Tag Archives: homeless veterans

Visible steps to address veteran homelessness

Posted on by Chris

As we enter December and temperatures continue to drop, we reach the season where survival can be acutely difficult for the homeless. The VA estimates that up to 131,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. This is clearly a time for serious thinking about how to address this persistent problem.

VA Secretary Eric Shinseki has publicly committed to working to end veteran homelessness within 5 years. In 2010 the VA will spend $3.2 billion to achieve this goal, with “as much as $500 million going to homeless programs and $2.5 billion to medical services,” according to the Washington Times.

Ending veteran homelessness is no doubt a hugely ambitious goal, but this weekend in the news we see a smattering of stories which provide some hope that substantive steps are being taken to help achieve that goal. A new homeless shelter is has been dedicated in Ventura, CA, which will have the capacity for 60 disabled and elderly veterans and was largely funded by the VA. In Shreveport, LA a similar facility is being opened by the Volunteers of America, with a capacity for 56 veterans. And finally, a 32-bed shelter will open today in Chicago in a ceremony attended by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and Illinois Asst. VA Secretary Tammy Duckworth.

As the Washington Times states,

Our time waiting for soldiers to return from war will be well spent if we are about the shared goal of protecting and defending our country. Protecting those least among us from the inhumane conditions of persistent poverty and defending their right to housing.

Adm. Mullen wins award for supporting homeless veterans

Posted on by Chris

The Northampton, MA-based non-profit, Soldier On, presented Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, with an award yesterday to commemorate his commitment to helping homeless veterans.

Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Image courtesy of Facebook

Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Image courtesy of Facebook

Mullen has offered significant support to Soldier On, whose mission is to help homeless veterans get their lives back on track.

Mullen has emphasized that the military should begin preparing men and women, from the time they enlist, for their return to civilian life, they said.

It’s great to see this important and pressing issue spotlighted. We applaud Mullen’s efforts to combat veteran homelessness. Read the full article here.

Combating Veteran Homelessness: Stand Downs

Posted on by Chris

Continuing on yesterday’s topic of veteran homelessness, this post focuses on Stand Downs, events which provide services to homeless veterans in cities throughout the country. These events are put on in a collective effort between local VA offices, other government agencies, and community organizations. Typical services offered to homeless veterans in attendance include food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, VA and Social Security benefits counseling, and referrals to a variety of other necessary services, such as housing, employment and substance abuse treatment. Read more about Stand Downs or find a Stand Down coming to your town on the VA website.

Several Stand Downs have already taken place. Read more about some of the recent Stand Downs here:

-St. Andrews, Florida

-Sioux City, Iowa

-Dothan, Alabama

-Muncie, Indiana

-Great Falls, Montana

-Alexandria, Louisiana

-Bakersfield, California

Today is World Habitat Day

Posted on by Chris

Established by the UN and Habitat for Humanity, World Habitat Day is a day that acknowledges and calls attention to the ongoing problems of homelessness across the globe. In the words of the UN,

The United Nations has designated the first Monday of October every year as World Habitat Day. The idea is to reflect on the state of our towns and cities and the basic right of all to adequate shelter. It is also intended to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat.

You can read more about World Habitat Day here.

This day of reflection and (hopefully) a call to action should also draw our attention to the plight of homeless veterans. An estimated 131,000 veterans are homeless in this country. The vast majority are males, though homelessness among female veterans is increasing at an alarming rate (click here to read our recent post on the subject of homelessness among female veterans).

For information on organizations offering services to homeless veterans, click here to access the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans’ directory.

Also of interest in the near future is the VA’s Homeless Veteran Summit, to be held November 3-5. This conference was called to discuss plans to put into action the VA’s pledge to end veteran homelessness within five years. More information on the Homeless Veteran Summit can be found here.