NewsLocal News

Actions

Big Bend Homeless Coalition helping veterans transition out of homelessness

Posted at 6:52 PM, Nov 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-11 18:52:58-05

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — We are honoring the men and women who have fought to keep our country free.

The hard reality is many veterans come back to another fight against homelessness.

Many of the service men and women who come back to the US, don’t have homes to return to.

In the past year, the Big Bend Homeless Coalition has transitioned 225 veterans out of homelessness.

They do it through a program called Supportive Services for Veteran Families. The program is funded by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

It offers health care, living and financial services. A case worker for the program says it’s all about getting vets in need back on their feet.

”For the most part we try to get them to maintain, and we teach them how to budget. How to maintain a steady income, get a steady income so they can pay their bills and be successful," said Tom Bentley, Case Manager for Supportive Services for Veterans and Families Program.

The program also services those with low incomes, and veterans in danger of eviction.

Some good news, since 2009 homelessness among veterans nationwide has dropped 48.4 percent.

For those who need still need help, the program is open to all eligible veterans.