The reality is that it's a tragedy that any veteran would ever experience homelessness.
While Chattanooga is making progress toward ending veteran homelessness by the end of the year, some local veterans say they still feel forgotten.
One 65-year-old Army veteran says the government has failed to fulfill its promises to him since his honorable discharge, and he suspects the city’s promise to end veteran homelessness is no different.
“In Vietnam, all the soldiers did what the government told them to do, which was totally wrong to begin with, and they still haven’t got repaid for the —- that they put up with,” said Walter T. Pratt, while eating recently at the Chattanooga Community Kitchen.
Clarence Royal talks Friday, March 25, 2016 at the Community Kitchen about being homeless.By the numbers
80: Homeless veterans listed by name with the city in January 201538: Homeless veterans remain to be housed140: Homeless veterans who have been housed since January 201510: The city houses an average of 10 veterans a month33 percent: The National Alliance to End Homelessness reports that the count for homeless seniors is expected to increase 33 percent from 2010 to 2020.Source: City of Chattanooga and The National Alliance to End Homelessness