Veteran homelessness persists as thousands struggle to find stable housing

Some veterans struggle to find stable housing

Homelessness remains a major challenge for U.S. veterans, leaving thousands without stable housing. Among them is 76-year-old Vietnam veteran Michael Smith.

DELAND, Fla, - Homelessness remains a major challenge for U.S. veterans, leaving thousands without stable housing. Among them is 76-year-old Vietnam veteran Michael Smith.

"Being homeless is really depressing. You don’t see hope," Smith said.

Smith, who lived in DeLand, was forced to leave his apartment when his landlord raised the rent beyond his means.

"I had no place to go at all," he explained.

After months without housing, Smith found shelter with a friend from American Legion Post 6. He’s among the approximately 7% of the nation’s homeless veterans living in Florida, according to the Housing Assistance Council.

"There are plenty of people out there that just need help," he said.

Buck James, of Halifax Urban Ministries, is among those working to provide that help. He says Volusia and Flagler counties have made strides toward eliminating veteran homelessness.