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Just the second state in the nation to accomplish the milestone, Connecticut has implemented a comprehensive system to target homelessness among veterans.
“This milestone is a major one – we have been a national leader on so many issues and today is yet another reflection. We have a responsibility to take care of our veterans, to ensure that veterans have access to housing, quality health care, education, and career opportunities. We’re proud to have achieved this ambitious goal,” Malloy said. “But we will not stop here – we will keep working to end chronic homelessness in Connecticut by the end of this year.”
In a letter to the Malloy , First Lady Michelle Obama, who has spearheaded the Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness, congratulated the state on the accomplishment.
“As we discussed at the President’s State of the Union Address, I want to thank you and the people of Connecticut for your determined efforts on behalf of our military families,” the First Lady wrote. “I am so proud of your state’s commitment and resolve to reach this milestone, and I am grateful for all you have done for America’s heroes.”
“Today’s announcement is a big win for Connecticut’s veteran community. We’ve come a long way since 2009, when I took VA officials to Waterbury to show them that veterans were living under bridges and in the woods,” said U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.).
Even with these strengthened homeless prevention services, this designation does not mean a veteran in Connecticut will never again experience an episode of homelessness. Instead, it means that when a veteran enters an episode of homelessness, the state has the capacity and sustainable systems in place to quickly find and connect this veteran to the assistance needed for him or her to achieve stable, permanent housing.
“This accomplishment is a milestone – not the finish line – reflecting the dedication of many Connecticut advocates, agencies and officials,” said U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). “I remain cautiously optimistic about the progress achieved in Connecticut and in other parts of the country. While we should celebrate this remarkable achievement, we must also recommit and reinforce our efforts to expand current VA programs to provide permanent housing solutions to vulnerable veterans."
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