Bergen County Has Systems in Place to House All Homeless Veterans

HUD Region II Regional Administrator Holly Leicht congratulates Bergen County for having ended veteran homelessness. Bergen County Executive James Tedesco, Bergen County Housing Health & Human Services Center Director Julia Orlando, VA Supportive Housing Coordinator Nicola Burnett and stakeholders celebrate the achievement.

Bergen County Executive James Tedesco recognizes a group of veterans, residents of Bergen County.

HUD announced that Bergen County has effectively ended veteran homelessness by establishing a system to house any veteran who may be living in emergency shelters or on the streets.

The County celebrated by bringing together and recognizing everyone that made it possible: stakeholders, County officials, and advocates who passionately worked to make sure veterans get the housing and resources they need.

"Bergen County's achievement proves that leadership matters in our urgent work to end homelessness in this country," said Matthew Doherty, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. "When committed leaders come together around proven strategies, it's no longer a question of if we can end homelessness, but how soon."

"New Jersey's leaders and homeless service providers enthusiastically embraced the Mayors Challenge to End Veterans Homelessness from the start," said Holly Leicht, HUD Region II Regional Administrator. "With today's announcement that Bergen County is the first place in the state to officially achieve this goal, we are seeing the results of those commitments.

Even more importantly, New Jersey's veterans are seeing the results: there are 20% fewer homeless veterans today than just a year ago. Through collaboration and investment at all levels of government, combined with the 'boots on the ground,' day-to-day commitment of Bergen County Housing and other local organizations, New Jersey is following the roadmap that has led to a 50% decline in veteran homelessness across the country since 2010."

Officials in attendance also included members of the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders, A.J. Luna, Director, Bergen County Division of Veterans Services; and Hackensack Mayor John Labrosse. Veteran Vincent Weston, who suddenly became homeless, was assisted by Bergen County services. His story was highlighted by multiple media outlets.

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