Program helps Mississippi's homeless veterans - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Program helps Mississippi's homeless veterans

By Ashley Conroy - email

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - Whether it's a call to action or self sacrifice, there's no denying the U.S. military has fought and served, bringing freedom to millions of Americans.  But thousands still end up on the streets, homeless with nowhere to go.

That's why the U.S. Housing and Urban Development is hoping to change this by taking 8,000 homeless veterans nationwide off the street with a 53-million-dollar housing package.

Sheila Jackson, Executive Director of the City of Jackson Housing Authority said Thursday since this program first began in 2008, already 60 homeless veterans in Mississippi now have a place to call their own.

"I'm a military wife.  my heart goes out to the veterans.  when we became eligible for us to apply for, we were the first to apply for them," said Jackson.

With almost 500,000 more dollars coming to Mississippi, that will take 25 homeless vets in the Jackson area and 50 more along the coast off the street.

In order for a veteran to get one of these homes, they would have to work with their local housing authority and fill out a list of documents, just like renting a home.

"All it is, is a number of documents, government-related that we have to fill out and submit to the federal government and make sure they meet certain qualifications," said Jackson.

Jackson said she wants more veterans to fill out these documents in hopes of having a permanent home.

"The pride that they feel once they're able to accomplish a roof over their head, a roof for their family.  We get so many thank you notes from our veterans," said Jackson.

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