TAMPA, Fla. — The VA is working to connect homeless veterans in Hillsborough County with housing assistance through its Homeless Surge Event.
The event brings together VA workers and other support staff to help veterans access services, including help with documents and forms needed to connect with VA programs.
Marine veteran Danny Paris Jr. attended the event after living on and off the street for three years. He said he is seeking stability for himself and his fiancée.
“It’s hard to swallow, but I’m tired of living in a tent, living on the street,” Paris said.
Paris Jr. said the couple receives Social Security, but their income has not been enough to pay for housing.
“Wondering where you’re going to get your next meal. Even though we get Social Security and stuff, it’s still hard,” Paris Jr. said. “Between me and her both, we don’t make enough from the government to even pay for a place.”
Social worker Amy Padilla said veterans often have specific needs when trying to access services, including help securing documents.
“Some veterans don’t even have an idea of some forms they need to get connected to VA services,” Padilla said.
Harry McCurdy, section chief of the Homeless Program at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, said the Homeless Surge Event began in 2024 and is held every six months.
McCurdy said Hillsborough County’s veteran homeless population has declined since the events began.
“Several years ago, we had maybe a couple hundred, 300-some people on the list,” McCurdy said. “Through the efforts of these surge events that we’ve been doing, we’ve got the list down to around 100 now.”