Number of homeless vets in Sioux Falls spikes
The number of homeless veterans seeking assistance in Sioux Falls has increased fourfold in the past two years.
Officials cite an increase in outreach efforts. They also expect the number to continue to rise.
Candice Cummings, the homeless coordinator at the Sioux Falls Veteran Affairs medical center, says more veterans of recent combat are seeking help with everything from housing to medical services.
Cummings says she has tracked 174 homeless veterans for fiscal 2009 - a number that excludes dependents of veterans such as spouses and children.
Veteran Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki listed eliminating homelessness as a priority during his visit to Sioux Falls last month.
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Information from: Argus Leader
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