Hennepin County is celebrating a major victory in the fight against veteran homelessness

MINNEAPOLIS — Hennepin County says it has effectively ended experienced homelessness.

State leaders, lawmakers and county social workers gathered to share the news Tuesday morning at the Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis.

It’s a milestone that puts Minnesota on track to become the fourth state to reach that goal in every county and makes Hennepin County the largest U.S. entity to achieve that goal.

It doesn’t mean that there aren’t veterans currently experiencing homelessness, or that there won’t be more veterans struggling to find permanent housing in the future.

Instead, it means that homelessness among veterans is considered rare, short-lived and non-recurring.

It’s called a “functional zero” designation, which is determined by various federal agencies.

Since February 2023, veteran homelessness has been cut in half and chronic veteran homelessness has fallen by 92%.

Hennepin County 4th District Commissioner Angela Conley says this is a huge accomplishment.

“Housing is the fundamental foundation of how we care for people, especially our veterans,” Conley said. “Housing is the fundamental foundation of how someone can get through the day. It’s how someone can keep their job and keep food on the table. Housing comes first, and that’s what Hennepin County has prioritized.”

In honor of this achievement, Governor Tim Walz proclaimed Tuesday “Veteran Homelessness Prevention and Awareness Day in Minnesota.”