Slow Progress In Stemming Homeless Vets Spurs Plan

Connecticut is far behind in the goal to end homelessness among veterans by the federal 2015 deadline. Despite efforts since 2010, when the U.S. Department of  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. “Our work is far from over,” Maynard said.