The Pros And Cons Of Homeless Veterans

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Currently there are approximately 50,000 homeless veterans in the United States today. The very men and women who fought for our freedom can now be found sleeping on our streets at night. How should that make our citizens feel to know that those men and women who sacrificed a lot for us are now homeless and alone? In July of 2014 at a National Conference to End Homelessness, First Lady Michelle Obama stated, “As Americans, the idea that anyone who has worn our country’s uniform spends their nights sleeping on the ground should horrify us.” This should be horrifying enough to make the changes in the programs that are supposed to aid them. It is has become very clear that we have failed to serve those who have served our country. From the moment veterans sign that contract, their lives belong to the United States government. But what happens to vets after their time served is up? Surely one would think that they would just simply go back home to their families. But for the vast majority that isn’t the case. Thirty-four percent of the homeless male population are veterans; meanwhile nine percent are between the ages of 18 to 30. Female veteran’s make up only four percent of that population. Most of them are single, come from poor disadvantaged communities. …show more content…
But the biggest causes of homelessness among veterans are joblessness and poverty, lack of low cost housing, substance abuse (drug abuse or alcoholism), and disabilities caused from physical injuries or mental illness. As a result, illness’ like PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) are left untreated. Additionally, some military occupations and training are not always transferable to the civilian workforce. Placing veterans at a disadvantage when competing for employment outside of the military. Lack of family and social support networks are also influencing factors to homeless