rap #67 04/14/10

FREEHOLDERS SUPPORT FEDERAL EFFORT TO END HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANS

THE OCEAN COUNTY Board of Chosen Freeholders today commended ongoing federal efforts to end homelessness among veterans and welcomed Washington’s help in combating the problem locally.

“Hopefully we will see some of the $4.2 billion Congress is allocating to reduce and prevent veteran homelessness in the coming year,” said Freeholder Gerry P. Little.

Little, who is liaison to the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau, said the county already has in place an extensive list of programs to ensure that local veterans are well cared for.

“Each year the Freeholders work closely with and helps fund Vetworks, a non-profit agency that provides emergency shelter and food to vets who may be having a difficult time adjusting to civilian life.”

Vetworks also offers subsidized housing, substance abuse counseling and job placement for veterans.

Temporary shelter, health care and dozens of other programs are also available to veterans through both the Ocean County Department of Human Services and Board of Social Services.

Little said the county also works with several agencies to combat mental health issues among veterans.

“Federal statistics have shown that more than half of all homeless veterans also suffer from some type of mental health problem,” he said. “Our Veterans Service Bureau already offers counseling and support to veterans who may have suffered wounds not visible to the naked eye.”

On April 23 the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will open a new counseling center in Lakewood.

Freeholder Director James F. Lacey said the county began discussing the need for a local center with the VA several years ago.

“I’m very pleased they responded to this important need,” Lacey said, adding that the clinic will serve veterans in several surrounding counties as well. “The need is here and the VA recognized that.”

---