Alaska has the highest number of veterans per capita in the country and, sadly, some of the highest numbers of homeless vets, as well.
It’s one reason why Anchorage was selected by the Department of Veterans Affairs as one of 28 cities across the country to focus on programs for homeless vets.
The goal is to end homelessness for all veterans by the year 2015 which could be a tough task for Anchorage.
It’s hard to put an exact figure on how many homeless people on Anchorage streets are vets, but a recent survey of 355 chronically homeless people found about 23 percent of them were veterans.
A kick-off event at the Z.J. Loussac Public Library on Wednesday brought together agencies that help the homeless, including many programs run by the VA. Providers had a chance to brainstorm and share ideas for getting the word out to vets on the street that there is help available.
They also unveiled a phone number that Anchorage residents will soon see on posters around town.
The number reaches a national center that briefly interviews the caller and then promises to get back to them within 24 hours.
The number is for homeless vets, people who may know someone who is homeless, and also for shelter workers who find vets among their clients. That number is 1-877-424-3838.
