KNOXVILLE – The Salvation Army of Knoxville is strengthening how it serves veterans experiencing homelessness by improving connections to housing, benefits and support services.
According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, veterans represent five to six percent of people experiencing homelessness across the United States, however, veterans make up on average 12 to 15 percent of individuals served in the Salvation Army shelters in Knoxville. And while veteran homelessness has declined in recent years through coordinated efforts between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and its community partners, hundreds of veterans across Tennessee continue to experience housing instability—including many in the Knoxville community.
In response, The Salvation Army of Knoxville has introduced new tools and training to improve how quickly veterans are connected to VA benefits and services, including the SQUARES Veteran Eligibility Database. The organization is now an approved partner, helping reduce delays and improve coordination so veterans can more quickly access housing, health care and recovery services…