The Roads that Lead to Homelessness for Veterans

By Adilene Guzman
Community Outreach Coordinator
Happi Health

Our veterans, with great bravery and courage, put their lives on the line to protect our freedom. They are why we get up every day and can live the lives we choose freely; without them, it would not be possible. The men and women who have served or are still serving deserve a life where they are mentally and physically healthy. Unfortunately, their service for our country can, at times, be a huge burden for them to carry. As civilians, we may not know the full extent of our veterans’ difficulties as we have not walked in their shoes.

Veterans are at a higher risk for unemployment due to a lack of education, especially when they join the armed forces right after high school. Many receive their education while serving, but that is not the case for all, leading to many without a college degree. Veterans who could not get an education struggled to find jobs once they returned home. This situation only worsens when they cannot make ends meet, ultimately leading them to homelessness.

Physical injuries are another of many reasons why veterans struggle to find a job. Their injuries may have prevented them from performing the tasks required for employment. In an already inconvenient situation, submitting a claim to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs could take months, and hiring a lawyer is simply not an option when you are struggling financially. When the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs finally starts processing the claim, the veteran could have already ended up homeless.

Homelessness is a significant issue, with an estimated 38,000 veterans currently homeless. There have been times when the number of veterans experiencing homelessness has dropped, but in the last five years, there has been a 4% increase. About 62% of veterans live in homeless shelters, leaving the remaining 38% homeless or staying in an unsuitable human environment. This problem affects not only the veterans but their families, too; the weight carried is enormous.

No one should have to experience homelessness. Transitioning from service to civilian life is hard enough, as many return with trauma and PTSD and come back home to struggle physically, emotionally, and financially. Our veterans need help in a variety of areas for them to heal and thrive once they have returned home. As the community our veterans serve and protect, we are responsible for advocating for them. They have fought for our rights, and it’s only fair that we fight for theirs too.

Donating your time volunteering at a Veteran organization can make an enormous difference. Volunteering at a homeless shelter or providing food and clothing to these establishments that help assist our veterans is immensely helpful. In Huntsville, Still Severing Veterans is an excellent outlet for injured and non-injured veterans who need diverse services and assistance. These organizations require donations and time from our community to provide the necessary services, so when you help them, you are changing veterans’ lives.

Sources: Military Spot, U.S Department of Veteran Affairs