5 Minnesota counties receive designation for ending veteran homelessness

Wednesday, Gov. Tim Walz announced five Minnesota counties received a federal designation for ending veteran homelessness.

According to Walz’s office, the designation was given to the Suburban Metro Area Continuum of Care, which includes Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Scott and Washington counties.

Numerous federal departments have determined the five counties have effectively ended homelessness among veterans, Walz’s office said.

"Becoming the fourth state in the country to end veteran homelessness has been a priority of our Administration since day one. Today’s announcement, on a day we honor all veterans, is a major accomplishment toward that goal," Walz said. "Minnesota veterans have served and sacrificed to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. Once they complete their service, we should ensure they have a safe place to call home."

More than 2,100 previously homeless veterans have been housed since the initiative began in 2014. In 2019, the state housed more than 500 homeless veterans.

The governor’s office says the statewide Homeless Veterans Registry is key to tackling the issue of veteran homelessness. When a veteran is placed on the registry, they are typically housed in four months.

If you know a veteran who is experiencing homelessness, they can be connected with services by calling 1-888-LinkVet.