Press Release: Hennepin County Celebrates Success in Ending Veteran Homelessness
Eight months after Hennepin County proclaimed it had "effectively ended" veteran homelessness, recent state data confirms the milestone is being upheld. Although there are still some unhoused veterans, none are experiencing long-term or chronic homelessness. The Hennepin County Veteran Service Office reports that the pace of connecting veterans to permanent housing is outpacing new entries into the homelessness system.
Minnesota is on track to become the fourth state to achieve this goal statewide. U.S. Army veteran Sophie Benitéz, who spent years without a permanent home, highlighted the importance of support from social workers as pivotal in her journey to stability. “I felt blessed,” she said from her Minneapolis apartment, crediting her caseworker Taya Kaufenberg for her success.
Neil Doyle, Director of the Hennepin County Veteran Service Office, praised the collaborative efforts between local, state, and non-profit agencies, which prioritize individualized support. As a result, the county has seen a significant drop in chronic homelessness among veterans, maintaining zero cases since mid-October.
Ramsey County remains the last area in Minnesota yet to “effectively end” veteran homelessness. Officials express optimism in achieving this goal soon, underscoring a commitment to support those who served.
For more resources, veterans can visit the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs or call 1-888-LinkVet.
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