Homeless Population Dropping Nationwide, But Not In Monterey, CA

Monterey, CA  Homeless Population Dropping Nationwide, But Not In Monterey : View From A Nonprofit Serving Carmel, Carmel Valley, Gonzalez, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Salinas, Seaside And Soledad California

The homeless population in Monterey has been a big problem and thus far the City Council hasn't found a solution to the problem.  I was glad to read that nationwide, the number of chronically homeless has dropped 25% over the past six years and the number of homeless veterans has declined 24%, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  "We've seen that in one of the most difficult economic periods in this country, we've made remarkable progress to reduce homelessness, particularly among veterans and the chronically homeless," HUD secretary Shaun Donovan told USA Today.  In addition to an improved economy, he attributed this progress to the HUD giving out more housing vouchers and increased funding for a program called Rapid Re-Housing which helps with rent and utility costs.  I hope something can be done to get a positive trend line like this in Monterey County.  We are lucky to have great non-profits here like Dorothy's House, which helps a number of homeless senior citizens, to pitch in and help the government with their efforts.