The number of homeless veterans has declined – to 67,500 in 2011, compared to 76,300 – according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Last month, VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki told Congress his agency intends to reduce the number to 35,000 by September 2013. The key to solving the homelessness problem is directing veterans to programs that help them – and ensuring they complete those programs, Shinseki said. “That’s how you beat homelessness. It’s not the front door. It’s the back door. What did they gain out of the program?” Shinseki said. The Obama administration has requested $1.4 billion for 2013 for programs aimed at combating and ending homelessness among veterans – a 33-percent increase above 2012 spending levels. The request is part of the overall VA spending bill, now pending before Congress.