The United States needs a more robust veteran housing strategy to combat these distressing patterns – and there is a proven way to do so. Supportive housing is the, with only 5% of all residents returning to the streets or shelters after being placed in a supportive home. Those who care about the safety and well-being of our nation’s veterans must prioritize supportive housing in their neighborhoods.
My organization, Concern Housing, has been serving veterans for more than half a century. We have seen time and time again how appropriate behavioral health resources and high-quality homes can transform a person’s well-being – how it can provide a safety net for those navigating life after service. For example, our Surf Vets Place on Coney Island is a nine-story mixed-use development building that provides 135 units of supportive and affordable housing units for veterans and low-income individuals to get their feet back on the ground in New York City. On nearby Long Island, Liberty Landing in Lake Ronkonkoma created 30 apartments for unhoused veterans experiencing behavioral health challenges.
At scale, increased investment in supportive housing for veterans — and for other vulnerable populations nationwide — can have a truly transformational impact on our communities. Across the political spectrum, our representatives believe in the responsibility to protect veterans. In a reflection of that deeply held principle, policymakers must also walk the walk and support, encourage, and finance high-quality affordable and supportive housing in their communities. That is what makes proposals to slash funding for the Department of Housing and Urban Development so distressing.