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VETERANS ASSISTANCE
FOUNDATION |
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"Veterans Helping Veterans" |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Who are homeless veterans? |
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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says homeless veterans are mostly male (3% are
women). The vast majority are single and most come from poor, disadvantaged
communities. 40% suffer from mental illness and half have substance abuse problems.
More the 75% served our country for at least three years. Vietnam veterans account
for more than 40%. |
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How many are there? |
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Although accurate numbers are impossible to come by, (no one keeps national records on
homeless Veterans), the VA estimates that more the 275,00 veterans are homeless on
any given night. More than one-half million (equal to the population of Denver) will
experience homelessness over the course of a year. Conservatively one out of every
three individuals who is sleeping in a doorway, alley, or boxes in our cities and rural
communities has put on a uniform to serve our country. Now, they need
a helping hand. |
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Why are Veterans Homeless ? |
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Due to a complex set of factors affecting homelessness, such as, severe shortages in
affordable housing, poverty, high unemployment and disabilities are also factors. A
large number of displaced and at-risk veterans live with the lingering effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and
Substance abuse, compounded by a lack of family and social support
networks. A top priority is secure, safe, and affordable housing that is free of drugs and alcohol,
with a supportive environment
While most homeless people are single, unaffiliated men, most housing money in
existing federal homeless programs are devoted to helping homeless families and homeless
women with dependent children. According to "Is Homelessness
a Housing Problem ?" in "Understanding Homelessness :
New Policy and Research Perspectives. by the Fannie Mae
Foundation, 1997.
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Doesn't the Department of Veterans Affairs take care of homeless veterans ? |
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To a certain degree, yes. According to the VA's 1997 report, in the years since
it began responding to the special needs of homeless veterans, its homeless treatment and
assistance network has developed into the nations largest provider of homeless
services, serving more then 40,000 annually. With an estimated 500,000 veteran homeless at some time during the year,
the VA
reaches less than 10% of those in nee,.leaving 460,000 veterans still in need.
Since 1987, VA programs for homeless veterans have emphasized collaboration with
community service providers.
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What services do veterans need ? |
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Veterans need a coordinated effort that provides secure housing and nutritional meals,
essential physical health care, substance abuse aftercare, mental health counseling, and
personal development and empowerment. Veterans also need job assessment, training and
placement assistance. VAF strongly believes that all programs to assist homeless
veterans must focus on helping veterans reach the point where they can obtain and sustain
employment. |
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What seems to work best ? |
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The most effective programs for homeless and at risk veterans are community-based,
nonprofit vets helping vets groups. Programs that seem to work best feature
transitional housing with the camaraderie of living in structured, substance-free
environments with fellow veterans who are succeeding at bettering themselves.
Government money for homeless veterans is currently limited and services
only 1 in 10 of those in need. It is critical that community groups reach out to
help provide the support, resources, and opportunity most Americans take for granted:
housing, employment, and healthcare. There are about 200 community based veteran organizations across the country, which
have demonstrated impressive success reaching homeless veterans. Veterans who
participate in these programs have a higher chance of becoming tax-paying citizens again.
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What does the Veterans Assistance Foundation do ? |
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VAF serves as a liaison between the branches of the federal government and
community-based homeless veterans service providers. Today the VAF has remained
steadfast in its original goal of advocating and working for the elimination of
homelessness among veterans |
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