Bipartisan support, robust funding, and access to comprehensive data are keys to the success of programs that assist unhoused veterans.

In an op-ed in Next City, Beth Sandor explains how cities have managed to reduce veteran homelessness despite a rise in the overall unhoused population — and what lessons these strategies offer for solving the broader crisis.
According to Sandor, 12 U.S. communities have achieved “functional zero” veteran homelessness. “The hallmarks of these successes in reducing veteran homelessness — including data, funding, and the power of coordination — provide a roadmap for U.S. communities to make homelessness rare and brief for everyone.”
Sandor writes that accurate data about unhoused residents is the first step in understanding people’s needs. “The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a good starting point by knowing each unhoused veteran that accesses its services — including names, demographic data, locations, health conditions, types of services received and needs beyond housing, such as psychiatric care or legal help.” Similar systems for all unhoused people could help allocate resources more effectively.
In addition to more robust funding, programs aimed at reducing veteran homelessness also benefit from deeper collaboration across levels of government and political parties. “That same cross-party buy-in is necessary for reducing homelessness across all populations.”
Sandor concludes, “The path forward is an understanding of each person experiencing homelessness — and the financial resources and collaboration that can bring each person home.”
FULL STORY: We’ve Cracked the Code on Veteran Homelessness. We Can Solve Homelessness the Same Way.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Greening Oakland’s School Grounds
With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.

California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas
Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.

Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship
In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.
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