The news coverage of veteran homelessness has reached a fever pitch. According to published reports there are more than 200,000 homeless veterans in the United States. And 24 percent of veterans, surveyed by Fannie Mae, say that they are concerned that they will become homeless as well.
Now Fannie Mae is stepping up to make sure our nation's heroes have a roof over their head when they return home.
The financial institution announced that they will provide a $200,000 grant to Common Ground -- a non-profit developer of housing -- that will fund the construction of permanent supportive housing units for veterans.
"Those who have defended our homeland should have a home to call their own," said Daniel Mudd, president and CEO of Fannie Mae, in a company-issued press release.
"Our veterans served America and America must serve them. Fannie Mae is committed to implementing programs to prevent and end homelessness in America," Mudd added.
After conducting a survey of 1,005 veterans Fannie Mae realized that the homeless problem among veterans was "top of mind" for a majority of the survey participants, and oftentimes, hit close to home.
The survey revealed that 61 percent of veterans surveyed thought that veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan wars are likely to become homeless; and 41 percent say that post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) would be the cause.
Additionally, 48 percent of veterans said that they have taken in a fellow servicemember or family member who was facing homelessness. And, 71 percent believe that communities should construct more affordable housing for veterans.
Other key findings include:
- 34 percent are somewhat worried that medical expenses could cause them or their family to be homeless
- 89 percent feel more effort is needed in the nation to deal with homelessness
- 66 percent believe the federal government should take the lead or a major role in addressing homelessness
- 85 percent of veterans would donate to an organization working with homeless people
In order to assuage veterans' fears of becoming homeless, and give current homeless veterans a home, Common Ground will construct 1,000 supportive housing units. The housing units give veterans shelter while they get back on their feet.
Nan Roman, president of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, praised the effort by saying, "We are please to pleased to partner with Fannie Mae in bringing much needed attention to these findings, which highlight the need to expand homeless prevention and affordable housing ...targeted at homeless veterans...."
For more information about this grant visit Fannie Mae's website, and to learn more about what you can do to stop veteran homelessness, visit Military.com's legislative center.
