

Credit: PA

Chris Ko, director of homeless initiatives for the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, said: "We urge the VA to prioritise finishing the job and I have absolute confidence the new secretary has that commitment.

"We need to see that commitment exercised in additional federal resources."

Sources: Associated Press

Featured Image Credit: PA