Hennepin County has reached a significant milestone – we’ve effectively ended Veteran homelessness! While there is still work to be done, we are taking a moment to celebrate this remarkable declaration of functional zero achievement in Hennepin County alongside state leaders, lawmakers, county social workers, and employees. 

“This amazing accomplishment speaks to the dedication and skill of our staff and partners. But our work is not done. We need to be able to provide the same level of services to the Veteran who becomes homeless tomorrow as to the Veteran who became homeless yesterday.” -Nathaniel Saltz MACV Chief Program Officer 

It’s important to clarify that “effectively ending” Veteran homelessness means that when a Veteran does experience homelessness, the system is equipped to respond quickly and help them secure stable housing—Hennepin County is one of the largest U.S. entities to reach this landmark achievement. 

What is Functional Zero?

Functional Zero describes a community’s capacity to effectively prevent homelessness whenever possible and ensure that it is rare, brief, and unlikely to reoccur when homelessness does occur. This capacity is demonstrated in the County’s reduction in unhoused Veterans. As of Sept. 30, 2024, 69 Veterans were recorded experiencing homelessness in the county, with only five living unsheltered. That number is less than half of the 167 veterans who were homeless in August 2023. 

Minnesota is determined to become the 4th state in the nation to end Veteran homelessness. Only one county has not achieved Functional Zero Veteran homelessness in Minnesota: Ramsey, one of Minnesota’s most populous areas. 

Working Together  

MACV and our government partners have aggressively pursued an effective end to Veteran homelessness for the past seven years. 

A significant factor in achieving this milestone is the dynamic working relationship the Minneapolis/Hennepin County Veteran team has developed with each other and with other partners, all the way up to the Governor’s office on the state level.  

MACV’s shared commitment and collective efforts with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, County Social Workers, and County Veteran Social Officers, shelter frontline workers, and other community partners drive meaningful change and pave the way for a Minnesota where every Veteran finds the support they deserve. 

Homeless Veteran Registry 

A crucial aspect of ending Veteran homelessness involves identifying each Veteran by name and tracking their progress on the Homeless Veteran Registry (HVR), maintained by MDVA. This registry is not just a list; it’s a tool for fostering collaboration. It’s a platform for in-person meetings where designated MACV staff and community partners come together to share resources and strategize ways to help each individual Veterans transition into stable housing. 

The HVR meetings, held biweekly, focus on discussing each Veteran listed on the HVR. Examining quality by name data by county allows us to understand who remains without housing for a more extended period and address the affordable housing shortages and service gaps.   

Funding Functional Zero  

Collaborative partnerships with government entities, philanthropic organizations, businesses, landlord partners, civic groups, and fellow Veteran organizations are pivotal to our mission at MACV. Key funders include the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, MDVA, Housing First Minnesota Foundation, Lennar, Home Depot Foundation, Built for Zero, and countless others. Strategic partnerships enhance our ability to secure funding, access crucial services, and implement comprehensive programs that empower Veterans on their journey to stable housing.