Posted on Aug 6, 2014
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Although homelessness among veterans has decreases significantly in recent years, veterans still make up a disproportionate percentage of homeless adults in the United States. We've broken down where the estimated 57,849 homeless veterans live by state to shed some light on where the problem is most persistent.
What veterans assistance programs have you seen be successful in your area?
Would improved transition programs help maintain the downward trend in veteran homelessness?
What veterans assistance programs have you seen be successful in your area?
Would improved transition programs help maintain the downward trend in veteran homelessness?
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Homeless
Command Post
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
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I think that some veterans, for various reasons, really fall off the radar and are afraid to ask for help. I think staying connected with those that you served with can be the best way of avoiding situations like this. Everyone has different experiences in the military. Some never want to talk about serving and some love sharing and going to veteran and military gatherings. This sounds like a commercial, but the more we talk to each other, the more we can open up and know when someone needs help or even ask for help ourselves.
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One caveat I'll add to this (and I have not read the study)... but previous studies looking into this have only ASKED if they're vets. We all know that 99% of homeless panhandlers claim to be vets. Again, haven't read this particular study, but I have seen "studies" that have asked but never followed up to verify actual vet status so the results could be very off.
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CW2 Joseph Evans
Many of the studies are getting better. The VAs have started asking about living situations when Veterans come in for care. The increase in beds specifically allocated to Veterans with proof have helped in the accountability.
But you are right, the "Moment in time" analysis that they do every year on January 30th is little more than a survey of the demographics of the homeless people they can find. There is no fact checking on claims.
But you are right, the "Moment in time" analysis that they do every year on January 30th is little more than a survey of the demographics of the homeless people they can find. There is no fact checking on claims.
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I understand what you want is concepts to solve a problem that most of us are willing to admit exists, even though the bulk of the debate so far seems to be on whether it is as bad as the statistics say or if they are overinflated to make it seem worse than it is.
As much as we want to look at this problem from a single person perspective, it takes a community to make a dent in this problem. Many of these vets are in this situation because they fall into patterns that create a downward spiral in their life. Lose a job, get divorced, lose their house, miss an insurance payment or an alcohol related incident that gets a license suspended. The homelessness of anyone is usually a symptom, or the end result of an entirely different problem.
From a leadership perspective on the motivations of man, my usual fall back is Maslow's Hierarchy. Many of these Veterans are existing in a hand to mouth lifestyle where they are unable to count on a meal from one day to the next, or a bed to sleep in. By pulling together community resources and building stairs that these vets can use to climb out of their situations, you can solve the problem.
Provide a safe place to sleep, let them know that food is available, create a community for them to belong to, help them to develop friends with people who's values are solid. Give them the tools to maintain this for themselves.
As much as we want to look at this problem from a single person perspective, it takes a community to make a dent in this problem. Many of these vets are in this situation because they fall into patterns that create a downward spiral in their life. Lose a job, get divorced, lose their house, miss an insurance payment or an alcohol related incident that gets a license suspended. The homelessness of anyone is usually a symptom, or the end result of an entirely different problem.
From a leadership perspective on the motivations of man, my usual fall back is Maslow's Hierarchy. Many of these Veterans are existing in a hand to mouth lifestyle where they are unable to count on a meal from one day to the next, or a bed to sleep in. By pulling together community resources and building stairs that these vets can use to climb out of their situations, you can solve the problem.
Provide a safe place to sleep, let them know that food is available, create a community for them to belong to, help them to develop friends with people who's values are solid. Give them the tools to maintain this for themselves.
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CPT Barbara Smith
I currently support Kansas City's Taking it to the Streets. Additionally, when I go to the KC VAMC for my appointments, I actively listen to all veterans. Some of them have supported me as well. It does take a village, indeed.
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