The Homeless Veterans

On By jerrynixIn Creative Writings, My Rants, Political

By: Jerry Nix | Freewavemaker, LLC

Date Published: December 26, 2023

Today is the day after Christmas and during the Christmas holidays – even though the kids and grandkids were here – I got to thinking about all the homeless Veterans we have in America. As a military veteran myself I am concerned that we have too many of our soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen living in the streets after being willing to risk their lives for this country – and it hurts me. As I said, I am a veteran!

How many homeless veterans are there, and why?

I have never been homeless so for me to be able to empathize with them and understand their feelings is awfully hard. I’m quite certain it is hard for any person to understand homelessness unless they, themselves, have lived it.

I’ve found in my research that measuring how many homeless vets we have in America is not an easy task. There are so many definitions of what homelessness really means and so many ways in which it is measured.

The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count that was conducted in January 2022 found 33,129 veterans experiencing homelessness on that specific night. This represents a decrease of 11% compared to the last full PIT Count in 2020.

The Annual Homeless Assessment Report by the Department of Housing and Urban Development uses a different methodology than the PIT Count and often produces higher estimates. The most recent report from 2020 estimated 58,336 homeless veterans on a single night.

Lifetime homelessness among veteran’s studies suggest that a much larger number of veterans experience homelessness at some point in their lives. Estimates range from 2.3 million to 3.5 million per year.

Important factors to consider:

  • These estimates are snapshots in time and do not capture the full scope of veteran homelessness.
  • Many veterans experience homelessness cycled, moving between periods of stable housing and homelessness.
  • The definition of “homeless” can also vary, impacting the overall count.

It’s important to remember that even one veteran being homeless is too many. While there has been progress in reducing veteran homelessness, significant efforts are still needed to ensure all veterans have safe and stable housing.

Why are Veterans homeless?

The unfortunate reality of veteran homelessness is multifaceted, with no single answer. However, several key factors contribute to this complex issue.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):

  • Military service, especially combat experience, often leads to PTSD, causing anxiety, depression, and emotional detachment. These challenges can make it difficult to maintain jobs, relationships, and stable housing.

Lack of affordable housing:

  • The national affordable housing shortage significantly impacts veterans, pushing rents beyond their reach even with government assistance.

Mental health and substance abuse challenges:

  • The stress of military service and coping with trauma can make veterans susceptible to mental health and substance abuse issues. Difficulty accessing affordable treatment or neglecting their needs due to stigma can exacerbate homelessness.

Social isolation and lack of support:

  • Transitioning from military life to civilian life can be isolating, especially for those with mental health difficulties. Fragile family connections and social networks can leave veterans without adequate support during difficult times.

Limited job opportunities:

  • Military skills and experience may not directly translate to civilian jobs, and some veterans face challenges adapting to new work environments. Additionally, disability due to injuries or mental health conditions can further limit employment options.

Lack of awareness and access to resources:

  • Many veterans are unaware of available resources and programs to help them find housing, healthcare, and other support services. Navigating bureaucracy and accessing benefits can be complex and overwhelming.

Pre-existing vulnerabilities:

  • Certain demographics, including veterans of color, LGBTQ+ veterans, and female veterans, face additional barriers due to systemic inequalities and discrimination. Pre-existing disadvantages and limited access to opportunities during and after service contribute to higher homelessness rates among these groups.

While I cannot relate to what it is like to be homeless, I can relate to many of the reasons that seem to be causing veterans to be homeless.

When I came home from two tours of the Vietnam war, I fortunately did not suffer from PTSD as many of my war brothers and sisters did. This is probably because I was more in the “support” area of the war and not in the “combat” area as many were. That is the only thing I can come up with for a reason, since I do not think my mental capacity exceeds any of theirs. I did have friends, many of them, that did suffer PTSD when they came home.

