MACV isn’t ending Veteran homelessness alone. Our shared commitment and collective efforts drive meaningful change and pave the way for a Minnesota where every Veteran finds the support they deserve.

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 the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA). This registry is not just a list; it’s a tool for fostering collaboration. It’s a platform and in-person meeting where designated MACV staff and community partners come together to share resources and strategize ways to help Veterans transition into stable housing.

The HVR meetings, held biweekly, focus on discussing each Veteran listed on the HVR. These meetings, divided among Hennepin, Ramsey, SMAC, and Greater Minnesota, involve various community partners who can directly assist Veterans who are actively listed on the HVR. The photos above are from a Hennepin County HVR meeting in March.

“These biweekly meetings allow us to discuss each Veteran’s specific circumstances and collaborate on how to move them forward into permanent housing. This is a nationally recognized best practice and critical in achieving our goal of ending Veteran homelessness because it reduces wait times for referrals to community partners, reduces duplication of services, and promotes coordination between all of our agencies.” -Kurt Johnson, MACV Regional Director

These meetings draw representatives from MDVA, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, County Social Workers and CVSOs, MACV, shelter frontline workers, and other community partners who are actively engaging with clients on the registry.

If you know a Veteran experiencing homelessness, you can call 1-888-LinkVet (546-5838). Veterans can choose to join directly, and anyone can refer a Veteran by completing the registration form. All these forms are forwarded to MDVA, which operates the HVR. Together, we can work towards a future where no Veteran has to experience homelessness.