St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman once again called for a push to end chronic homelessness among veterans in the city Saturday morning.
Kriseman spoke at a Celebrate Outreach community forum. He wants to end chronic homelessness among vets by the end of the year.
“That doesn't mean every veteran who doesn’t have a home will have a home,” Kriseman said. “It means every veteran who doesn’t have a home will have been offered to have a roof over their head. We have had some that have already said no.”
To meet its goal, the city needs about 125 housing units for veterans who are ready to move into independent homes. St. Pete’s low vacancy rate and affordable housing shortage make it challenging to find homes for the homeless.
James Knight, who used to be homeless, said housing is the first step to getting people off the streets.
"I was sleeping on the streets, sleeping on the sidewalk for about 18 months,” Knight said.
After housing, veterans can then focus on getting jobs and contributing to the local community.
"It’s quality of life,” Kriseman said. “It changes the environment our tourists see, our businesses get to work in."
Rental subsidy vouchers, case management and other supportive services are available from the city. For more information, you can call (727) 893-7627.