Numbers are on the rise for homeless veterans in one of our most patriotic and pro-marine cities in the east.

The Onslow County homeless shelter says in the last 5 years they've seen an increase of homeless veterans jump 77%. Just Sunday night alone, out of the nine beds in the male dormitory- five of them were taken by homeless veterans from around Onslow County.

Both previous shelter residents and the director tell us it may be a few choices that lead anyone, including veterans, to the shelter, but it's a whole segment of society not many are aware of.

"Yes, we're not New York City- we don't have homeless people sleeping on the side of the road- but in woods, under bridges, in their vehicle."said shelter director Karin Hudson

"Always thought when I got in that I was gonna retire. I did pretty good for 35 years after. My choices led me to a dead end," said previously homeless veteran William Moore.

Hudson says she's shared the new stats with Camp Lejeune. Now they're working together to make sure the transitional information marines get before leaving the corps really spells out their options and offers planning assistance.