Summit seeks housing solutions for homeless veterans

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http://www.fayobserver.com/articles/2011/02/03/1068238?sac=Home
More than a year ago, the secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs pledged to end veteran homelessness within five years.

VA Secretary Eric Shinseki said the initiative would be achieved as part of a governmentwide effort to find solutions to the problem.

But during a National Homeless Forum held in early December, one year into his commitment, Shinseki determined that the program was not where he wanted it to be. Along with that, the VA's plan to end homelessness had failed to solicit input from the local communities.

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"Here at the VA," said Elizabeth Goolsby, the medical center's director, "we're seeing more and more veterans who have made bad choices and are homeless. We're seeing more women and children."

On any given night, Burnette said, an estimated 107,000 veterans across the nation go to sleep on park benches, under bridges and in vacant buildings and deserted back alleys.