Homeless Veterans

What is the definition of homeless?                                                                                                                            

(1) Lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.                                                                                (2) Has a nighttime residence that is:                                                                                                      Temporary (Shelter, welfare hotels, transitional housing for those with a mental illness)                                 Place not designed or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations for human beings      

New York has the 5th largest population of veterans in the US with a total of 950,000+. Those Veterans Comprise 11% of the general population, yet are 26% of the homeless population. Using that definition, about 5,500 Long Island Veterans would be considered homeless. Of those vets, 89% of them were honorably discharged. Since the veterans generally have poor preparation for transition from “combat” environment to “civilian” life, 76% have a mental health and / or substance abuse problem. Many find it difficult to find employment once they return home, and it is even more difficult if they have a mental disorder. Some soldiers come home and drink or do drugs, since these items are not allowed in the army, and they become addicted. Also, women Veterans have 3.6X the risk of homelessness than their counterparts in the community. It has been recorded that 40% of homeless female veterans report a history of sexual assault.

The average life expectancy for those living on the streets, which is between 42 and 52—decades younger than most Americans. This is due to the threat of frostbite, hypothermia and gangs. Clearly, action needs to be taken to help our vets. In 2011 President Obama, Department of Defense Secretary ,Eric Shinseki, and HUD Secretary, Shaun Donovan, announced a five year plan to end veteran homelessness in the United States.   The announcement was backed up by record funds to help achieve this goal. Since this bill was passed Veteran homelessness has been reduced by 17.2%. Now even though that is amazing, there are still thousands of our veterans living on the streets of New York. These men and women put their lives on the line to help defend our freedom, the least we can do is help them get the life that they deserve. Donations are very useful because it can help pay for shelters, food, and medical treatment for the soldiers. It is heartbreaking to realize that our soldiers are living on the streets in below-freezing weather conditions, and we are sleeping freely in our houses thanks to them. This is no way to treat a hero.