National Veterans Service Commission
GL Newsletter January, 2009 Vets Message: What we can do for homeless veterans
by ARTHUR MAYER, JR. PGER Commission Chairman
America's homeless Veterans have served in World War II, Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam War, Grenada, Panama, Lebanon, Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Operation Iraqi Freedom, or the military’s anti-drug cultivation efforts in South America. Forty-seven percent of homeless Veterans served during the Vietnam Era. More than 67% served our country for at least three years and 33% were stationed in a war zone.
Although accurate numbers are impossible to come by — no one keeps national records on homeless Veterans — the Veterans Administration estimates that nearly 200,000 Veterans are homeless on any given night, and nearly 400,000 experience homelessness over the course of a year. Conservatively, one out of every three homeless who are sleeping in a doorway, alley or a box in our cities and rural communities, has put on a uniform and served this country and account for 23% of all homeless people in America.
With an estimated 400,000 Veterans homeless at some time during the year, the VA reaches only 25% of those in need, leaving 300,000 Veterans who must seek assistance from local government agencies and service organizations in their communities.
Each year, 2.3 million to 3.5 million people have experienced homelessness in America. By taking 23% of that range for Veterans, that would indicate there are between 529,000 and 840,000 Veterans who are homeless at some time during the year.
What services do Veterans need?
Veterans need a coordinated effort that provides secure housing and nutritious meals; essential physical health care, substance abuse aftercare, mental health counseling; personal development and empowerment, job assessment, training and placement assistance.
What seems to work best?
The most effective programs for homeless and at-risk Veterans are community-based, nonprofit groups of Veterans helping Veterans. Because government money for homeless Veterans is currently limited and serves only one in 10 of those in need, it is critical that “WE, THE ELKS” reach out to help provide additional support, resources and opportunities.
What can you do?
- Determine the need in your community. Visit with homeless Veteran providers. Contact your local mayor’s office for a list of providers.
- Involve others. If you are not already part of an organization, pull together a few people who might be interested in attacking this issue.
- Participate in local homeless coalitions. Chances are there is one in your community. If not, this may be the time to start bringing people together around this critical need. Send a financial donation to your local homeless Veteran provider.
- Contact your elected officials, and discuss what is being done in your community for Homeless Veterans.
Remember our Pledge, "So long as there are Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them." This is an integral part of it.
