I come from a family deeply ingrained in serving our great country. I've borne witness to my family members and their friends, who have valiantly upheld our freedoms, grappling with the distressing reality of homelessness. The tragic irony of those who once fearlessly defended our lands now struggling to find a place they can call home deeply disturbs me.

Eastern Shore of Virginia is home to many veterans. The troubles they face in seeking affordable housing or finding a residence at all are far more widespread than many would assume. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, nearly 40,000 veterans were homeless on a single night in January 2020 (National Alliance to End Homelessness). It’s alarming that those who risked their lives for our nation can't secure one of the most basic human needs - shelter.

We want to tap into the heart of our community in Parksley, VA, and request action on this urgent issue. Establish practical, sustainable short-term and long-term housing options for our homeless veterans. We owe them our freedom; it is high time we took steps to safeguard theirs.

The proposal is straightforward. We need to develop dedicated housing facilities for our veterans, collaborating with local builders, businesses, and non-profits to create a sanctuary for those who have served. We call on our local government and community leaders to step forward and help these heroes find a place to call home.

Let's honor our homeless veterans by providing more than just words. Let's provide them homes. Please sign this petition to express your support and amplify our call. Every signature brings us a step closer to turning this vision into a reality. Raise your voices, and let's make a change for our veterans today.