MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The number of homeless veterans in Hennepin County dropped nearly 53 percent from 2009 to 2012.

One reason, said Matthew Ayres of the Office to End Homelessness, is the collaboration between county departments, governmental jurisdictions and private outreach programs.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO’s Susie Jones Reports

“The VA is working with every social service agency and really reaching out and making sure that when a vet becomes homeless, we identify them immediately and make sure they have resources immediately,” Ayres said.

Accorded to Ayers, they have found homes for more than 140 veterans, giving them a sense of stability.

“Lots of people are getting involved. They’re volunteering at the VA, or at libraries,” he said.

From 2011 to 2012, the rate for homeless veterans fell 28 percent in Hennepin County, but just 7 percent nationally.

“The federal government has made a commitment to end veteran homelessness across the country and have made some significant resources available like housing and case management,” Ayers said.

In 2006, the county and city of Minneapolis launched a plan to end homelessness by 2016.