What can you do for a panhandling homeless vet that is worth more than giving them money?

Great thoughts Col Iverson. I had a friend stop and offer to take panhandler to the local mission that takes them in and provides food. The man declined and said, "I make more money right here than most working people do in a day." One bad apple, but many others that are really in need. I think taking them food is a great choice.

it is until you watch them throw it into the nearest garbage can.buy them a meal,or better,refer them to the local shelter(if the area has one).most will turn it down.

just based on that one experience huh? well I don't drink. and I need help.

SN Aaron Matteson - Hi! No not based on just one experience. Based on several...I 'interviewed' them to assess their situation & if they were actually a REAL veteran. Hope you get there services and support you require.

1stSgt Eugene Harless - No doubt true,,,,and likely a significant factor in why they are homeless.
When I said job, I meant, day job, few hours, I transport, provide tools ,pay in cash. Sweep my riding range, pull weeds, use mower or weedeter..kind of stuff.
As far as strings attached, none,,,, no you can have this burger if you pray with me, not hay want a Gatorade if you will fill out this survey or Here is $10 if you let me take your pic, get your name.

just "hey want a drink?"

Last time I did that he threw it at the truck after I left the tight..he only wanted cash

Gentlemen quite a Few Vets have Substance abuse problems and Mental health issues But I do know that The Behavioral Health Clinics in the VA system provide a Path to Groups who provide shelter and also a HUD VASH Voucher for Qualified Vets.

PVT Mark Dorton - and that's the kicker all of these programs but the majority of them refuse The assistance.
Whether it's because they're not truly eligible for an IE they're faking it.
Or they have mental or emotional issues which keep them from excepting one thing using the assistance available
Unless they're Violennt to themselves or others they won't be committed involuntarily so they'll never received the help they need.

Agreed. I work as A CSO with the VA Police and I see quite a few cases where they prefer to sleep in the street and when they are committed they usually have to be tricked so they don't leave the clinic. Come in everyday for a shower or a change in clothing or use the washer and dryer. It's heartbreaking but The VAPD are very understanding, very tolerant and Easy with them.

LCpl James Robertson - The Marines who were sent there in 1975 were part of evacuation, and very small in numbers. Our involvement peaked in 1968 with about 536,000 deployed service members. In 1972 the numbers were at about 24,000. After that the numbers in country were just limited to advisors.
The point I am making is that the War "ending" and the deployment of US troops don't necessarily jive with each other.
You will be hard pressed to find many genuine vets who served in country 73-after.
"Operation End Sweep" was not some secret squirrel operation. It was merely to remove mines in NV waters we had planted.

LCpl James Robertson - For something that has "no records" there is a ton of crap on operation end sweep on the internet.

A1C Karyl Parks - Yes the mentally ill need assistance. The devil is in the details in the cases on mentally ill homeless people. Unless the commit a crime they aren't taken into custody. Because of civil rights, if a mentally ill person is taken off the streets he or she can only be held for 72 hours. Unless they are deemed a danger to themselves or others they have to be released. Some are instituionalized for short periods of time and medicated, but once they are released and stop meds its back to the same cycle.

you're a sorry piece of sh**... i'd give them money .. IF I COULD AFFORD TO! AS AN AFGHAN VET.