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All military veterans known to be homeless in more than a dozen southwest Minnesota counties now have places to live, state officials said Tuesday.  


State Director to Prevent and End Homelessness Cathy ten Broeke said the 18 counties "are committed to honoring the men and women who have served our state and our country."   

It's part of a of an effort to end veteran homelessness throughout Minnesota. The goal, ten Broeke said, is to ensure that homelessness is rare, brief and non-recurring.  

Minnesota housing more homeless veterans, officials say


The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is one of the participants in the three-year-old state program.  So far the agency and its partners have housed some 860 veterans statewide, and are trying to locate homes now for about another 200.   


"Homelessness among veterans is a problem that we can solve,"  said commissioner Larry Shellito.  

 on its website to help anyone who's served in the U.S. Armed Forces, the Reserve or National Guard, regardless of the type of discharge.  Homeless veterans usually are housed within four months of signing up with the registry.


Justin Vorbach with the Southwest Continuum of Care said this is the first region in Minnesota to accomplish the goal of housing all known homeless vets.


"It's a great feeling knowing that they can now have more stability when it comes to work and their children's education," said Vorbach. "And it's especially wonderful to see veterans housed in our communities. It feels only right."

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Mark Steil

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It's part of a of an effort to end veteran homelessness throughout Minnesota.

Minn. declares 18 counties have found places for all homeless veterans to live

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