Solving the veteran homeless problem in Monterey County

The Department of Veteran Affairs estimates that more than 275,000 veterans are homeless on any given night, more than half a million experience homelessness over the course of a year.A growing problem not only nationwide but also around the region.

“I would say here in Monterey County there’s hundreds of homeless veterans. And it’s not going to stop any time soon because this station continues to be embroiled in conflicts,” said Veterans Transition Center Executive Director William Terry Bare.

Staying true to the ‘No man left behind’ attitude, the Veterans Transition Center of Monterey County takes in homeless veterans and their families.

“We take care of every vet that walks in the door,” said Bare.

Executive Director William Bare says the problem now is transitional housing is usually full.

“Currently we have 56 beds for 56 veterans. But that doesn’t include family members too,” said Bare.

Because those beds are always full, the VTC is now trying to develop a piece of the Historic Fort Ord, bringing its purpose back full circle.

“We’re now trying to turn those back into livable homes that will continue to serve those veterans as they once served when they were on active duty here at Ford Ord,” said Bare.

They’re also working with local governments to approve a project that would provide an additional 70 beds.

“We should hear within the next couple weeks. So there’s good things on the horizon, we think, we hope,” said Bare.

The VTC has a 90-percent success rate in not only getting veterans out of the program and into permanent housing, but also making sure they have a steady income and control over any substance abuse problems.