WASHINGTON — Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro on Wednesday urged mayors from across the country to help the federal government reduce homelessness, encourage home ownership and build stronger local communities.
“We have an agenda of opportunity,” Castro said. “We are looking for communities who understand that it’s not just about housing but how that housing connects to good jobs, transit options and education opportunities.”
Speaking at a meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Castro said he encourages innovative actions on the local level to help homeless veterans find housing.
Daniel Rivera, the mayor of Lawrence, Mass., who is also a veteran, said providing homes and jobs for veterans is a priority in his city.
“Any help we can provide young men and women coming from service is a debt that we owe them,” Rivera said. “I think the idea of getting veteran homelessness to zero is the goal.”
