I have an idea for new Veteran Assistance upon discharge.

SPC Sven Pacot — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 14:05:58 -0500

Hello Battles,

As I was driving to an appointment yesterday at the Portland VA Medical Center a thought crossed my mind. I want to help Vets in a way we aren't already. What could I possibly do that is not already being done for us? We have employment assistance, medical, benefits, tuition, retirement homes, homes for the homeless. As I was running down the line, my last stated here struck me. Correct me if I am wrong, but we don't have homes for Vets with families. Maybe I haven't heard of the program or don't fully understand the homeless veteran program in place. In either regard, I thought of an idea that I would be shocked if it is not in place, but if it isn't I wish to instigate the starting of such. What are your ideas of an establishment of private communities? Essentially "On-Post Housing Quarters" for transitioning veterans and their families. I mean, let's face it. How many Soldiers get out and don't have employment secured? A place to call home? Granted some live with family. But what about those who wish to live in states where they have no family or acquaintances? Or the Soldier who thought he had employment secured, gets out and reports for work to find out, Sorry bud, I had to fill it and you weren't here." This would be a neighborhood of prior service military families of every branch living together. A half-way home if you will. There will need to be certain stipulations setup. You live in these homes for free granted you are using your GI Bill or actively engaging an employment search. Upon finding said employment and financial stability is reached they would be asked to locate their own residency. Who says it need be restricted to only transitioning Soldiers and their families? Why not Vets who had homes and lost them because of lost income? Laid off? Terminated? Quit? Couldn't find employment after an injury or disability didn't pay enough to continue paying bills? The possibilities are innumerable.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2014 9:18 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 21:18:55 -0500

SPC Pacot,

As a veteran, I miss the military communities (housing, base structure, daily military activities).

With that said, I always wondered why the VA never established "Veteran Bases".

I mean, I am sure there are lots of old army bases that could be brought back to life and the only requirement to be on one is to be a veteran in order to rent a home. it would kind of be like being back in the military, with a private veteran police force...just imagine a military base, but with veterans only.

Anyway, I think it would be a good idea.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2014 9:50 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 21:50:25 -0500

Good luck with that. I'd really like to see it happen. It seems that there are so many organizations out there to help veterans, but it seems if none truly want to help. I've even offered up my home rent-free to house veterans with families and everyone told me they couldn't do it.

Response by SFC Steven Jimmo made Feb 25 at 2014 11:45 AM

SFC Steven Jimmo — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 11:45:16 -0500

SPC Pacot,

We had a very similar project planned here in my city of Chicopee, MA. All of the details had been worked out and planning begun for a Veterans Opportunity Center with temporary housing for both single and families. Unfortunately, after giving us a building (a school) our mayor at the time took it away without telling us. This is still a very sore subject with many of us.

But you are correct. I remember my transition, and the difficulties of a career Sr NCO coming into a civilian community. I think you have a GREAT idea, and will be following where it goes.

SFC (Ret) Steve Jimmo

Response by A1C Michael David Severson made Feb 26 at 2014 4:25 PM

A1C Michael David Severson — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 16:25:09 -0500

I would like to see a simple show of 'Thumbs" for those who would consider getting behind a project like this in some capacity. Research, PR work, and advocacy are some significant elements to consider at the moment...

Response by SSG Dave Rogers made Mar 2 at 2014 3:32 PM

SSG Dave Rogers — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 15:32:55 -0500

From what I understand Veterans housing varies from state to state, just like some VA hospitals do not have certain services. I know on Long Island there are a couple of Veteran housing projects, some let families others don't. What is important to know is that while they may work with the VA they are largely set up by non-for-profits, teaching hospitals linked to the VA or through investors using grants and government money or working with local governments, like the project they are working on for Staten Island. A lot of the ones I have seen at VA hospitals, many also set up through places like the Salvation Army, are set up more like dorms (shelters) as they service mostly veterans suffering from PTSD, addictions as well as homelessness, it would be hard for them to set up for families as there are so many single homeless veterans that are on a waiting list for one of these beds.

Response by SN Thomas Imerti made Mar 3 at 2014 7:05 PM

SN Thomas Imerti — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 19:05:52 -0500

As some have stated there are towns here and there through out the country that have either OLD public housing areas or even NEW construction for low to moderate income levels mainly for Veterans and there families. I am on Long Island, New York and am aware of a couple of up-coming housing projects for Veterans and their families. I am trying to get a job working with at risk Veterans in my area. My heart is with the Veterans and their families. I feel that Vets with PTSD and other disorders can likely do better if they are with a community of people who have been through what they have been through. If their families are with them they would likely do even better. If there is ANYTHING I CAN DO FOR YOU PLEASE LET ME KNOW

Response by SN Thomas Imerti made Mar 3 at 2014 7:08 PM

SN Thomas Imerti — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 19:08:53 -0500

If you would like to try to work on a country-wide list of available and up-coming projects for Veterans Family Housing please let me know if I can assist you. It is a VERY needed resource.

Response by SPC Marleen Madding made Oct 17 at 2014 6:34 PM

SPC Marleen Madding — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 18:34:38 -0400

In the Tacoma area there are homes for Men and homes for women with children - but I have not crossed a Resource that is for the family. There is definitely a need!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2014 7:14 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 19:14:48 -0400

great idea, probably will never happen...

it costs money and politicians view it as a bad investment... only 1% of US citizens are veterans... why invest money in 1% of the vote.
they will spend billions to send us to war but fight every dollar spent stateside after we return.

that's the reality in money driven lobbyist and special interest campaigning. remember, corporations are people too, lol!

we need 1 term limits 2 outlaw lobbyists and special interest politicians contributions 3 limit money given to candidates for office it breeds corruption.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Oct 17 at 2014 9:01 PM

SGT Richard H. — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 21:01:31 -0400

I think it's a great idea. I don't know if these petitions actually accomplish anything, but it couldn't hurt to try:

We the People: Your Voice in Our Government | We the People: Your Voice in Our Government

Response by SrA Jay Strauser made Nov 9 at 2014 4:04 PM

SrA Jay Strauser — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 16:04:52 -0500

Operation Home Front has a program. I also know of another starting soon. http://www.meetup.com/Portland-Metro-Veterans-Connection/