Rockford honored for helping veterans find housing

ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) - The city of Rockford is being recognized by first lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden for their work eliminating homelessness among veterans.

Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey spoke at a White House panel Monday to discuss how his city has been able to help veterans find housing.

The city was the first to achieve the goal of ending homelessness as part of Michelle Obama's "Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness." The Department of Housing and Urban Development and Department of Veteran Affairs says Rockford has met the goal the last two years.

Rockford has addressed veteran homelessness by improving coordination among housing groups, government agencies, nonprofits and other organizations. The city also created a database to track veterans in the area to provide help when needed.