In this 2013 photo, homeless Korean War veteran Thomas Moore, left, speaks to a Boston Health Care for Homeless official on a sidewalk in Boston. Homelessness among veterans is still prevalent nationwide and extends to the Upper Peninsula. (AP file photo)

By RANDY CROUCH

Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE — The Upper Peninsula, like the rest of the country, is grappling with the issue of homelessness among the veteran population.

According to the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, more than 90 veterans are experiencing homelessness across the Upper Peninsula, with 27 in Marquette County and 21 in Dickinson County representing the largest populations of homeless veterans around the U.P.

While those numbers seem concerning, the problem is actually worse than the statistics indicate, as in order to be counted a veteran must seek out services, according to the Homeless Management Information System. And in some cases, the aid organizations are never contacted.

According to the DMVA, every expert and veteran advocacy group says that the number is “much higher based on the fact that so many of our homeless veterans go uncounted.”

Across Michigan, 2,443 veterans, many of those with families, are recorded as being homeless.

While the problem continues to be an issue around the U.S., significant progress has been made in addressing the issue.

In November 2022, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released a report that found that since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, veteran homelessness has seen an 11% decrease, the largest drop in more than five years.

“All veterans deserve to have what they need to lead healthy, safe and successful lives — that starts with a place to call home,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge in a press release. “The data released todayshows we are closer than ever in ensuring that every veteran in America has a home and challenges us to ensure that every veteran — and every person in America — has a home.”

The state of Michigan is doing its part in fighting the issue as well, as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration has invested $2 million this year to fight the issue through the Michigan Veteran Homelessness Prevention Grant. The grants are dispersed through the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency in the form of $150,000 grants to organizations around Michigan that serve homeless veterans and their families.

“As we prepare to recognize World Homeless Day on Oct. 10 and Homeless Awareness Month in Michigan in November, it’s important to remember that those veterans who are sleeping in their cars and asking for help on street corners once put their lives on the line to serve our country,” said MVAA Director Adam Hollier. “They served us; now it’s our turn to serve them.”

The MVAA says there are several ways to help.

Veterans who need help can call 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838) or visit www.Michigan.gov/MVAA.

The organization also suggests volunteering at food banks, community kitchens, homeless shelters and VA medical facilities or at Veterans Stand Down events, which provide supplies and other services for homeless vets.

Donations can be made to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans at https://nchv.org.

Randy Crouch can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. His email address is rcrouch@miningjournal.net.