In 2009, nearly 150,000 veterans spent at least one night in an emergency shelter or transitional housing program. That’s a national disgrace that spurred the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ commitment to end Veteran homelessness by 2015.

VA has transformed its programs for at-risk veterans and their families by providing comprehensive, coordinated access to health care, housing, employment, education, job counseling and training, and justice system assistance and benefits. In fiscal year 2011, VA expects to spend $3.4 billion to provide health care to at-risk veterans and $800 million in specialized homeless programs. But VA can’t do it alone. In October, the Disabled American Veterans is joining VA to kick off a national campaign to prevent veteran homelessness at 28 events across the country.

The events will raise awareness of the VA benefits and community-based support and resources that veterans and their families have earned. They include heath, housing, employment, and job training,, not only for veterans who are homeless but also for those who are at risk of losing their housing. Veterans and their families and friends can access these services through a one-stop hotline, at 1-877-4AID-VET, and an online chat at www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ both staffed by trained counselors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

DAV encourages members to get involved by spreading the word. If you know someone who is homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless, encourage them to make the call today. If members of your chapter are interested in supporting one of the 28 events to end veteran homelessness, below is a list of cities and event dates. Please contact the number below based on your location:

October 12
Anchorage, Alaska - Contact: Marcia Hoffman-Devoe Phone: 907-257-5460
Canandaigua, N.Y. - Contact: Dan Ryan Phone: 585-393-7209
Chicago, Ill. - Contact: Maureen Dyman Phone: 708-202-5627
Cleveland, Ohio - Contact: David Bachman Phone: 216-701-4269
Detroit, Mich. - Contact: Alysse Mengason Phone: 313-576-1000 ext. 63340
Fayetteville, N.C. - Contact: Ed Drohan Phone: 910-488-2120 ext. 5991
Lebanon, Pa. - Contact Scott Harman Phone: 717-228-6079
Los Angeles, Calif. - Contact: Ralph Tillman Phone: 310-268-3671
San Diego, Calif. - Contact: Cynthia Butler Phone: 858-552-4373
Seattle, Wash. - Contact: Jeri Rowe Phone: 206-764-2589
Sioux Falls, S.D. - Contact: Shirley Redmond Phone: 605-333-6889

October 14
Denver, Colo. - Contact: Jordan Shupbach Phone: 303-393-5205
Washington, D.C. - Contact: Michelle Spivak Phone: 202-745-4037

October 17
Oahu & Kauai, Hawaii - Contact: Patricia Teran-Matthews Phone: 808-433-0100
Phoenix, Ariz. - Contact: Paula Pedene Phone: 602-200-6279
St. Louis, Mo. - Contact: Marcena Gunter Phone: 314-289-6325

October 18
Dallas, Texas - Contact: Monica A. Smith Phone: 214-857-1158

October 19
San Francisco, Calif. - Contact: Judi Cheary Phone: 415-750-2250

October 20
Boston, Mass. - Contact: Diane Keefe Phone: 857-203-5879

October 21
Houston, Texas - Contact: Bobbi Gruner Phone: 713-794-7349
Miami, Fla. - Contact: Shane Suzuki Phone: 305-575-3399
New York, N.Y. - Contact: Jennifer Sammartino Phone: 718-836-6600 ext. 2804

October 22
New Orleans, La. - Contact: Amanda S. Jones Phone: 504-565-4852

October 29
Atlanta, Ga. - Contact: Gregory Kendall Phone: 404-417-5385

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