1 of 3

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 3

Affair has programs in place that help about 25% of homeless veterans, but the percent of homeless veterans are not decreasing ("Background" 2). This shows that further action needs to be taken to permanently get veterans off the streets, and into hospitals or housing projects. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, (NCHV), says that, "Programs that seem to work best feature transitional housing with the camaraderie of living in structured, substance-free environments with fellow veterans who are succeeding at bettering themselves" ("Background" 2). Simply providing food and shelter for a night is not going to help them stay off the streets. The government needs to focus on creating housing that will provide a safe haven for those who are mentally unable to care for themselves, and free of abusive substances that can lead them back down the wrong path.

Most programs that are in place to help the homeless in general are just handouts that don't help the long term problem. Yes, you can feed and shelter then for a night, but unless you plan to do this every night until they die, it's not really helping them. More programs need to be established that focus on why an individual is homeless, and work to help them get back on their feet. So what exactly do homeless veterans really need? The NCHV sums up what needs to be done to really put a dent in the homeless population:

Veterans need 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. Veterans also need job assessment, training and placement assistance. The NCHV strongly believes that all programs to assist homeless veterans must focus on helping veterans reach the point where they can obtain and sustain employment ("Background" 1).

This statement really sums up everything that needs to be taken care of in order to get them off the streets and back into a secure environment.

One last problem that needs to be addressed is how to prevent future veterans from becoming homeless. A program needs to be established in the government that, "Assess all service members separating from the Armed Forces to determine their risk of homelessness and provide life skills training to help them avoid homelessness" ("NCHV" 5). Along with this policy they need to explain the programs that are already available to help veterans when they are having problems. The NCHV says the government

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Help for homeless veterans must focus on helping them "obtain and sustain employment"?
We want to hear your view. Write now!