TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — A fight to end homelessness among veterans in the Big Bend.
One local organization is making sure those vets have a place to stay, after serving our country.
For some veterans, returning home is often a struggle.
"Some have just had hard things happen to them as they transition back into civilian life," said Tom Bentley, SSVF Case Manager
Even though they have left the battle they are still fighting.
"Some have mental health issues, some have substance abuse issues," said Bentley.
Bentley says a common struggle for Vets is they have no place to call home.
The Big Bend Homeless Coalition taking that head on, through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program.
"Well we house veterans experiencing homelessness and we also try to help them maintain housing if their already in the housing," said Bentley.
The program funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs serves over 200 veterans in Tallahassee and 7 surrounding counties in the Big Bend, each year.
Bentley says with the help of other organizations in the city, Veterans are now getting the help they need.
"A lot of different agencies know about us through the Kearney Center and Tallahassee Veterans Village. We just have a lot of feeders right now that know about our program so it kind of sells itself right now," said Bentley.
A cause to give those who fought for us a place to call home when they return.
Since 2009, homelessness among veterans nationwide, has dropped 48-percent.
For those who still need help, the program is open to all eligible veterans.
