by Shelly Barclay

Created on: April 13, 2009   Last Updated: February 06, 2011

Every year thousands of people find themselves homeless. While many kind people do their best to house and feed these people, there are still an astonishing number of homeless people living on the street. Sadly enough some of these homeless people are the very soldiers that have risked their lives fighting for our country. The unfortunate truth is that readjustment into society can be very difficult for a soldier returning home from combat. Some veterans are coming home to find that they cannot keep a roof over their head. Fortunately, if you are a veteran and you are homeless there are several programs available for homeless vets through the Department of Veteran's Affairs.

A homeless veteran in need of assistance should contact the nearest Homeless Veteran Coordinator. To find a Homeless Veteran Coordinator near you go to www.va.gov/homeless/docs/HCHV.Sites.ByState.pdf. A VA Homeless Veteran Coordinator can help you obtain information about the services available to homeless veterans through the VA. Some of the services available to homeless vets are outreach programs, personal case management and referrals to a benefits counselor. While some VA facilities do provide health care for homeless veterans and housing assistance, certain assistance may not be available at some facilities. Help is also available after hours for veterans in need of immediate assistance. Every VA health center's emergency room can provide a referral to emergency shelter services. For a complete list of VA health facilities go to www.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp.

A veteran that would like to enroll in any programs or initiatives would need to meet certain criteria depending on the program. The veteran would need his/her DD214 as proof of their veteran status to be able to participate in any program at the VA. Veterans should also keep in mind that if they received a less than honorable discharge they will not be able to receive help from the VA. For a more detailed list of programs available to homeless veterans through the Department of Veteran's Affairs go to www.va.gov/homeless and click on homeless programs and initiatives on the left-hand side of the page. Most of these programs help veterans find shelter, places to bathe and eat, find jobs or even find housing assistance. If a veteran is in need of health benefits there are three ways to apply, a veteran can apply at any VA health care center or clinic, on-line at www.va.gov/1010EZ.htm or call 1-877-222-8387 to have a benefit

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