There's more than one way to find housing for veterans who have fallen on hard times, and the right move for a particular community will depend upon its needs, geography and local government strategy. Efforts can be backed by local agencies, a part of federal programs or initiated by small-business owners in the region, and comprise anything from vouchers to whole new housing units. Several communities across the nation have already seen success, and their efforts can serve as models and inspiration for other towns and cities with similar needs.
Rate falls in Hawaii
According to the Honolulu Star Advertiser, the Hawaiian island of Oahu has seen veteran homelessness decline in two important ways. There are far fewer vets without housing as of August than there were at the beginning of the year, and the rate of these individuals becoming newly homeless also fell. Those dual declines put Oahu in rare company, making it one of five regions vying to set a new standard for housing the veteran population. Nate French of nonprofit Community Solutions explained that a joint effort involving multiple agencies is responsible for the improvement.
"You have such deep engagement from the state and city and VA," French said, according to the news provider. "We don't see that in every community. You have all the right people at the table. … And it's not just token leadership."
The observed rate of homelessness on the island is down 44 percent in six months, based on periodic checks by local social workers. The Star Advertiser explained that at the beginning of the year, there were 329 vets known to be living without homes on the island. As of August, the number was 183. And with the average number of veterans losing their homes falling from 24 per month in January to 21.5 in August, it's clear that progress is being made.
French explained to the news provider that Oahu might soon reach "functional zero," which is when the number of vets receiving homes each month is equal to or greater than the amount still living without. He specified that Chicago, Tucson, Ariz., Jacksonville, Fla., and Riverside County, Calif., are the other top-performing regions.
New apartments in Philadelphia
The above example shows the results of cooperation between government groups, but what does a mass housing effort for vets really look like? A recent demonstration comes from Philadelphia, where the Philadelphia Housing Authority and a project called HELP USA have created many apartments for homeless veterans in a historic building that previously served as a school. According to the Philly Voice, there will be 37 units available.
The news provider added that Philadelphia, like Oahu, has drawn high praise for its ability to actively create housing units for those who need them. From 2013 through 2105, the city housed 1,390 homeless vets permanently. The new apartment building project provides a valuable use for real estate that was sitting vacant for decades waiting for the right developer to do something with it. Once finished, the new development will offer career counseling and health services in addition to safe, clean living spaces.
In the past few years, efforts on the part of state and federal lawmakers to help veterans in many walks of life have become more noticeable. Thanks to many returning from engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan, the issues former service members face when they get home have become a lot more pressing. With this reality in mind, many legislators now want to do more to help the cause.
The effort to get more assistance for veterans upon their return from service includes passing a new budget for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, according to
Veterans organizations say movement on the initiative is vital to ensuring everything runs as smoothly for former service members as possible going forward.
"I cannot tell you how disappointed I am in the 114th Congress," VFW Commander Brian Duffy told lawmakers, according to the report. "Both the VA and the VFW have point-blank told Congress what the department needs to better serve veterans, yet it appears every funding bill is going to be tabled until after the November elections, which means another continuing resolution to temporarily fund the government that does little to strengthen national security or bolster the VA's programs and services for veterans."
Another push for more help
Meanwhile, another issue for veterans recently caught the attention of federal lawmakers and veterans' organizations, according to Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of the American Humane Association, writing for the political news site The Hill. A restaurant in Atlanta denied a veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder entrance because she wanted to bring in her service dog. This situation was partly due to the fact that there is no federal certification program for service dogs that help people with PTSD.
A recent meeting of leaders from a number of different industries attempted to shed light on this issue, the report said. A poll by American Humane found more than 1 in 3 workers at various types of businesses sometimes think animals brought into their businesses aren't legitimate service dogs, and nearly 3 in 5 said this perception is because the person didn't have any outward appearance of a disability.
Veterans with PTSD, or any other disability, face so many hurdles in their lives that adding more on top of those challenges doesn't seem fair. For this reason, there are plenty lawmakers can do at the state and federal levels to address those needs and make sure former service members face as little difficulty as possible.
A problem like post-traumatic stress disorder among veterans isn't going to vanish overnight. PTSD has been a scourge of military personnel since before it received its official name, and it's worth expending virtually any amount of resources to push back against it. Only a concerted effort from dedicated individuals and organizations both within and outside of the government can finally turn the tide on the mental health problems that are threatening the armed forces community.
