MINNEAPOLIS – Hennepin County has reached a significant milestone in the fight against homelessness by effectively ending homelessness among veterans. At a press conference today, officials announced that Hennepin County, in collaboration with its partners, is successfully housing veterans at a higher rate than new veterans entering the homelessness system. This achievement underscores the commitment to ensuring that veteran homelessness is rare, brief, and nonrecurring.

While there is still work to be done, today’s announcement was celebrated by Hennepin County employees, community leaders, and elected officials at local, state, and federal levels. “Effectively ending veteran homelessness doesn’t mean that veterans will never experience homelessness again,” emphasized a county representative. “It means that when they do, our system is equipped to respond quickly and help them regain permanent housing.”

This milestone follows rigorous federal benchmarks established by the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. As Hennepin County moves forward, it aligns with Governor Tim Walz’s ambitious goal to eradicate veteran homelessness throughout Minnesota. To commemorate this achievement, Governor Walz has proclaimed today as Veteran Homelessness Prevention and Awareness Day in Minnesota. With today’s announcement, Hennepin County becomes the ninth of ten geographic areas in the state to functionally end veteran homelessness.

“Minnesota is committed to providing the best services and care for our veterans. Today we are one step closer to becoming the fourth state in the country to end veteran homelessness,” said Governor Walz. “This wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated team at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and the countless individuals across Hennepin County who work tirelessly to meet the needs of every veteran. I extend my gratitude to everyone involved in this important endeavor.”

Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of housing for those who have served. “Everyone deserves a safe place to call home, especially our warriors who have sacrificed so much to protect our state and our country,” she stated. “I am proud of the incredible undertaking by Hennepin County and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. Together, we are making significant strides in ending veteran homelessness in Minnesota.”

As part of the state’s initiative to eliminate veteran homelessness, Minnesota has established ten “continuums of care” based on geographic regions: West Central, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, Suburban Metro Area, Central, Hennepin County, St. Louis County, and Ramsey County. Hennepin County’s declaration as having functionally no homeless veterans marks a significant achievement, with Ramsey County set to be the final continuum of care to end veteran homelessness in the state.

Additionally, earlier this year, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs opened three new veterans homes in Bemidji, Montevideo, and Preston. This expansion makes Minnesota the only state to simultaneously open three new veterans homes, allowing the state to serve nearly 200 more veterans requiring skilled nursing care as they age.

As Hennepin County takes this critical step forward, Minnesota is well on its way to becoming the fourth state in the nation to achieve the goal of ending veteran homelessness, paving the way for a brighter future for its veterans.

Photos credit: Hennepin County Government