What is your personal response to homeless Veterans?

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 23:03:55 -0400

We see them everywhere. While it is easy to blame a broken system, it is hard to ignore the homeless Veterans who stand there with signs or approach us at the underpass intersection. What is your personal response to them? I prefer not to give money but offer other help. It is not an easy solution. How do you typically respond?

Response by SPC George Rudenko made Jun 30 at 2015 11:07 PM

SPC George Rudenko — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 23:07:12 -0400

Heartbreak. Some never came home. Some see the US and don't want to go home.

Response by SSG Izzy Abbass made Jun 30 at 2015 11:15 PM

SSG Izzy Abbass — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 23:15:28 -0400

We have a ton of resources in Denver and across Colorado. If I see someone holding up a sign and identifying them as "veterans" I hand out cards that have several resources listed on them. Sadly, there are many who are not Veterans. Most Veterans I know would never stoop to begging - too much personal pride.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 30 at 2015 11:21 PM

PO1 John Miller — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 23:21:57 -0400

I generally ignore those types of homeless, and not just the veterans (or the ones who claim to be veterans). I prefer my homeless outreach work to be through official channels such as my local CVMA chapter.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2015 12:30 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 00:30:46 -0400

I was homeless. It has given me a different take on the indigent. My rule of thumb: Treat the needy as Jesus would expect us to.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Jul 1 at 2015 2:00 AM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 02:00:34 -0400

Sir, I am happy to know you have the heart to reach out to our brothers and sisters. Life is a struggle, more so for some than others. I've spent a lot of time outside of the United States and have not seen this very much. We do have to get this under control, we have to give them a hand up not a hand out.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jul 1 at 2015 5:52 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 05:52:00 -0400

It's a crying shame that our country allows this to happen. These men and women gave so much to defend this country and then basically forgotten. Now I do realize there are some who choose to liive this way but that number, I would assume, is small. This government must do more to help its veterans.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2015 5:52 AM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 05:52:02 -0400

I live in Tampa. There are so many folks banging around with signs stating Homeless, but there are always reports that they are not. In this highly military community, folks monopolize on the empathy of the vast service members in the area. They typically stand at intersections of main arteries and pounce when the light goes red. It is hard to do a Q&A to see if they are legit. If they are legit, I will help. But, sadly, folks get bamboozled too many times.

I donate directly to Veteran's charities and the like to make sure it gets to the right sources.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2015 7:55 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 07:55:43 -0400

Different responses depending on what is going on, I've given cash, bought them a meal, taken them to shelters, told them where to go for help.... Never walk by and do nothing. George Washington Carver said it best.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jul 1 at 2015 8:38 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 08:38:05 -0400

This is pretty much a repeat of other postings on the topic .. but
I carry a pile of contact cards for my VFW posts' Service Officers.
If I see someone that claims to be a homeless vet I drop one of the cards on them.
If they are truly a needy vet they will be feed, clothed and housed as necessary as well as plugged into channels that can truly aid them.

Response by SPC Makissa Lewis made Jul 1 at 2015 8:50 AM

SPC Makissa Lewis — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 08:50:14 -0400

I don't give money either. For safety reasons. I do give my time to help out when I can. What I find confusing is I see these veterans at the VA hospital I go to. Can the VA help them?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2015 8:57 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 08:57:15 -0400

In my experience, very few legitimate veterans are truly "homeless" but I suppose it varies by why you live and where you look. Of course, some who claim to be "veterans" didn't finish basic training and have no benefits as a result. Some veterans do have mental or other issues that render them so; however, many people help get them to the VA and they do find housing-yet, some choose to return to the streets. I've not yet found one begging nearby who was legitimate--some claimed "VA would not give them an ID Card"--but couldn't answer basic military questions. They wanted money, not water, not food, not housing. We will of course, gladly help any legitimate vet get help.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jul 1 at 2015 11:03 AM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 11:03:13 -0400

we dont have a personal responsibility to anyone but our spouses and children but we do have a moral obligation to help where and when and how we are able to.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Jul 1 at 2015 11:05 AM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 11:05:52 -0400

My first response is to normally vet the veteran. I enjoy talking with veterans whether homeless, retired, wounded, or otherwise served. I can usually tell in a couple of questions whether a guy actually served or playing a role. I've bought meals and given money to homeless both vets and non vet homeless. I just don't people pretending to be vets who aren't. We all may need help at some point our lives.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Jul 1 at 2015 11:07 AM

CPT Pedro Meza — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 11:07:01 -0400

CH (CPT) William Beaver, I to prefer not to give cash, but will at times give bottle water or bring them a hamburger. I honestly question if they are vets, but prefer to give them the benefit of the doubt and will at times direct them to Veteran support groups.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 1 at 2015 1:22 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 13:22:44 -0400

Try to get his name and call the closest VA. The VA might have a homeless program.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jul 1 at 2015 2:06 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 14:06:33 -0400

I usually give to charity for homeless in general, veteran or not. Sandwiches, to water, to food donations.

Response by SrA David Roby made Jul 1 at 2015 2:09 PM

SrA David Roby — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 14:09:24 -0400

I ask them if they are enrolled at the local VA and if they say no I tell them to hop in and I will take you to the Homeless Veteran Coordinator to get them help. If they say yes I will ask them what help they have been given and if they are having issues with the VA they need help with.

