Housing For Veterans Essay

One of the key factors that contribute to homelessness among veterans is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD affects a large number of military veterans from every war, though the rates differ depending on which war they served in, PTSD affected 30% of Vietnam veterans, 11% of Afghanistan veterans, 20% of Iraq veterans, and 10% of veterans who served in the Gulf War (How Common is PTSD). Half of veterans with PTSD do not receive the treatment they require and 20% - 50% of those who do receive treatment do not finish it (Robson). The lack of treatment is important considering that 45% of homeless veterans have some kind of mental illness (Paquette). The homecoming of a veteran has been related to that veteran’s degree of PTSD. Veterans with a negative reception upon their arrival tend to have harsher PTSD (Tull). It is no wonder then that, those who had the hardest time re-entering society, Vietnam veterans, among whom 30% have had PTSD, make up 47% of homeless veterans (coalition for the Homeless). These veterans had the hardest time out of any, when they returned public opinion was against them, and many were unjustly called “Baby Killers”. This critical rejection made it harder for Vietnam veterans to deal with their PTSD, because it held them back from discussing their experiences in war (Tull). Having

FACTS: The most effective programs for homeless and at-risk veterans are community-based, nonprofit, “veterans helping veterans” groups. Programs that work best feature transitional housing, with the camaraderie of living in structured, substance-free environments with fellow veterans who are succeeding at bettering themselves.

Too many veterans in the United States are living on the streets and in need of a permanent shelter. A home, a place to call their own, is a basic need for anyone. However, after so much time spent living in barracks, or in war zones, this is especially a need for a veteran. The stability of a home is an important part of adjusting to civilian life. There are few programs actually designed to facilitate veterans in finding homes. The percentage of homeless veterans is appalling. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness veterans comprise 8.6 percent of the homeless

Community nurses have a task of conducting interviews to citizens and location of homeless veterans, to establish their needs. The nurse need to

According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV), nearly 200,000 American Veterans are homeless on any given night (Rieckhoff). NCHV - the resource and technical assistance center - reported that the number of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) - (OEF) veterans are becoming homeless much more quickly than Vietnam veterans. As the war in Iraq and Afghanistan continues the number of homeless veterans increases. The next generation of American Veterans is on its way home, and tens of thousands more will return from combat over the years to come. Upon returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan thousands of veterans are facing a new nightmare, the risk of homelessness.

Theodore Walther, a previous veteran who was homeless after his service, wrote an article about his life living on the streets, and the flaws in the efforts to aid veterans out of homelessness. “This is the problem with social services in general: they are all too temporary and lack the follow-through necessary to solve real, long-term problems… they offered no comprehensive housing program, no job training or retraining only transitional housing and encouragement to get out there and scare up a job” (Walther ¶11). Job training is a crucial aspect of a service program to get these veterans out of the state they are in. Job training would reduce the number of veterans that are homeless since they would be able to get jobs that would not only pull themselves out of the streets, but also allow them to have access to more social services. Theodore Walther also says “once you’ve been out on the street for a prolonged period, say a couple of years or more, whatever skills you once had are gone or severely diminished and your ability to deal with everyday social situations is compromised” (Walther ¶24). This proves that the idea of veterans civilian skills dwindles as they are not being used as they serve in the military. Since the problem here is easily established, it should not be difficult to also establish a solution. While the

Imagine one making a huge decision to leave family, friends, and a familiar lifestyle to go serve and protect their country for months or years at a time. Imagine one risking their life and putting forth their time just to come back to no home, money, or health care while have developed a mental illness. The government promises all of these benefits one may never see and they end up on the streets without a home finding ways to cope which may lead to addiction. A study shows that “There are estimated to be about 50,000 homeless veterans on any given night with about 1.4 million others at risk of becoming homeless, the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans said, citing government statistics” (Shaw). Many of America’s homeless veterans have served in World War II, the Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam War, and many other wars. Nearly half of homeless veterans served during the Vietnam era. Two-thirds served their country for at least three years, and one-third were stationed in a war zone. Homeless veterans all across America come from different backgrounds and homelessness does not discriminate against gender. These veterans, including males and females, suffer from homelessness due to: being unemployable; suffering economic hardships; battling substance abuse, and lacking proper legal aid. Yes, there are plenty of resources out there to assist the homeless veterans that may help some but there are still too many veterans living on the streets.

In addition to programs of the federal government, many private organizations work to prevent or end the homelessness of veterans. For example, the Wounded Warrior Project assists wounded veterans to help them recover from their physical and/or mental injuries and reintegrate into productive roles in society. Enabling them to provide for themselves, helps prevent them from becoming homeless (How We Serve). The American Legion has a Homeless Veterans Task Force to address the problem of veteran homelessness. They also work with federal organizations in drafting laws and policies to care for veterans’ needs, as well as working with corporate partners to promote hiring of veterans (Homeless Veterans (The American Legion)). The Disabled American Veteran (DAV) organization works with veterans to help them get the

These individuals are considered ill individual’s which need health care, training, and rehabilitation. VA Secretary Eric Shinseki had previously designed a 5-year plan which could possibly end the epidemic of homeless veterans. The joint effort of work between the US Government, businesses, veteran service organizations, and private sectors they would make the solutions work. This epidemic is a nation tragedy, which means all organizations, government, and the rest of society should help move it towards

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing services to 8.9 million Veterans each year (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2016). A significant amount of these Veterans are considered homeless or at risk for homelessness. Homelessness is a complex problem whose solution requires more than simply a roof and a bed. Sadly, along with homelessness, a great portion of homeless Veterans struggle with many other issues regarding their physical and mental health, as well as substance abuse issues. Although, during the last decade, the Department of Veterans Affairs has made great strides in improving policy for processes and procedures to ensure that these Veterans receive

According to the 2012 Annual Homeless Assessment Report released by the Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an estimated 62,619 veterans were homeless on any given night in 2012. The good news is that the estimate represents a 7.2 percent decline from the 2011 estimate and a 17.2 percent decline compared to the 2009 estimate ("Veterans," 2013). Although progress is being made, there is much to be done. There are veterans with the same needs as the general homeless population, but also veterans with severe physical and mental health disabilities, related to their service, that necessitate permanent housing with supportive services.

Homeless veterans population has been a problem over the decades but over the passed few years the population of homeless veterans has increased. This is a concerning problem that needs to be attended to and human services is one of the ways to seek help. Many veterans that are homeless is due to mental illnesses such post traumatic stress disorder (PSTD), substance abuse (alcoholism and addiction), and depression. Veterans that are homeless usually have one or more issue that they are facing that is causing them to be homeless. Some veterans can be facing psychiatric, physical, and medical disorders at the same time, which is very common today (Goldstein, Luther, Haas, Appelt, & Gordon, 2010, p.312). Veterans that were deployed and fought

Veterans suffer from mental health problems which often lead to homelessness. PTSD, other mental disorders, and trauma contribute to the high percentage of homelessness. These factors may affect social and professional behavior among veterans.

Homelessness is the lack of acute housing or any form of accommodation, which have not only affected ordinary civilians, but has become a huge problem for the men and women who put their live on the line to protect the United States. Despite the endeavor made by the government, it has failed on it social, economic, and medical reform. There should take a more aggressive approach to spot resources to veterans experiencing homelessness; else the situation will continue to grow.

Our personnel has extensive professional experience working with veterans and their needs. This grant would allow us to continue focusing to make Rialto a healthier environment for all residents. The goal of this organization is to provide alternative, temporary, and or permanent living arrangements for homeless veterans. The benefits for the community include: decrease rent burdens for the veterans, decrease expensive shelter costs, provide stability, and reduce poor