The Times Argus reports that "efforts are under way in Vermont to build suitable shelter for homeless veterans, but officials warned lawmakers Thursday that current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan may spill a new generation of war-traumatized soldiers onto the streets." U.S. Congressman Peter Welch noted that "Vermont – in spite of its anti-war reputation – is home to a disproportionate number of former soldiers." Indeed according to the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs, Vermont has "the highest per-capita rate of participation in its National Guard" and more than 50,000 veterans live in Vermont. Of these individuals, an estimated 130 are homeless.

Local Efforts to Help Homeless Vets
Jack McDermott, head of the Vermont Veterans Advisory Council, said his group, The Veterans Place, has "secured the local fund-raising necessary to qualify for a federal grant from the Veterans Administration." The grant, if approved, "would draw down federal dollars from the VA's Safe House program, which doles out up to $50 million annually to transitional homes for homeless veterans; it also provides $30 per diems for each veteran housed to help cover operating expenses." Notably, The Veterans Place was founded last year and is working "to construct a transitional home for homeless veterans in central Vermont."

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