Veteran Homeless

Going off the Previous article, here is an informational page from the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans from which I've extracted some interesting and, to me, surprising statistics. Interesting as well given what both candidates just expressed during the debates last night about helping our nation's homeless and disabled veterans get back on their feet.

the nation's homeless veterans are mostly males...single, most come from poor, disadvantaged communities, 45% suffer from mental illness, and half have substance abuse problems....and account for 23% of all homeless people in America.

With an estimated 400,000 veterans homeless at some time during the year, the VA reaches 25% of those in need ... leaving 300,000 veterans who must seek assistance from local government agencies and service organizations in their communities.

In addition to...extreme shortage of affordable housing, livable income, and access to health care -- a large number of displaced and at-risk veterans live with lingering effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and substance abuse, compounded by a lack of family and social support networks.

Programs that seem to work best feature transitional housing with the camaraderie of living in structured, substance-free environments with fellow veterans....it is critical that community groups reach out to help provide the support, resources and opportunities most Americans take for granted: housing, employment and health care.

The website goes on to suggest that a great way to provide help is to look up a local organization that works with homeless veterans issues and see what you can do to get involved.

Source: National Coalition for Homeless Veterans; Facts & Media