First dedicated facility
It's now well known that PTSD, substance dependence and other mental afflictions are common dangers for those in dangerous and stressful occupations, including military and first responder roles. To combat these issues, a new facility called Warriors Heart has opened its doors in Bandera, Texas. Local news station KENS 5 recently highlighted the fact that the 543-acre treatment complex is the first of its kind to cater solely to the military and first responder communities.
"Founders have set up a private space where patients can bond and begin to overcome their afflictions."
The founders of the new facility told KENS 5 that they are interested in setting up a private space where patients can bond and begin to overcome their afflictions, removed from the pressure that comes with explaining to the world at large what they are going through. The news provider noted that programs at Warriors Heart are comprehensive, each lasting a minimum of 28 days.
"We do animal assisted therapy with dogs, we have a metal shop where the guys can go and pound metal. They make tomahawks through a foundation called Mission 22 or Elder Heart. They do a lot of intensive group work, individual therapy," Warriors Heart co-founder Lisa Lannon said.
Making sure these treatments are available to patients with limited means is an important step. KENS 5 explained that Warriors Heart has applied for Department of Veterans Affairs accreditation. That isn't the founders' only plan to give financial aid to prospective enrollees. There is currently a scholarship program, as well as a nonprofit that accepts donations. The organization is already serving patients but has plans for a grand opening ceremony in October. It also operates a crisis hotline that is active.
Medicinal trials underway
While organizations provide aid through treatment and therapy, drugmakers are also making progress on medicines that can have a real effect on PTSD symptoms. WNDU noted that TNX-102 SL is the latest drug to offer hope of relief. Marine veteran Mark Bratton explained that his time in the trial has seen his state of mind improve. His self-image has recovered from the depths it reached when his PTSD symptoms were at their worst.
According to WNDU, the process to get the new medicine on the market will take approximately three years. More trials are planned for next year, and researchers have high hopes they will prove as effective as the previous round. In the fight to help veterans survive their PTSD symptoms, doctors need a wide variety of options. Between medicines and therapies, they are gaining more potentially useful techniques every day. Tireless efforts to fight this health crisis are paying off.
As the economy continues to improve nationwide, more companies look to hire well-trained workers who can help them for years to come. And one area where many such businesses now turn toward with greater frequency is veterans, who likely developed a lot of skills that are applicable to the working world during their time of service.
One industry in which this kind of hiring effort has become quite popular in the past few years is the tech sector, where companies are always on the lookout for highly talented employees, according to a report from TechCrunch. Veterans, especially those whose job during their service was to work with computers, can prove valuable assets to any tech company, but there is still some disconnect regarding how both sides of this equation work to fill each others' needs.
Working toward a solution
Organizations such as VetsinTech work to bridge the gap between tech companies and veterans who would make good job candidates, the report said. Some experts have noted companies sometimes tend to lean away from hiring veterans even if these individuals are qualified to do a job, and the tech sector is no different.
To that end, what VetsinTech does to organize job fairs, training classes, hackathons, and more can show both sides getting vets working for tech firms en masse is not only feasible, but also a good idea. And with as many as 1 million veterans coming into the workforce in the next five years, the organization is also dedicated to teaching veterans about the value of entrepreneurship so they can work for themselves if they want.
One major resource now gone
One recent news story came as a big worry to many vets trying to bolster their skills as they enter the workforce again, according to a report from Houston CBS affiliate KHOU. In early September, ITT Technical Institute, which has a long history of recruiting and training veterans, announced that it was shutting down effective immediately. That move left some 12,000 former service members in the lurch when it came to everything from tuition and housing benefits to something as simple as getting their course transcripts.
"There's nothing the VA can do, it needs Congressional action," U.S. Rep. Gene Green, who represents part of Houston, told the station. "A veteran shouldn't be punished for going to a school that has been in business and all of a sudden it didn't want to comply with the rules."
Problems related to finding steady, well-paying jobs are real for many veterans. As such, the sooner companies and organizations can get out in front of the veteran hiring trend, the better off all involved will be going forward. It's nearly impossible to overstate how important having a steady job is to keeping former service members happy and healthy in their lives.
Dealing with the stress and other serious ailments that can follow veterans home from active duty is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a society. Military members put their lives on the line to perform important tasks, and it's unacceptable to abandon them after their time in the service is done. Programs that can provide aid and comfort are numerous and take many surprising forms. Not all therapeutic measures have to be carried out in a clinical setting: Around the country, there are groups using art and performance as ways to help veterans get more out of life.
