What should we do to end veteran homelessness?

PV2 Greg Hitchcock — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 09:32:28 -0400

Going home may be a difficult transition for some veterans. Many may end up homeless or near homeless.

The White House is pledging itself to end veteran homelessness.

What should we do to help homeless veterans?

For a story on homelessness, check out my story of Navy veteran Jeff Cote.

http://greghitchcockonline.com/homeless-veteran-hopeful-future/

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jun 30 at 2014 10:38 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 10:38:31 -0400

There's no arguing that homelessness among Veterans is an issue. What is the solution? More homes? More programs? More education? Personally I don't know. I do know there are plenty of groups out there trying to help those without a roof over their head. While each homeless Veteran has his/her own reason(s) as to why they are homeless, some refuse to seek help or fail to maintain the standards set forth by the different organizations giving help. Sadly, I don't see just one possible answer to this question.

Response by 1st Lt Mary James made Nov 1 at 2021 8:54 PM

1st Lt Mary James — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 20:54:17 -0400

The VA and our government have very craftfully excluded a whole sector of the population who remain in limbo and probably form a large part of homeless Veterans. Many who are just above the income cut- offs for HUD VASH and other programs are neglected because they dont qualify and I am in that category. Even as a disabled Vet I can't get any help with housing. Also, I am an older single female (widowed), so I don't have priority for services and it seems like I don't really need a home. It has been a hellish struggle going from one agency to another just to get some cursory responses which are mostly negative. If one is homeless how can you say they don't need a home or they dont qualify? The lack of action and apathy by our elected officials is nothing short of genocide. Have you seen the multitudes pushing shopping carts full of
their belongings? How about people laying in doorways to keep warm? The homeless are being
chased by the police like they are rabid animals and a threat to society. There are no areas to toilet, wash up, or get some rest: rest areas have cut the time to 2:hours, bathrooms for patron use only, McDonalds is starting to limit times to 30 mins, vacant parking lots are OK for big rigs but not for cars. Many homeless are living out of their cars but can't get sleep because they're chased from everywhere. It's pathetic.
Evaluate each case on its merits and actual need, not arbitrary cutoffs. Maybe its time to revamp the whoke system.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2022 12:30 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 00:30:08 -0400

take a hard look at what Virginia has done.