The death of a homeless man who lived outside of a supermarket in West Hempstead is bringing a national issue close to home.

George Baldwin, 49, died Tuesday after a frigid night. The Nassau County Police Department says Baldwin?s death may have been related to exposure to the cold.

Over the years, Baldwin told News 12 Long Island he preferred living on the streets to living in a shelter. Baldwin also said he was a veteran.

Many homeless veterans on Long Island choose not to stay in shelters. Advocates for veterans and the homeless say there?s little they can do to force them. However, they say they try to get them off their feet and make them aware of the help that?s available.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy has perhaps gone a step further by recently announcing a 10-year plan to end homelessness in the county.

As for Baldwin, police are trying to find a relative who can bury him. Otherwise, the county will do it. If they can prove he is a veteran, his final resting place could be Calverton or Pinelawn National Cemetery.

Related Information:Florence and Robert A. Rosen Family Wellness CenterVeterans AffairsGI Bill InfoMilitary.comVeterans Online Application SystemWounded Warrior ProjectNational Alliance to End HomelessnessNew DirectionsProject HomeSuffolk CountyNassau County