Hello all...
Whether you are a veteran seeking information about veterans' benefits, or just someone needing another opinion or advice about anything that concerns you, now you can Ask Gramps About Anything, and I will do my best to provide an honest, informed answer, without any BS.
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Recent news indicates that many 'seniors' are living in their vehicles. Thus, they are becoming a bigger and more significant part of the homeless statistics.
ReplyDeleteMany sources mention that U.S. veterans make up a big percentage of the overall homeless population.
Within the fast increasing numbers of older homeless people, more than likely, there will be many veterans.
There are programs that might be able to help some or most of the homeless veterans, and those programs vary from state to state.
Many people do not like to look at a homeless person, at least to make direct eye contact.
Maybe they are subconsciously thinking, there but for the grace of God…
The state of Washington has one of the more progressive “department of veteran’s affairs” agencies. The WDVA, under the leadership of John Lee, is working to provide alternatives for homeless and at-risk veterans. WDVA is recognizing the fact that soon there will be large numbers of new veterans from the U.S. military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Unfortunately, service providers, and the criminal justice system, are already seeing homeless veterans from that group.
I believe it is time for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to develop a safe housing network. At one time, all veterans went through basic training. They were told what to do, when and how, and how often to do it; and, they did those things remarkably well in most cases. There should not be any homeless veterans.
Most larger cities have an industrial area, and in most cases, there are unused or derelict buildings. While I was in the Air Force, I lived in a Butler Building for nearly four years. The VA can spend some money to convert some of the unused or derelict buildings to living units, very similar to a barracks.
Yes, there should be programs and case managers, and a defined plan to get the veterans back on track toward becoming a productive member of society. With nearly all homeless veterans, there are mental health issues. So, this living arrangement should have a very comprehensive array of assistance.
I realize the VA does help sponsor some living units. However, the number of rooms available does not meet the existing need, and will not be sufficient to help the future needs.
What are your thoughts about this?