Most in our community know that members of American Legion Post 36 are deeply involved in helping homeless veterans and preventing others from becoming homeless. Post member Ed Harmon founded the Boothbay Veterans Emergency Temporary Shelters (V.E.T.S.), and I co-founded Maine Veterans in Need (MVN). Together, we’re part of a statewide effort to end veteran homelessness in Maine—a goal that remains challenging as the cost-of-living rises, affordable housing grows scarce, and utility prices continue to climb. 

So, how do we know how many veterans are homeless, and where do those numbers come from? The answer is that it’s complicated, and no system is perfect. Maine’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), overseen by MaineHousing and the Maine Continuum of Care (a network of organizations committed to ending homelessness), tracks the data. All government-funded shelters must report the veterans they serve, while many other shelters voluntarily add their information. 

Meanwhile, outreach teams from the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services (MBVS), the VA, and community partners such as Preble Street, Veterans Forward (Easter Seals), and Volunteers of America Northern New England periodically search the state for veterans living outdoors or in unstable conditions. 

So far in 2025, Maine has counted between 120 and 140 homeless veterans at any given time, with about 20 to 40 unsheltered. In August, that number spiked to around 170, including 70 unsheltered. Every two weeks, case managers from the involved agencies meet to review each veteran’s situation one by one, ensuring that every available resource is offered, from housing support to healthcare and employment. 

As winter approaches, the focus turns to the annual series of Veterans “Stand Down” events. Organized by MBVS in partnership with community groups like V.E.T.S., MVN, and others, these gatherings offer direct assistance to veterans who are homeless or at risk. 

At each Stand Down, veterans can connect with housing programs, file VA disability claims, enroll in VA healthcare, meet with Health Affiliates of Maine caseworkers, learn about Red Cross and Career Center services, and understand what emergency aid is available from MVN and sheltering support from V.E.T.S. Every veteran also enjoys a warm lunch, a take-home meal, and a “sea bag” filled with clothing and essentials for the winter. 

So far this year, Stand Downs have been held in Bangor and Lewiston. Twenty-two homeless veterans and four at-risk veterans came to the Lewiston event. The next events will take place in Portland on Oct. 29, followed by the final one in Augusta on Nov. 4. 

Maine remains one of the most proactive states in the nation when it comes to addressing veteran homelessness. From federal partners like HUD and the VA, to state agencies such as MBVS and DHHS, to contracted organizations including Preble Street, Veterans Forward, and Veterans Inc., and finally to volunteer nonprofits like MVN, V.E.T.S., and our veterans service organizations.   

The message ... direct any veteran at risk of homelessness or homeless to the MBVS at (207) 623-5732 or to me/MVNat (207) 751-5672, there is help out there.