As most know, I write this article under the American Legion logo, mostly because it is the only Veteran Service Organization on this peninsula and the logo is recognized. I am also a member of several other VSOs, the VFW, Vietnam Veterans Association (VVA), and Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), which help me stay informed on veteran issues at the national level.

I also co-founded Maine Veterans in Need (MVN) in 2020, focusing on homeless veterans and those in danger of becoming homeless. MVN is part of a statewide network that includes the VA, Maine Bureau of Veterans Services (MBVS), and organizations working to prevent and address veteran homelessness. These include Preble Street, Veterans Inc., Health Affiliates Maine, Easterseals, Volunteers of America Northern New England (VOANNE), and the Salvation Army. Many nonprofits are also part of this effort, including Boothbay Veterans Emergency Temporary Shelters (V.E.T.S.), Elks Lodges, and Maine Veterans Project. Our work is strongly supported by VSOs throughout Maine, including the VFW, American Legion, and DAV.

Perhaps I should ask the Register to change this logo to the MVN logo, which might be more appropriate, but who would recognize that?

This brings me to the point of this article. When I first began focusing on Maine’s homeless veteran situation, we were told there were approximately slightly over 100 veterans experiencing homelessness, with about 13 unsheltered. We knew that number was low, but the system was evolving in how veterans were identified, counted, and, most importantly, helped.

As of last week, the reported number was 190, including 45 unsheltered. Has homelessness actually increased, or are we simply getting better at finding veterans who need help? That is an important question. What concerns me is that funding for organizations to support homeless veterans hasn’t increased sufficiently to handle the increase. I know social workers’ caseloads have increased significantly, and many are working more hours than they are contracted to work.

Another factor is the rising cost of living. Rents continue to increase beyond what many veterans can afford. Electricity and heating fuel costs are also rising, and those increases are expected to continue. We have programs such as LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), but funding is insufficient and often runs out well before the end of the year.

The state also provides $250,000 emergency funds for low income veterans.  Easter Seals manages that program and run out well be for the next funding cycle.  The need has been demonstrated, and MVN is drafting legislation to increase the funding to $400,000. Voice your support to our elected officials.

This is an election year, and we will soon begin another legislative process. We need to make our elected officials aware of the resources needed to meet the state and national goal of ending veteran homelessness. There is also a close correlation between veteran homelessness and veteran suicide. 

We must work with our legislators to ensure that Maine has the resources necessary to identify homeless veterans, prevent homelessness, and help those who are homeless regain stable housing.