Ancient theater texts remain relevant
The New Yorker recently profiled Theater of War, a group that has been touring since 2008, using classic Greek drama to reach out to veterans, with a special emphasis on those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder or other afflictions. Sophocles' tragedies, written millennia ago, hold a rare relevance for today's military members. Hundreds of shows have taken place, some for active duty personnel and others for veterans. Venues range from military bases around the world to a veteran-focused homeless shelter on Long Island.
"Vets find the courage to speak about the difficulties they have endured."
According to the magazine, discussions with the audiences after the performances have shown just how deeply individuals have been moved by the works. Vets find the courage to speak about the difficulties they have endured, even if the memories and emotions are hard to address. Actor David Strathairn recalled an instance in which an audience member handed the cast a note stating that seeing the performance had helped him deal with suicidal thoughts, literally saving his life.
Director Bryan Doerries, founder of Theater of War, explained he has many high-profile actors on call to read parts in the plays. They serve on a volunteer basis and include such Hollywood mainstays as Jesse Eisenberg, Frances McDormand, Martin Sheen and Paul Giamatti.
Art and music become transformative experiences
While simply engaging with art can have powerful therapeutic effects, there is something to be said for arts programs that seek to teach veterans to create their own works rather than audience members. The San Diego Union-Tribune recently spotlighted instruction events and classes designed with military members in mind. The Veterans Initiative in the Arts, a California Arts Council program, funds eight such projects. These range from Combat Arts, a Museum of Contemporary Art project that will create a mural in the San Diego community, to a music therapy session called Semper Sounds.
The connecting thread between the visual arts and music programs is that they allow individuals to get a hands-on link to creative work. Sometimes, this represents reclaiming a previous passion, such as when a Semper Sounds member who had suffered severe trauma sang again after years away and used the experience to rebuild her own sense of self-worth.
The concept of using visual art, music and theater as healing tools for veterans in need of attention has shown powerful results in many instances. The huge range of art forms available to such programs means that it's possible to start one anywhere and begin to make a difference.
Veterans groups and organizations help military personnel take care of their own. This is an important effort, ensuring that vets don't fall through the cracks and are taken care of after they leave the service. This kind of attention even continues when veterans pass away. In some cases, there wouldn't be a proper burial or honors without the actions of patriotic groups dedicated to acknowledging those who have gone before. Thankfully, such organizations exist. Their efforts cover a range of situations, and two examples can be found below. It's reassuring to know that those who have died are not forgotten.
Ensuring a proper burial
In Copperas Cove, Texas, Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient James Cogan died in early September. Funerals can be expensive, and his family could not afford a burial. According to the Killeen Daily Herald, the resolution to the situation came from Eddie Bell, a Korean War veteran and the state president of a nonprofit group setting aside money to ensure former military members never go without a dignified burial. Scott's Funeral Home helped the organization by lowering the price of the service from approximately $10,000 to $3,500.
The newspaper reported that Bell's group, the Texas Korean War Veterans Association, operates a fund specifically for funeral expenses. Cogan's case is not the first in which the organization had to step in to pay for a service. When veterans service officer Willie Browning passed away, there was no way to pay for interment without the nonprofit taking action. Bell explained those interested in helping can donate to a local chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association.
Two Purple Heart veterans recently received appropriate posthumous honorsPurple Heart recognition after 32 years
Another example of honoring a Purple Heart recipient comes from Natick, Massachusetts. In this case, Sgt. Donald Mackenzie's grave did not bear mention of the medals he earned, according to WPXI. The lack of a commemorative plaque first came to the attention of Jeff Campbell, Mackenzie's nephew. Now, working with the Natick Veterans Affairs office, mentions of Mackenzie's two Purple Hearts will be added to the headstone. Paul Carew of the VA stated that such recognition is deserved, but sometimes overlooked if people don't visit graves.
The news station reported that Campbell is especially eager to have his uncle's military service honored due to the extreme hardships he faced, both in combat and following his discharge. During wartime, he narrowly avoided capture in an engagement that killed many of his fellow servicemen. Upon his return home, Mackenzie suffered through homelessness and substance abuse.
Recognition goes on
When veterans pass away, their sacrifices and stories may be forgotten without the efforts of veterans groups and surviving family members. Those who ensure memories live on and honors are bestowed are doing a service to those who have gone before. Purple Heart recipients who have suffered in service of their country remain in these individuals' thoughts, which has led to the creation of lasting monuments for others to visit.
