Veterans groups fight for homelessness funding

[babylonsister]

http://thehill.com/business--lobby/veterans-groups-fight-for-homelessness-funding-2007-03-13.html

Veterans groups fight for homelessness funding
By Roxana Tiron
March 14, 2007

As service members afflicted with psychological disorders return from Afghanistan and Iraq, several organizations are pressing Congress to increase funding for programs to help prevent homelessness among veterans, an issue that has affected many who fought in Vietnam and elsewhere.

Combat stress, traumatic experiences and brain injuries, as well as protracted deployments — particularly among reservists who may not have been as prepared for war as active-duty troops — place returning veterans at a risk. Mental-health issues are a potential precursor to substance abuse, loss of employment and homelessness.

Community-based organizations and housing and service providers have served a critical role in supporting the approximately 200,000 homeless veterans across the country, creating a link between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Congress and the veterans in need.

This year, the lobbying and education campaigns of organizations such as the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and Volunteers of America are intensifying, reflecting the groups’ aim to attain both the funding and the policy necessary to prevent the homelessness that plagued Vietnam-era veterans.

Congress, rocked by the recently revealed patient conditions at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, has taken comprehensive steps to address issues of veterans’ medical care. Lawmakers are receptive to the increased outreach of groups dealing with homelessness, according to several sources.

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[Monkeyman]

1. VA Numbers now show that the Homeless Veterans are 235,000

We been pushing for funding But Steve Buyer was Chairman no way would it go to the floor for a vote. Now with Bob Filner there is a chance of the bill going to the floor for a up or down vote.

[NMMNG]

2. That is very much needed

I worked in a community based mental health program for five years and many of the people we served had previously been homeless or in imminent danger of homelessness at some point prior to coming into our program. Lack of funding for mental health services is one of the major reasons that people with mental illnesses end up homeless. Advocacy is critical for people with these conditions as those who hold the purse strings have proven to be very stingy with funding.

[skipos]

3. 25% of all homeless are veterans. It is a shame. nt

[Monkeyman]

4. Homeless Vet or Not there is no excuse

Bush and Company have made it worse by their budget cuts