Nutter: Philly Has "Effectively Ended" Veteran Homelessness

PHILADELPHIA- WTXF - Mayor Michael Nutter said Thursday that the city has "effectively ended" veteran homelessness. The city has accomplished this goal, Nutter said, by "ensuring veterans have access to housing and services."

Nutter made the announcement alongside Julián Castro, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and called it Philly's answer to President Obama's Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness by 2015.

"Too often, veterans find themselves struggling with issues like homelessness and poverty and that is a shame. For those who gave so much of themselves to this Nation, there is no reason why they should be left out in the cold," the mayor said in a statement.

"Today, I am happy to report that homelessness among veterans in Philadelphia is now rare, brief and non-recurring. In other words, Philadelphia has effectively ended veteran homelessness for those who want a home."