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Copyright © 2008 The G.I. Go Fund, Inc. All rights reserved.
The G.I. Go Fund
Where Veterans Go Forward
Support the troops.
It is a common phrase in America, one used to
emphasize the importance of staying behind our
soldiers while they are in combat, other times to
highlight the need to assist our soldiers when they
become veterans. Either way, these three words hit
home with all Americans, knowing the significance
that our servicemen and women have had on this
country and how we must do whatever we can to
help our soldiers any way we can.
However, although the phrase is felt by all
Americans, it is not implemented, especially when
our heroes return home. Too often, when a veteran
finds him or herself in a difficult situation, whether
it’s dealing with physical wounds or suffering the
effects of PTSD, they often have difficulty finding
the help they need. And while these situations are
regrettable, however, no issue exemplifies our lack
of veteran support then when an American hero
ends up living on the street.
One of the most painful realities in this country is
that so many of our nation’s heroes spend their
nights under bridges. According to the latest statistics, veterans account for 23% of the homeless
population. In all, the Department of Veterans Affairs reports that over 200,000 veterans could be
homeless at any given night.
The statistics show that 76% of the homeless veteran population experience alcohol, drug, or mental
health problems, including PTSD. And the statistics show that these problems emerged after the service.
Almost 90% of these veterans received honorable discharges from the military, and 85% have a high
school diploma or GED, compared to 56% for non-veterans.
So if most of these veterans had succeeded in school and in the military, why do we have such a large
number of homeless veterans with mental health problems? Manis points out that, especially for those
veterans struggling with PTSD or other problems, it is a cycle that veterans find themselves into.
Efforts have been made by the VA to fix the problem, creating services like the Multi-Family home loan
and sponsoring Stand Down events. However, while these efforts have had some success, they have
also had difficulty in completely fixing the problem. In fact, 25% of homeless veterans have taken
advantage of these VA programs. Smith says that the reason for this is that the VA can only do so
much, adding that one government entity cannot solve a problem this massive alone.
So what can be done? Well, it is clear that the American people need to step up and help any way they
can. Whether it is providing hot meals and clothes, temporary shelter, or the opportunity of steady
employment, the answer is ultimately up to each and every one of us. One thing is clear; no one in
America can talk about supporting our troops unless they work to give a veteran in desperate straits the
one thing he or she needs most: support.
It is a common phrase in America, one used to
emphasize the importance of staying behind our
soldiers while they are in combat, other times to
highlight the need to assist our soldiers when they
become veterans. Either way, these three words hit
home with all Americans, knowing the significance
that our servicemen and women have had on this
country and how we must do whatever we can to
help our soldiers any way we can.
However, although the phrase is felt by all
Americans, it is not implemented, especially when
our heroes return home. Too often, when a veteran
finds him or herself in a difficult situation, whether
it’s dealing with physical wounds or suffering the
effects of PTSD, they often have difficulty finding
the help they need. And while these situations are
regrettable, however, no issue exemplifies our lack
of veteran support then when an American hero
ends up living on the street.
One of the most painful realities in this country is
that so many of our nation’s heroes spend their
nights under bridges. According to the latest statistics, veterans account for 23% of the homeless
population. In all, the Department of Veterans Affairs reports that over 200,000 veterans could be
homeless at any given night.
The statistics show that 76% of the homeless veteran population experience alcohol, drug, or mental
health problems, including PTSD. And the statistics show that these problems emerged after the service.
Almost 90% of these veterans received honorable discharges from the military, and 85% have a high
school diploma or GED, compared to 56% for non-veterans.
So if most of these veterans had succeeded in school and in the military, why do we have such a large
number of homeless veterans with mental health problems? Manis points out that, especially for those
veterans struggling with PTSD or other problems, it is a cycle that veterans find themselves into.
Efforts have been made by the VA to fix the problem, creating services like the Multi-Family home loan
and sponsoring Stand Down events. However, while these efforts have had some success, they have
also had difficulty in completely fixing the problem. In fact, 25% of homeless veterans have taken
advantage of these VA programs. Smith says that the reason for this is that the VA can only do so
much, adding that one government entity cannot solve a problem this massive alone.
So what can be done? Well, it is clear that the American people need to step up and help any way they
can. Whether it is providing hot meals and clothes, temporary shelter, or the opportunity of steady
employment, the answer is ultimately up to each and every one of us. One thing is clear; no one in
America can talk about supporting our troops unless they work to give a veteran in desperate straits the
one thing he or she needs most: support.
They Fought to Defend Our Streets,
Not Live on Them
Not Live on Them
