BATTLING THE BACKLASH IN SUPPORTING HOMELESS VETERANS IN 2024


By akirschbaum
Homeless Veterans sitting and talking on a bench.

Life for Veterans after the military is challenging. After having to deal with the horrifying experience of war, they then need to face the reality of potentially being homeless. This also comes with mental and physical scars that they’ve developed during their military service. The rise in the percentage of homeless Veterans is alarming and should be taken seriously. In addition to this, the lack of funding and decreased government support is not helping anyone and will only worsen the issue. Funding through the Veterans Administration is helping alleviate the problem. But is there enough funding and support for them to continue their service? The number of homeless Veterans continues to rise, and there are only limited resources available for the VA to continue their housing efforts.

How Many Veterans Were Homeless in 2023?

According to the National Association of American Veterans, Inc. (NAAV), there were around 40,401 homeless Veterans in the United States in 2023. However, this figure may be inaccurate, but it is already a small win for our Veterans. Being as accurate as possible is important, especially when it comes to Veterans' homeless issues, but rest assured that this is a good thing. This is because there has been an influx of funding assisting multiple programs to help bring this number down. You can find many homeless Veterans programs out there, but at the end of the day, the VA has a network unlike any other. Not only do they have the reach, but they also have the responsibility of taking care of our nation’s Vets when they leave the service honorably. This isn’t a new problem, and there are new solutions. However, the funding and dedication to using such resources show that the government can make a difference for our nation’s heroes when they care to do so.

VA Programs Are Enjoying Funding, on Track to Hit Goals

Lately, the VA has been on a roll in tackling Veteran homelessness. Using a home-first approach, the VA secured homes for 26,000 Veterans at risk of homelessness in the first seven months of 2023 thanks to collaborations with community partnerships. Along with efforts in 2022, over 67,000 Veterans have gained permanent housing, aligning with a broader initiative to reduce homelessness nationwide. However, an estimated 33,000 Veterans are believed to remain without stable housing on any given night. Still, the efforts are working and because of recent progress, this figure may decrease after fall studies are released. At the same time, VA leaders presented the progress report on homelessness aid and announced nearly $1 billion in grants for homeless Veteran programs. This will benefit over 700 community organizations.VA Secretary Denis McDonough was happy with the progress and reiterated their stance on continuing the good work. He highlighted that these grants would allow the VA and community partners to provide more housing and additional services to homeless Veterans lacking mental and physical health care. The money is allocated to the VA's Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Programs as part of the yearly budget. Community organizations commend these homeless veteran initiatives for helping people who are currently experiencing homelessness.The data showed that the Veterans appreciated the VA's housing efforts and remained in the housing provided for them. With this, the program aims to provide more housing using the approach that is working for them.

Growing Hostility Towards Helping Homeless Veterans

Advocates for affordable housing are concerned not only about the increase in the percentage of homeless veterans in recent years. They are now worrying that people's disinterest and rage over the issue of funding them will only deepen. The estimated 36,000 Veterans who lack stable housing in America on any given night face an increasingly challenging financial situation. This is the result of municipalities' recent increases in criminal penalties for homelessness combined with cuts to support programs. There was also a case in Oregon where the Supreme Court held a case about their homeless issues. The town's officials authorized fines and jail time for individuals who slept outside in public spaces as part of an attempt to control the city's homeless encampments. The result of the hearing will come in the next few months. For the past year, people have been advocating for increased federal funding for Veteran housing initiatives, as a pandemic aid program that covered medical travel fees and rent assistance ran out in May 2023. However, swaying decision-makers to fund those initiatives will require public support. The advocates for homeless Veterans agree that some of the public support that has been visible in previous years has declined. However, they remain optimistic about the communities' ability to continue helping Veterans, whether they are homeless or not.

Extending a Helping Hand for Homeless Veterans

There are numerous practical ways for individuals to offer their help to our veterans. Here are some of the helpful ways to make a difference:

  • Donate to Veteran Support Organizations: Be active in joining support organizations and donate whatever you can in the form of food or any amount of money. They could use job opportunities or referrals for good housing programs as well.
  • Volunteer at Local Shelters: Time is also a great resource for donations. You can help by providing your service, such as cooking food, providing mentorship, and assisting with whatever they need in local shelters, which are most likely understaffed due to a lack of budget.
  • Advocate for Policy Change: If passed, laws could potentially change the lives of Veterans. This could mean they get the funding they deserve and have access to physical and mental health care. It’s important that you lend your voice so more people are aware and the message will reach the right people.

Discover the VA Program Now to See How You Can Help!

Maybe it’s dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or perhaps another mental illness creating an obstacle. It could be because of the inability to secure affordable housing. Although, it could be the stigmas when applying for jobs, health issues, substance abuse issues, etc. The truth is, it’s a combination of all of this and more. While it is encouraging that the VA is taking this issue head-on, it has been a long time coming. There is still much more to be done. If you or someone you know is facing such struggles, the Homeless Veterans Hotline is available at (877) 424-3838.

FAQs About Homeless US Veterans

What is the Connection of Mental Health to Veteran Homelessness?

Many of these Veterans have PTSD and depression due to their experience in the military. If they don’t have access to mental health care, this would only make it harder for them to function as a normal citizen. This may affect their work, leading to the loss of ability to provide for their basic needs.

How Do Employment Programs Help Veterans Who are Homeless?

Employment programs that specifically target Veterans who are struggling are a big help. Veterans without a house lack the resources to build themselves up, so they will benefit greatly if there’s a program supporting them and providing them the opportunity to get back up and working.

What Challenges Do They Face in Healthcare Access?

Healthcare is a basic need for everyone, and it’s also the same for our Veterans. Since they don’t have the financial means to pay for their insurance, they can’t get consistent medical care or even pay for their hospital bills. Read next:


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