Lehigh County is poised to end homelessness among the area’s veterans population.

The Lehigh County Board of Commissioners unanimously supported a resolution aimed at ending military veteran homeless throughout the Lehigh Valley at the board’s Jan. 13 meeting.

The chief sponsor of the resolution, Commissioner Geoff Brace, called the issue of veterans homelessness a moral one.

“Our veterans deserve our unqualified support as an expression of our gratitude for the extraordinary sacrifices they made,” Brace told the board.

Lehigh County Veterans Affairs Director Thomas Applebach pushed for board passage of the resolution.

According to Applebach, Whitehall, Bethlehem, Easton and Northampton County are also being asked to support the resolution to eradicate veteran homelessness.

The board it is asking other organizations and agencies for support and commitment to end veteran homelessness, with a particular emphasis on housing and employment opportunities for veterans.

A task force, initially organized by Applebach, is persistent on ensuring veterans are provided housing within 30 days, Applebach said.

The task force originated from Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski’s Mayor’s Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness.

The task force, Applebach said, assists, on average, 20 veterans , providing services and resources.

Applebach noted ending veteran homelessness entirely is difficult to achieve, but it’s worth the effort.

“Every veteran’s circumstances are different, but at least it’s a goal to try to reach for,” he said.

According to Applebach, an area veterans help line is currently being worked on. The line would be available 24 hours a day and provide veterans with help and assistance on obtaining needed services.