Response by SSgt Charles Edwards made Jul 1 at 2015 2:27 PM

SSgt Charles Edwards — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 14:27:18 -0400

We've got people who are brazen enough to put on a uniform and pose as veterans. It's not out of the realm of possibilities that homeless people use a similar tactic. Honestly, the only way to know if a veteran is homeless is to see them emerge from a VA homeless shelter. I do what I can to help, but hate handing out money. It's too easy to buy drugs or alcohol and I'd rather give food and water to help someone out.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Jul 2 at 2015 9:42 AM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 09:42:29 -0400

I do not give money, I will give you food and I will bring you to the people that can help. http://www.va.gov/homeless/

Response by SGT Lawrence Corser made Jul 2 at 2015 6:09 PM

SGT Lawrence Corser — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 18:09:57 -0400

sad but some times inevitable in a country who does not take care of it's veterans or it's mental health patients. It also should figure out it's war on drugs hurts on it'sown people and not the low lever users or dealers.

Response by PO1 Christine Wilds made Apr 17 at 2024 6:30 PM

PO1 Christine Wilds — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 18:30:05 -0400

I carry ziplock bags in my vehicle containing liquid soap/shampoo, a toothbrush & toothpaste, a pair of socks and a small New Testament I get from the VA. It’s not much, but it’s something to let them know that they’re seen. If I have time, I ask their name, tell them mine (first names) and tell them I’ll pray for them. Then I write their name on a list I keep and I do pray for them.

If I’m not in my vehicle, I’ll buy them something to eat

Response by SP5 John Hien made Apr 17 at 2024 7:34 PM

SP5 John Hien — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 19:34:29 -0400

It seems to me that the VA goes to great lengths to house drug addicts, the mentally ill, those who don’t take care of themselves, and those who’ve had no direction after discharge. However, if a veteran who worked hard to build a life and somewhat prosper, the VA will tell him he/she isn’t qualified to enter the homeless program. I know because I visited the ‘Soldiers Home’ at Milwaukees VA Medical Center. The ‘Soldiers Home’ was built in the 1860s and recently restored. I would have enjoyed living there but was told I I didn’t qualify because my income was too high. Also, the VA homeless program doesn’t consider veterans who are divorced and must pay spousal support for the rest of their lives. It’s assumed the homeless veteran has no debts, has little income (because he was too lazy or unmotivated) to get an education or a job. I’ve seen some of the men who live at the ‘Soldiers Home’ and I think they are a disgrace. Some (but not all) have scraggly beards, wear dirty clothes, and simply look terrible.

Response by LCpl Todd Keller made Apr 17 at 2024 8:37 PM

LCpl Todd Keller — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 20:37:51 -0400

At Fort Snelling in Minneapolis, there have been old barracks and other buildings sitting idle and deteriorating for close to 75 or more years. Numerous Governors have said they would set aside money to renovate them into housing for homeless vets, but they never follow through. And they are 0nly about 1 1/2 miles from the Veterans hospital. It would have been a perfect fit. I do not have the extra money to give homeless vets, but I have given them clothes and jackets that I had at home, and have gotten them food.

Response by SGT Daniel Howard made Apr 18 at 2024 2:16 AM

SGT Daniel Howard — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 02:16:50 -0400

After almost 1 year of becoming homeless,vdue to congestive heart disease & a 2nd heart attack, having waited 4 + yrs for VA cardiology Doctors, to decide... There is Only 1 hope, in Christ alone. I've been ignored, outcast, because I don't do drugs or drink alcohol, so I've repeatedly been told, there is no help or hope... For a 65 + year, homeless, veteran like me... Welcome to the last days, of America. Never volunteer for combat infantry, I've been called a fool

Response by SSgt Charles Kreuser made Apr 18 at 2024 2:22 AM

SSgt Charles Kreuser — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 02:22:58 -0400

At times I will give an unhoused person money. I have to sometimes remind myself to not be so giving to everyone that comes up to me for money. I may not have the funds I need for myself if I gave money to everyone.

Response by Maxine Mickens made Apr 19 at 2024 11:23 AM

Maxine Mickens — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 11:23:06 -0400

Often times, homeless persons only need a few dollars to buy something eat! I try to offer help and offer give a few dollars!

Response by SFC Kevin Childers made Apr 19 at 2024 8:39 PM

SFC Kevin Childers — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 20:39:46 -0400

First and possibly foremost would be to learn what assistance is available in your local are to help them and then refer them to those. In general I kill time filling out restaurant customer surveys for which I often get gift cards. A dollar doesn't go far and may further unhealthy habits. But, a $5.00 White Castle card, a free Whopper or whatever helps.

Response by SPC Pat Villegas made Apr 21 at 2024 3:15 AM

SPC Pat Villegas — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 03:15:36 -0400

Having Been Homeless For A Year, It's Very Easy To Turn To Drugs And Alcohol To Numb Our Pain.
I'm Stable Now. I'm Housed Now. I'm Getting Mental Health Help At The VA Now.
PTSD Will Kill You , IF You Do Not Ask For, And Get HELP! I Help Other Homeless Veterans Now As A Way To Give Back....

Response by CH (CPT) James King made Jul 15 at 2024 6:46 PM

CH (CPT) James King — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 18:46:17 -0400

We have some homeless in San Angelo and a few claim to be Vets. When I pull up and stop at an intersection where one is I call out "Who were you with?" If they simply answer with a service and I have time I ask further. If they call out 1/12 Cav, 1st CAV I help them. Anyone who served knows the answer to a "who were you with?" question usually involves a specific unit, what ever branch of service they were in.