(KNSI) – New data from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs shows the state is on the verge of effectively ending homelessness among those who served.
On Friday, the department declared around 150 veterans remain unhoused, a historic low. The department says that’s a 25% reduction from last year and a 41% decline from two years ago. The data shows six homeless veterans in the St. Cloud region.
“This is an unprecedented milestone for the state,” said Paul Williams, MDVA Deputy Director of Veterans Programs. “This is an incredible partnership between state, federal and local governments with nonprofits, community groups and Veteran service organizations, and shows the power of community and working together to reach this incredible achievement.”
The department credits tools like the Homeless Veteran Registry for helping to reach these goals. Any veteran experiencing homelessness or on the verge of losing their home can get their name on the list by calling the Veterans Linkage Line at 1-888-LinkVet (546-5838). Veterans can also be referred by a service provider or submit a registration form directly.
Once in the system, it authorizes providers to collaborate across agencies to find housing solutions. It also connects resources to veterans where they are, instead of asking them to navigate a complicated system. They are paired with specific resources tailored to each veteran and receive case management to help them transition into permanent housing.
The federal U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness and the state have teamed up since 2014 to end the surge in veteran homelessness following military conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. In March 2017, the first region to declare victory over veteran homelessness was in Southwest Minnesota. In November 2021, central Minnesota made the same declaration. In January 2025, Ramsey County joined the rest of the state in announcing victory over veteran homelessness.
___
Copyright © 2026 Leighton Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be broadcast, published, redistributed, or rewritten, in any way without consent.
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
