By Anca Gagiuc, Associate Editor
San Antonio, Texas—The White House Administration’s Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness—announced by First Lady Michelle Obama in 2014 as part of the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden’s Joining Forces initiative—has inspired the city of San Antonio. Mayor Ivy Taylor and USAA CEO Stuart Parker recently announced a $2.1 million pledge from USAA to join this initiative in San Antonio.
“As a strong business leader and long-time advocate for military families, USAA joined us today to announce its support for this significant initiative,” Mayor Taylor said. “Given both USAA’s corporate history and commitment to the military community, it is not surprising USAA would step forward in this extremely generous way.”
The Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness is an initiative supported by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Veteran Affairs, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, and the National League of Cities. The initiative has been tackled by more than 681 cities and communities across the country.
Mayor Taylor joined in January 2015. Ever since, more than 800 homeless veterans in San Antonio have moved or are in the process of moving to a permanent house. “Although the City of San Antonio has made substantial progress to-date, our goal is to end veteran homelessness by March 31, 2016,” Mayor Taylor announced. “USAA’s tremendous support will help us reach our goal.”
Beneficiaries of the current funding are the American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program, South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless, and Family Endeavors.
