Tackling Veteran Homelessness
Dear Caring Friend,
Our cover story is about J.R., a veteran who served in Vietnam and struggles with PTSD (which you can read here.) Though he’s sheltered at City Rescue Mission, he’s one of about 135 homeless vets in Oklahoma City.
Veterans Day is coming soon, a reminder that we should take every opportunity to thank those who served. Our doors are always open for these neighbors, and we would love nothing more than to end veteran homelessness here.
The Obama Administration had that same priority when it launched Opening Doors in 2010, and over the ensuing years, veteran homelessness plummeted nationwide . . . including in OKC. However, as federal funding for the initiative has fallen away, the number of homeless vets has risen.
Last year, Oklahoma City launched a city-wide initiative called Key to Home, partnering with 40 agencies with a goal to reduce homelessness by 75% and to house 500 people — including veterans — by 2025. We’re more than halfway to that goal, and with your continued support, we’ll make it!
Thank you, and may God bless you,
Erin Goodin,
President & CEO
