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| Homeless Rate Among Vets 'Unacceptable,' NAR Says |
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(November 9, 2007) --
Military veterans represent more than 25 percent of the U.S. homeless population, although they comprise only 11 percent of the civilian adult population, according to the Homelessness Research Institute.
The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® is seeking to do something to end this problem, donating money and time to help find housing for veterans.
NAR on Friday is sponsoring the inaugural U.S. Veterans Day Golf Tournament in Washington, D.C., where there are an estimated 2,500 homeless veterans. All proceeds will benefit U.S. VETS–D.C., a unique residential community offering permanent housing and other supportive services for homeless veterans.
Then on Monday, Nov. 12, during the 2007 REALTORS® Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, NAR leaders will visit the U.S. VETS facility to make a donation that will help house and educate homeless vets in the Las Vegas area. More than 5,000 veterans are homeless in Clark County, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
“The homelessness rate among our veterans is unacceptable to REALTORS®, who believe in building safe, healthy communities,” says NAR President Pat V. Combs. “As the leading advocate for housing issues, NAR is proud to help in this important effort to end homelessness among our country's veterans. Many of our members are veterans and active service personnel who know firsthand the struggles and sacrifices faced by those who have fought to protect our safety and freedom.”
NAR supports of the VA Home Loan program and advocates revising the G.I. bill to make homeownership more attainable for vets, Combs said.
“Thanks to NAR's support, we can do more to give veterans in need the tools to rebuild their lives and realize their dreams,” said Stephanie Buckley, U.S. VETS regional director. “We are so appreciative of NAR's contribution and efforts.”
— REALTOR® Magazine Online
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| Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online (http://www.realtor.org/realtormag), Nov 9, 2007 with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2007. All rights reserved. |
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