By Adrian Zupp
In the wealthiest country in history, it’s hard to imagine anyone being homeless. But homelessness is widespread in America. According to a 2011 survey, there were approximately 636,000 homeless people in the U.S. at that time (The State of Homelessness in America 2012, National Alliance to End Homelessness). And would you believe, more than a tenth of those folks were veterans? According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website, on a single night in January, 2011, 67,495 homeless vets spent the night on the streets.
The VA site also pointed out that many other veterans are considered to be at risk of homelessness for a variety of reasons.
On a slightly positive note, the National Alliance to End Homelessness reported that the largest decrease in the homeless population was among vets, whose population decreased by 11 percent between 2009 and 2011 (from 75,609 to 67,495).
But it’s still not enough. And it’s something we can all help rectify. There are various websites that accept donations for the homeless men and women who have served in the military. Take a look. And, in this election year, make your voice heard on the issue by emailing the candidates, or your members of Congress.
Naturally, living on the streets is not conducive to good health: physical or mental. Depression, alcoholism and other disorders can sweep into the vacuum created by the absence of a safe and secure home life. And then there are the vets who returned from service already suffering with posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression etc. only to find themselves on the streets.
Let’s do all we can to help these people to have the life they deserve.
NOTE: For more information on free, anonymous, online mental health screenings, please visit militarymentalhealth.org.
Adrian Zupp is the marketing writer at Screening for Mental Health.
