HELPING HOMELESS VETERANS
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Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Homeless Veterans

This information, with some editing, is taken from the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
http://www.nchv.org/background.cfm

Who are homeless veterans?


The U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) says homeless veterans are mostly males (2 % are females). The vast majority are single, most come from poor, disadvantaged communities, 45% suffer from mental illness, and half have substance abuse problems. America's homeless veterans have served in World War II, Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Lebanon, the military’s anti-drug cultivation efforts in South America, Desert Storm, Afghanistan and Iraq.. Forty-seven percent of homeless veterans served during the Vietnam Era. More than 67% served our country for at least three years and 33% were stationed in a war zone.

How many homeless veterans are there in Utah?


Although accurate numbers are impossible to come by ... no one keeps up to date, accurate records on homeless veterans ... the federal government estimates that more than 299,321 veterans are homeless on any given night. And, more than 500,000 experience homelessness over the course of a year. Conservatively, one out of every four homeless males who is sleeping in a doorway, alley, or box in our cities and rural communities has put on a uniform and served our country ... now they need America to remember them.

It is even more difficult to estimate Utah's homeless population. It appears that Utah veterans are more likely to be able to draw on family or Church resources than veterans in other states, and are quite reluctant to seek out State or local social services. Thus, their need is less likely to be reported in official statistics. We are confident that Utah's homeless veterans population directly proportional to the national homeless veterans population.  Hence we calculate that 2,395 Utah veterans are homeless on any given night and nearly 5,000 experience homelessness over the course of a year .

Why are Utah veterans homeless?


In addition to the complex set of factors affecting all homelessness… extreme shortage of affordable housing, livable income, and access to health care a large number of displaced and at-risk veterans live with lingering effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and substance abuse, compounded by a lack of coordinated social support networks.
A top priority is secure, safe, clean housing that is free of drugs and alcohol, and has a supportive environment.
While "most homeless people are single, unaffiliated men… most housing money in existing federal homelessness programs, in contrast, is devoted to helping homeless families or homeless women with dependant children," according to "Is Homelessness a Housing Problem?" in Understanding Homelessness: New Policy and Research Perspectives published by Fannie Mae Foundation, 1997.


Doesn’t the Department of Veterans Affairs take care of homeless veterans?

To a certain degree, yes. According to the VA's 1997 report, in the years since it "began responding to the special needs of homeless veterans, its homeless treatment and assistance network has developed into the Nation's largest provider of homeless services. Serving more than 100,000 veterans annually." Meanwhile, the "Valor House", Salt Lake City VA's only homeless care center serves only about 35 men. (The Valor House is located in Building 3 of the Salt Lake City VA Medical Center.  Their number is 801-584-2542)

With an estimated 500,000 veterans homeless at some time during a year, the VA reaches less than 20% of those in need ... leaving 400,000 veterans still without services, more than 3,000 in Utah alone.


What services do veterans need?


Veterans need more services like those offered at The Homeless Veterans Fellowship in Ogden. This is a coordinated effort that provides secure housing and nutritional meals; essential physical health care, substance abuse aftercare and mental health counseling; and, personal development and empowerment. The HVF program also includes job assessment, training and placement assistance.


We at UtVet.com agree with the philosophy of HVF; all programs to assist homeless veterans must focus on helping veterans reach the point where they can obtain and sustain employment and self respect.


What seems to work best?

The most effective programs for homeless and at-risk veterans are community-based, nonprofit, vets helping vet groups like the Homeless Veterans Fellowship Homeless Veterans Fellowship located at 541 23rd Street, Ogden, UT 84402-1706 phone (801) 392-7662

Contact the Director of the Homeless Veterans Fellowship, Reggie Burnaugh, at 801-392-5796. His email address is director@homelessveterans.org

HVF Programs can stand as a model for all of what seems to work best in helping homeless vets.  They offer transitional housing with the camaraderie of living in structured, substance-free environments with fellow veterans who are succeeding at bettering themselves. They also offer Counseling and Medical Care, Employment counselling, and help for female vets

Because government money for homeless veterans is currently limited and serves only one in 10 of those in need, it is critical that community groups reach out to help provide the support, resources and opportunities most Americans take for granted: housing, employment and health care.

There are about 200 community-based veteran organizations like the Homeless Veterans Fellowship that have demonstrated impressive success reaching homeless veterans. We will be most successful when we work in collaboration with Federal, State, and local government agencies, other homeless providers, and veteran service organizations. Veterans who participate in these programs have a higher chance of becoming tax-paying, productive citizens again.


What can you do?

If you, or someone you know is a homeless vet, get in touch with the Vet Center (377-1117), or the Food and Care Coalition, 373-1825. These are both located in Provo. In an emergency, call the Emergency Room at the VA Hospital in Salt Lake City, 800-613-4012. Veterans Service Organizations like The Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Marine Corp League and Vietnam Veterans of America are also anxious to help.

* Involve others. If you are not already part of an organization, join in. Then, when you are activated, pull together a few people more who are interested in attacking this issue.

* Participate in local homeless coalitions. The Food and Care Coalition in Provo is top notch.  Their number is 373-1825.  Contact your local mayor's office for a list of providers that may be closer to your location.

* Contact your elected officials, and discuss what is being done in your community for homeless veterans.  A hand written, single page letter seems to work best at getting their attention!



 

 
 

It is believed that there are currently over 2,000 homeless veterans in Utah!

 

 

 

Homeless vets need clothing. Business clothes are especially welcome. 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to Utah's Marine Corp League and Vietnam Veterans of America for their clothing drive

Utah's Marine Corp League and Vietnam Veterans of America have teamed up to collect clothing and resources for our homeless veterans.  Way to go men!

Thanks Terry Webber for the pix.

 

 

Because government money for homeless veterans is currently limited and serves only one in 10 of those in need, it is critical that community groups reach out to help provide the support, resources and opportunities most Americans take for granted: housing, employment and health care.

 

 

 

Thanks Dave and Terry.  You set a great example of Vets helping vets.

Dave and Terry set a great example of Veterans helping Veterans.  Great job men!

 

 

One person can make all the difference. . . .

Especially if the person is a Marine.

SEMPER FI!

 

 

Thanks Terry Webber for the pix.