(Pat Hernandez, KUHF Public Radio)
Mayor Annise Parker announced an unprecedented effort to house 100 chronically homeless military veterans in 100 days. It involves a variety of governmental and nonprofit agencies that will also help the vets with social services and job assistance.
It’s estimated that there are about 10,000 homeless people in Houston, and Mayor Annise Parker says there’s not a lot of magic in how you deal with the problem. And while that’s easier said than done, unfortunately; it is a fairly simple equation. She says people who are homeless need homes and they need help to stay in them.
“We set out to assemble all of the different elements: the different organizations and entities across the city of Houston, who could help with this equation. I looked at what other cities around the country have done that stand out in tackling homelessness and making a difference.”
She says the downside to having one of the largest veteran populations in the country is that 
a significant portion of the homeless population is veterans. Parker was pleased to announce that with the help of Houston’s Housing Authority, Goodwill Industries and participating agencies, that 100 chronically homeless veterans were placed in housing in 100 days.
“Houston’s 1 of only 3 cities that took this challenge that actually accomplished the goal. The Villas at Winkler, is currently home to 13 formerly homeless vets, four of whom were placed here during the 100 in 100 program.”
The success of the pilot program resulted in the name change to Housing Houston Heroes.
Since the program started in May, 68 percent of placement through Houston’s housing voucher leases went to veterans classified as chronically homeless.
(Read and hear more at KUHF Public Radio)
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