President Obama’s reference to veteran homelessness last week in response to a question about homeless families was a good sign for those seeking to provide effective housing and services to this population. Interested in learning more about the challenges and solutions facing homeless and low-income veterans? The Urban Institute is hosting a Panel Discussion and Webcast on Tuesday, April 7, 2009 on “Preventing Veteran Homelessness.”
Between 150,000 and 200,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. Another half million are at risk of homelessness because rent consumes more than half their income. Featured presenters include Mary Cunningham, senior research associate, Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center, Urban Institute, and a regular contributor to our blog, and Steve Berg, vice president for programs and policy at the National Alliance to End Homelessness. Questions to be addressed by the panel include:
- What works best for preventing homelessness among veterans?
- What is the need for affordable housing among low-income veterans? How are veterans back from Iraq and Afghanistan faring?
- What would a housing program for them look like? How much would it cost?
- Should such a program be administered by VA or the Department of Housing and Urban Development?
- Should there be a housing program just for low-income veterans?
Learn more about the event, and let us know if you’re aware of other good opportunities for information on these and other issues related to our work.