Organizations devoting time and funds to help veterans re-acclimate to civilian life are performing important roles, whether they originate in the public or private sectors. Many times, worthy efforts are created by alliances between government and business interests. A recent example of one such project comes from the National Park Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the National Park Service. This group has partnered with aerospace company Boeing to launch a multi-faceted initiative to connect military personnel with U.S. national parks, with staff members and volunteers working hard to keep these spaces looking their best.
Natural wonders restored to health
The National Park Foundation, in its announcement of the new initiative, stated that the launch took the form of a beautifying effort for a park with a proud military history. Fort Battery Ricketts Park near Washington, D.C., was constructed during the Civil War as a defensive fortification. Working with nonprofit The Mission Continues, more than 100 volunteers including veterans and Boeing personnel set to work renovating the park, which hasn't seen heavy use in recent years.
"The organizations hope to spread across the country, creating roles for veterans and inviting volunteer workers."
The cleanup in Fort Battery Ricketts Park is only the first of many projects planned by The Mission Continues and the National Park Service. The organizations hope to spread across the country, both creating roles for veterans and inviting volunteer workers in their continued efforts to beautify and maintain national parks and other protected and listed landmarks.
The program is especially aimed at younger veterans who have served in the years following the September 11 attacks. The 15th anniversary of that tragedy was intentionally chosen as the launch date for the project, with the upkeep of the park near Washington, D.C., carried out in honor of the military personnel who have spent the past decade and a half serving their country.
"I'm very proud that we have developed such a strong partnership with our veteran community. Veterans represent many of the ideals the National Park Service holds near and dear; serving our nation and preserving our country's resources," explained National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis.
A big year for national parks
The National Park Service is in the midst of its own push to get American citizens from all walks of life engaged in nature and interested in their country's preserved spaces. PRI columnist Jonathan Kealing recently described the efforts to reach out to younger people especially and get them more involved. This is the centennial year for the park system, founded in 1916 with the aim of protecting Yellowstone National Park. There are now 59 parks, and the organization's director, Jonathan Jarvis, told the author that the project is nothing without its contributors – the American taxpayers.
Efforts to connect with veterans could be beneficial for the park system and the military members themselves. Keeping natural wonders looking their best and engaging returning military members are equally important tasks. With 100 years in the books, the National Park Service can use the dedication and efforts of vets to keep itself strong.
Lending a hand to veterans facing hard times is a noble calling, and there are several ways organizations and individuals can contribute. Even a simple act such as donating to vets' causes can take a few different forms, some of which may go beyond the expected. Below are two examples of communities giving specific items to those in need to improve their living conditions. While the exact methods will vary from one place to another, the end goal remains the same: When veterans encounter difficulties upon their return from military service, these programs are there to make things a little better.
Appliance donations in Alabama
Having a new stove, refrigerator or microwave can be hugely helpful for someone in need. In Birmingham, Alabama, one American Legion post is helping local veterans obtain free appliances in an effort to materially improve their living conditions. Local news station WSFA reported that the Legion received hundreds of kitchen fixtures when a local apartment complex launched a remodeling project. The organization is now reaching out to vets who need new stoves, refrigerators and more, all for free.
The news provider explained that some of the appliances have gone to a veterans housing complex set up by the Priority Services Group. Currently, there are 30 units available to formerly homeless vets, and they have all received new kitchen equipment. Priority Services Group also offers employment training, and the group's Cedric Anderson hopes the military members housed in the development will be able to join the workforce.
"We are working with the junior colleges of the state of Alabama to make sure these guys are trained and then at that point we will bring in employers to come interview these guys and hire them right on the spot," Anderson told WSFA.
Quilts offered in Washington
Just as kitchen appliances can be helpful to those in need, warm blankets and quilts help make a home feel more comfortable. Upon hearing about a new housing development for homeless veterans in her area, Quilting Mayhem's Chelsey Weber decided to donate some of her handiwork, according to My Edmonds News. Weber organized several other quilters to join her effort and set to work creating 20 quilts, one for each formerly homeless vet living in the complex.
The quilts were created with materials purchased by Weber herself, and the whole effort of creating them took under a month, the news provider reported. Now the ex-military members at Sebastian Place will have handmade quilts in time for the cooler fall and winter weather.
Donations can take many forms
Companies and individuals can make a positive impact on an at-risk veteran's quality of living by making a timely donation. As shown by the above examples, there are many different ways to contribute, and choosing what to give will rely on gauging the needs of local vets as well as seeing what's available in the community. When the opportunity presents itself, taking action in this way can show gratitude for military members' service and let them know their town or city is behind them.
