The Clackamas County Policy Session held on December 18, 2024, addressed several key issues, with a significant focus on the needs of homeless veterans in the community. Commissioner Savas initiated the discussion by referencing the Vet's Village project, which was originally designed to accommodate 30 veterans but has seen fluctuations in capacity and utilization.

Savas expressed concerns regarding the current state of homeless veterans, questioning whether the population is indeed decreasing as previously thought or if there is a growing need for additional resources. He highlighted the importance of understanding whether the county is effectively meeting the needs of veterans or if there are still individuals being turned away due to capacity constraints.

In response, a representative clarified that the situation is not solely about the homeless veteran population but rather about the overall capacity of the shelter system. They acknowledged the progress made in reducing the number of homeless veterans but emphasized that there is still a need for more shelter options to fully utilize the available site.

The discussion underscored the ongoing efforts to address homelessness among veterans while recognizing the broader challenges within the shelter system. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further evaluate the needs and capacities of the county's resources to ensure that all veterans receive the support they require.