New Jersey holds hearing on rising homeless veteran crisis and urgent shelter needs

New Jersey's Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee convened on December 12, 2024, to address the growing crisis of homelessness among veterans in the state. The meeting highlighted urgent calls for action to provide adequate shelter and support for those who have served the nation.

Committee members expressed deep concern over the increasing number of homeless veterans, emphasizing the need for immediate solutions. The session featured testimonies from various organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), which reported a staggering 417% rise in requests for emergency assistance from veterans. These requests encompass emergency housing, rental aid, utility support, and food insecurity.

Ken Hageman, representing the VFW, shared poignant stories of veterans facing dire circumstances. He recounted a recent encounter with a homeless female veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, who is battling multiple health issues and is now in a supportive environment. Hageman also described the plight of a veteran struggling with addiction, who was recently placed in emergency housing after being evicted.

Despite the allocation of $59.1 million in state and federal funds for combating veteran homelessness in the upcoming fiscal year, concerns were raised about the distribution of these resources. Hageman noted that very little of this funding is directed toward those in immediate danger of losing their homes or utilities, highlighting a critical gap in support for the most vulnerable veterans.

The committee's discussions underscored the pressing need for a coordinated response to address veteran homelessness in New Jersey. As the meeting concluded, members reiterated their commitment to finding effective solutions to ensure that veterans receive the care and support they deserve, aiming to eradicate the stigma of homelessness among those who have bravely served their country.