An increase in veterans’ homelessness over the past two years has prompted Iowa Senators, Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, to seek answer from the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Robert Wilkie. They say that housing is a basic human need, and that the right policies and procedures need to be developed and implemented to help Iowa veterans. “These brave men and women have given so much to our country through their service and sacrifice and they should have the security of a place to live,” the senators wrote. “It is vital for the federal government to partner with states and local communities to find the most effective solutions to combat homelessness, especially among our veterans.” The National Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Annual Homeless Assessment Report showed an overall decrease of 5.4 percent nationwide. However, Iowa veterans recorded an increase in both 2017 and 2018. They have requested an identification of the cause for these increases, details on what best practices are being used in other states that might help with the growing issue in Iowa and if there are any additional resources or authorities needed to help stop and reverse this trend.
