Veterans Homelessness Drops, Not Fast Enough
Since 2010, when the White House vowed to end veterans homelessness by the end of this year, the number of homeless veterans has fallen by more than 25,000, according to a report by the Navy Times.
The goal was considered “overly ambitious,” but when 2014 numbers are released it is anticipated that the number of homeless veterans in the United States will have shrunk by 40 percent since the White House turned a spotlight onto the issue in 2010. And although the goal is unlikely to be reached by the 2015 target date, the Navy Times article quoted VA Secretary Bob McDonald, speaking to about 600 community organizers at a VA conference, saying, “we can get to zero and we can stay at zero.”
There are, however, concerns that the growth in federal funds for programs to assist veterans and their families overcome and avoid homelessness, will shrink after the target year ends.
Three Oaks Center in Lexington Park, MD, is among the programs across the nation designated to administer these federal programs. Three Oaks Center provides supportive housing and services to veterans and others in need of housing and supportive assistance. In Southern Maryland, the Three Oaks programs are succeeding, moving veterans and their families into better living arrangements and stronger lives. Three Oaks’ successes have won recognition and support for veterans and all families facing homelessness. But donations are needed to maintain these efforts toward continued success for all our citizens. Government funding is not enough.
Despite the federal growth from $2.4 billion in 2008 to $7 billion slated for FY2016, there remain gaping needs for these veteran families and others struggling with homelessness. And this growth is by no means expected to continue and there are fears funding for homelessness could shrink. According to the Navy Times, the coalition of homeless veterans programmers attending the VA conference “identified about $250 million in shortfalls to housing grants and assistance funds that have been critical in the progress of the last five years.”
Three Oaks Center is supported by a board of volunteer directors who run fundraising events throughout the year to supplement shortfalls in funding needed to support local programming. Their next event is scheduled for June 11, an annual golf tournament and barbecue at Breton Bay Golf & Country Club. As with many of their events throughout the year, the event offers a day of fun while helping Three Oaks Center advance its mission to improve the quality of life for St. Mary’s County’s homeless citizens.
The tournament begins at noon at the Breton Bay Golf & Country Club. The Barbecue begins at 5. Dancing will follow. The Rain Date will be Tuesday, June 16, 2015. Guest of honor is former County Commission President and Three Oaks WARM volunteer, Jack Russell.
Three Oaks affirms the dignity and human rights of each and every person that we serve. We partner with governmental agencies, private homeless service providers, and homeless advocates to seek solutions to homelessness. Your support will help us to achieve this mission.
