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Elizabeth Dunbar
ST. PAUL, Minn.

Report: Fewer homeless veterans in state

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The number of homeless veterans in Minnesota declined by about 13 percent from 2009 to 2012, following a trend observed nationally, according to a new report from Wilder Research.

Wilder's survey counted 669 homeless veterans in 2009, including 605 males and 64 females. In 2012 the total was 580, with 542 males and 38 females. A survey by the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness found an 18 percent decline in homeless veterans since 2010.

Wilder said most male homeless veterans in Minnesota are over age 50, and about a third are black. A quarter of the homeless veterans reported serving in a combat zone, and nearly half of them reported health problems related to their service. Wilder researchers said health barriers led to higher unemployment rates among the homeless veterans.

Other findings:

— Homeless veterans have high rates of health coverage and access to care, but their medical needs are not met. A quarter reported problems getting the medical care they need.

— More Minnesota homeless veterans were taking advantage of their veterans benefits in 2012 than in 2009 and 2006.

— Nearly 60 percent of homeless veterans have been homeless for a year or longer, and a quarter have been homeless at least three years. There are higher rates of chronic homelessness among veterans than the general homeless population.

Wilder has conducted a statewide survey of those who are homeless or living in temporary housing programs every three years since 1991. According to the 2012 survey, 10,214 Minnesotans were homeless.