It Looks Like There Are More Homeless Veterans in Maine. But the Numbers Don't Tell the Whole Story.
Date Posted: Thursday, December 31, 2015
Category: Housing/Experiencing Homelessness - Maine
In the past eight years, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development data reflects the number of homeless veterans increasing by 70 percent. In 2008, 89 were counted and in 2015, 181. In some areas there's been a decrease, but in others like Washington and Hancock counties, there have been more homeless veterans identified. Phil Allen, Veterans Housing Services for Portland homeless service provider Preble Street, gives credit to more systematic outreach and quickly connecting veterans with services. Megan Burgess, veteran’s services case manager for Washington-Hancock Community Agency, finds her efforts hampered as federal housing vouchers are allocated by location. Her clients often are not within the Bangor service area. But, she agrees that outreach and having a presence in the community has made a difference. Additionally, providers and veterans themselves are reaching in for assistance.
Read the full article at: Bangor Daily News