The leader of a San Diego homeless veterans' treatment facility came to Capitol Hill Wednesday. He told congress members the need is going up with returning veterans from the Middle East. From Washington Jodi Breisler has more.
Phil Landis is the CEO of Veterans Village. He told a House committee although his organization needs money for mental health and substance abuse treatment- the problem is even more basic.
Landis: I would wish for funding for more permanent housing, I would wish for funding for more transitional housing. If we had enough money, we'd throw supportive services at it, but the first element we need is to get the folks off the street and get 'em into a bed.
Landis says in San Diego County every night there are over 2000 homeless veterans. Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner of San Diego says the region could use a few thousand more beds. His committee is taking testimony to make its recommendations for the 2009 budget starting in October.
From Capitol News Connection in Washington, I'm Jodi Breisler for KPBS News.
