Posted on Apr 3, 2018
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The veteran homeless population is estimated at just over 40,000 nationally (https://va.gov/HOMELESS/pit_count.asp). There are voucher programs that can help but eligibility guidelines must be met. The biggest problem with the multi-million dollar national programs (HUD-VASH and SSVF - $977 million for FY 2018) is there usually are little or no funds for deposits, only the monthly rent. This shifts an undue burden onto the community to make up the difference. Small local NGO and VSO groups are routinely contacted by VA and SSVF reps to find financial resources to make up the difference.
Recognizing veteran homelessness is still a critical problem and helping someone get off the street may be the first step in preventing a suicide, relieving dependence on alcohol or drugs or even allowing someone to find gainful employment or reconnect with family.
Shouldn't the military services take an active role in helping reduce the number of veterans living on the streets? If so, how can they help. Here is an idea - Did you know each one of our military services has a financial aid society?
Eligibility for grants, loans and scholarships is strict but it can make a difference in an emergency situation. The mission of each is to "provide financial assistance to active duty, reserve, and retired army soldiers and their dependents in the time of emergency needs". The combined net assets of these 4 military/veteran specific charities is over 630 million dollars - Yes, $630,806,142 at the end of FY 2015 (ref: GuideStar: http://www.guidestar.org).
Why not start a campaign with our congressional leaders to explore using some of these "Net Assets" to address something that is uniquely veteran specific and may in part be related to military service. I know each of these programs is a blessing to their target service audience. How about a small expansion to help cover deposit costs for service veterans seeking housing assistance through HUD-VASH or SSVF? We understand the eligibility requirement and the reserve funds limits for these agencies but altering their by-laws to allow a small set aside of 15% to help cover unmet housing costs would provide $94,000,000 in additional funds!
Maybe it's time for the military services to look at helping all of those who served not just currently serving and retired but anyone Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine or Coast Guardsman that is recognized as a Veteran. A small set aside from these massive foundation coffers could actually make a huge impact on their fellow warriors.
Want more info on making a difference check out our website http://www.compassquest.org
We are Veterans Helping Veterans Find the Way Forward
Recognizing veteran homelessness is still a critical problem and helping someone get off the street may be the first step in preventing a suicide, relieving dependence on alcohol or drugs or even allowing someone to find gainful employment or reconnect with family.
Shouldn't the military services take an active role in helping reduce the number of veterans living on the streets? If so, how can they help. Here is an idea - Did you know each one of our military services has a financial aid society?
Eligibility for grants, loans and scholarships is strict but it can make a difference in an emergency situation. The mission of each is to "provide financial assistance to active duty, reserve, and retired army soldiers and their dependents in the time of emergency needs". The combined net assets of these 4 military/veteran specific charities is over 630 million dollars - Yes, $630,806,142 at the end of FY 2015 (ref: GuideStar: http://www.guidestar.org).
Why not start a campaign with our congressional leaders to explore using some of these "Net Assets" to address something that is uniquely veteran specific and may in part be related to military service. I know each of these programs is a blessing to their target service audience. How about a small expansion to help cover deposit costs for service veterans seeking housing assistance through HUD-VASH or SSVF? We understand the eligibility requirement and the reserve funds limits for these agencies but altering their by-laws to allow a small set aside of 15% to help cover unmet housing costs would provide $94,000,000 in additional funds!
Maybe it's time for the military services to look at helping all of those who served not just currently serving and retired but anyone Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine or Coast Guardsman that is recognized as a Veteran. A small set aside from these massive foundation coffers could actually make a huge impact on their fellow warriors.
Want more info on making a difference check out our website http://www.compassquest.org
We are Veterans Helping Veterans Find the Way Forward
Posted in these groups: 
Homeless
Non-Profits
Military service
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Joplin
Homeless Non-Profits Military service Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Joplin
Edited 6 y ago
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 14
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Really? The military gets their cut of money for national defense. Operations funding, current sustainment, training, and equipment to name a few. I don’t know why there is a homeless Vet issue. Did they not get paid enough during the three or four years they served in the military? Did you become disabled to the point they can’t work and the $3,000/month not enough? Is there retirement check not enough? Why are there people homeless? And different reason then a non-vet? Is it because of poor choices? Or just bad luck? Why don’t we just take all on DOD funding and put it to end homelessness? Maybe because we have a responsibility to the country just like each of us have a responsibility to ourselves and our family. DOD can’t be responsible for the actions of everyone who ever served in the military.
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They should take a bigger and better role for preparing ETSing members for reentry in to the civilian world. That alone would help a lot. It is such a vast change going from people who care about you, to people who couldn't care less about you.
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OK, I guess I'll be the resident cynic. I've worked for years as a volunteer and as a contractor for various of the charitable homeless shelters and groups like Habitat. My experience, and supported by those that run these organizations, is that at least 40 percent of the homeless population have serious mental problems that make them non functional in normal society and would have been institutionalized for their own good 40 years ago. The largest part of the remainder have serious drug and/or alcohol abuse problems and still they may also have issues like depression or being bipolar. They aren't on the streets because of bad luck, they are there because they have screwed over their friends and family enough that this is all that's left. Neither group is capable of self care and providing them with an apartment or house won't solve the problem. I'm not suggesting just writing them off, but if you think you can change these individuals, you are in for a long and bitterly disappointing experience.
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SMSgt Ted D.
Lawrence, I understand where you are coming from. We have worked for the past 4 years through our nonprofit, Compass Quest, to help educate the community and fellow veterans on the issue of veteran homelessness and the high instance of co-occurring issues of mental health, substance and alcohol abuse. We are working with many agencies to attempt to address the causes and provide tools for the vets to use to help overcome obstacles, some of which are self imposed. We are not blind to the fact that not all are interested in help. We do realize that doing nothing is not an option especially if we can prevent even 1 veteran from taking their own life. #StopThe20
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CPT Lawrence Cable
SMSgt Ted D. - I would agree with that in a world of unlimited resources, but that isn't true in this case. Even dealing with strictly addictions, which I have unfortunately had more than my fair share of experience with family members, friends and co workers, those at the homeless stage are seldom recoverable through intervention programs, the best of which have a pretty shitty success rate with even motivated clients, and this group won't be motivated. I would think we would be better off spending money trying to intervene in these Vet's (or regular people) lives before it gets to this point. Those with debilitating mental illnesses should be put in resident care where at least they get three hots and a cot and maybe some kind of mental healthcare.
I know that sounds cold hearted, but in reality you might have a chance of save that guy that isn't as that point while dealing with the homeless crowd will make you old and cynical before your time.
I know that sounds cold hearted, but in reality you might have a chance of save that guy that isn't as that point while dealing with the homeless crowd will make you old and cynical before your time.
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