Ending veteran homelessness is a goal shared by government agencies at all levels, as well as privately run organizations. And while the task isn't easy, it's something that is being pursued more aggressively these days. One organization in Missouri recently received significant funding as it works toward that goal.
Springfield, Missouri-based Home At Last – run by a local shelter known as The Kitchen – received a $491,000 grant to help reduce veteran homelessness in its area by continuing a mission it has upheld for years, according to a report from Springfield television station KOLR. The organization first assists former service members in finding a home or apartment in the area, and then helps pay the bills until they can get on their feet and find a job that gives them a little more financial independence.
"Home At Last helps pay the bills until homeless vets can get on their feet."
A big help
Those who receive aid through Home At Last say something as simple as having access to a bathroom or basic utilities like a washer and dryer can go a long way toward helping them stabilize their lives, the report said. So far the organization has helped 384 veterans and boasts a success rate of as much as 85 percent.
"Some individuals might need just one or two months of assistance to get a place to live, find a job, get back on their feet," Randy McCoy, director of housing programs at The Kitchen, told the station. "Some people might need five, six, seven months of assistance."
A bigger issue
Of course, individual efforts to reduce veteran homelessness are great, but the fact is that organizations or government agencies undertaking that battle deal with some harsh realities, according to the Sioux City Journal. For example, when it comes to determining just how many homeless veterans are living in a given area, it can be a real struggle for local officials and experts.
One recent review of the problem in Iowa found it difficult to determine just how many homeless vets were living in the state, the report said. Part of that challenge came from a lack of trained counters. Also, it's just not always easy to find everyone in the course of such a survey. U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, a Democrat representing the Hawkeye State, said that while federal figures show only about 170 homeless veterans living in the state last January, he thinks the true number is higher. That's due in part to the fact that most of these counts are conducted in larger cities and exclude smaller towns and rural areas.
The good news is that significant headway has been made in getting homeless vets off the street regardless of lingering issues. While the U.S. as a whole hasn't met its goals for addressing this problem, some cities and even entire states say they have effectively ended veteran homelessness within their borders, and that's a trend that could continue for some time to come.
Programs that encourage students to speak with veterans about their memories of serving are valuable in several ways. Not only do the students learn about preserving information and conducting interviews, but the former service members also get to pass on stories that might otherwise remain untold. Often, vets keep their memories to themselves, but these stories hold lessons that should be preserved. For this reason, it's heartening to hear that many schools are interested in using this information as an assignment. Below are two recent examples of this lesson plan in action, with the interview subjects coming from different generations.
Younger veterans describe their experiences
Auburn High School in Alabama arranges interviews between eleventh-grade students and local military personnel, according to Opelika-Auburn News. The school submits the collected information to the Library of Congress' Veterans History Project to ensure the stories endure for others to rediscover. In the past, Vietnam War veterans were the main subjects of the program, but this year, it is focused on individuals who served in the Gulf War and subsequent conflicts. The past 25 years have seen many important moments for military personnel and preserving memories from those who were there is a helpful service.
Teacher Blake Busbin explained to the news provider that students may gain much-needed perspective from speaking to the military members. He noted that today's high schoolers have grown up in a time when American soldiers have been constantly involved in wars. Learning about their own era from the men and women who have seen it from the front lines of conflict may prove valuable. The high school is coordinating with Auburn University's veterans organizations to secure interview subjects from the college community.
Voices from World War II
Meanwhile, Wisconsin news service Lake Country Now reported that Pewaukee High School students are speaking with veterans from a different historical era. Seven retired military members signed up to tell their stories, and more than half served in World War II. Like the Alabama interviews, the conversations will be submitted to the Library of Congress for archiving. Students prepared questions ahead of time and spoke with the vets during the summer break, with each session lasting more than half an hour.
The high schoolers received valuable experience from these interviews, with the personal stories of the subjects going beyond the overview of historical conflicts delivered by textbooks. Liana Jackson, a rising high school senior, told Lake Country Now that speaking with an individual who has experienced war is "more special" than learning about that conflict in a classroom setting.
Preserving memories, establishing bonds
By getting high school students involved in preserving veterans' stories and memories, these archival projects deliver value in several different ways. Keeping personalized narratives of the country's wartime history can help future generations learn, and the pupils conducting the interviews gain a new perspective to go along with their honed fact-gathering abilities. The effort to ensure vets' stories aren't forgotten is a helpful one wherever it goes, and its role as a program in schools adds a new twist to the formula.