Members of city council have joined a national challenge to end homelessness for veterans. Mayor Bob Donchez asked council to join him in the Mayor’s Challenge, an initiative of First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden. President Obama made eliminating homelessness for veterans a national priority in 2010.

Since then, 850 mayors, counties and county governments nationwide have joined the challenge. Donchez asked council to join him in the challenge, involving the city in support of the efforts of the Lehigh Valley Homeless Veterans Task Force.

Council voted unanimously to join the challenge. Housing First is part of the initiative, which aims to help homeless veterans find permanent housing as a first step to addressing other problems such as health care and employment.

Thomas Applebach, Lehigh County Office of Veterans Affairs, attended the meeting. The Lehigh County Homeless Veterans Task Force was formed in 2015 to bring together local partners to provide a comprehensive range of resources and supportive services to re-house veterans and their families, including outreach, case management, temporary financial assistance, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing and job training.

Council member Shawn Martell expressed his admiration for Applebach and his appreciation “for all you do for veterans affairs. It’s a national embarrassment,” Martell said. “Your efforts are something we’re all proud to be a part of,” he told Applebach.

Resident Peter Crownfield said it is “A great initiative.” The same approach should be used for all homeless, he said. “Housing first.”

The resolution passed by council also encourages landlords to offer affordable housing to veterans and for policies in the private and public sector to give veterans access to affordable housing, transportation and employment.

City council members met in executive session before their regular meeting. Executive session is allowed when council members are discussing matters involving personnel, litigation and investigation.

He also said some residents have asked him if it is possible to have benches at the Guetter Street bus stop. Donchez said city staff would discuss the matter.

Council member Bryan Callahan said the Finance Committee will meet on March 9 at 6 pm to discuss budget adjustments, the 2015 year in review and audit.