There was a lack of affordable housing then, as there is now. It’s called inflation and we certainly had much higher rates in 70s and early 80s as compared to what we’ve just gone through with the inflation caused primarily by Covid shut-downs. We recently had mortgage rates recently hit about 7% … but they were actually double that for awhile in the early 80s. Yes, the VA is helpful in obtaining loans for a Veteran to purchase a house … but back then there were so many hoops the sellers had to jump through that many would refuse to sell to a veteran obtaining a VA loan.

Again, fortunately I did not suffer the mental health or substance abuse issues that many did coming back from the war. Even those military personnel that did not go to war had some substance abuse issues once they got out of he military. I had an uncle and a brother that was affected by substance abuse issues. One was in the Korean Conflict in the 50s and the other spent two years in Germany during the Vietnam conflict.

There was a lot of social isolation and lack of support when I did come home from the Vietnam War. I remember getting off the plane once we landed in California to be greeted by war protestors throwing rocks and bottles, spitting at us, and calling us “baby killers.” Back then it was not a very good feeling to have your own country turn their backs on you and make you feel like a looser rather than one of the few, the brave and the proud.

Job opportunities were very, very limited. Most (not all) of us who were sent to Vietnam had just graduated high school, and few had any real work experience (other than what we learned in the military). Even though there was a national push to hire the Vet, I remember after several job interviews, the only job I could find was one working for the Hines VA Hospital right outside of Chicago. I think the pay back then was about $2.36 per hour and it was hard to raise a family on that little bit of income even in 1972. I was making above minimum wage which was $1.60 per hour for the first 6 months of 1972 and $1.80 per hour the last six months of 1972. But after tax there was not a whole lot left. I certainly could not afford to pay rent, much less by a home and feed the family. My wife would simply have to work and I would have to take on a part-time job as well.

I can also empathize with the lack of awareness and resources available and the bureaucracy to take advantage of the resources that are available. I can’t speak for now, but once your ETS Date (ETS = Estimated Time of Service) comes up and you tell the military that you ARE NOT going to reenlist for another period … they did everything they could to get you out as soon as possible without explaining any of the things that you need to know in transitioning from military life where everything is provide for you, to civilian life, where nothing is provided to you.

You spend the first several months getting out of the military where you had clear visions and direction – even though it was forced on you – to entering a world that you did not know existed and had to “feel” your way around like a blind person learning all the new places you could fall or fail (however you want to put it).

Stack all the reasons for homeliness on top of each other and you see there is bound to be a homeless issue with our military veterans, probably more so than with any other group of people (including illegal migrants to this country).

The sad story of a War Hero:

Ira Hamilton Hayes (1923-1955) was an Akimel O’odham (Pima) Indian and a United States Marine who gained immense but complex fame during World War II. His story holds relevance to this story on veteran homelessness due to his struggle with the psychological and societal challenges that followed his heroic service.

Hayes’ wartime achievements:

He served in the Pacific War, participating in the brutal battles of Bougainville and Iwo Jima. He became one of the six soldiers immortalized in Joe Rosenthal’s iconic photograph raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima. This image became a symbol of American victory and resilience.

He received the Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award.

The aftermath and struggles:

Thrust into national spotlight, Hayes felt overwhelmed and disconnected from civilian life. He wrestled with guilt for fallen comrades and the horrors he witnessed. Because he was exploited for patriotic profiteering, he developed alcoholism and depression, unable to reconcile the public’s perception of him as a hero with his own internal turmoil.

Despite participating in awareness campaigns for veterans’ issues, he tragically died homeless by suicide in 1955, a stark reminder of the hidden struggles many veterans face.

Relevance to this story on Veteran Homelessness:

Hayes’ story highlights the psychological toll of war and the complex challenges veterans face beyond physical injury. It underscores the need for comprehensive support systems addressing mental health, social reintegration, and economic opportunities for veterans transitioning back to civilian life.

His experience challenges the romanticized image of war heroes and the tendency to neglect the lasting emotional scars they carry. By including a brief mention of Ira Hayes’ life and struggles, I hope that I’ve added depth and context to this story on veteran homelessness, emphasizing the multifaceted challenges faced by veterans and the importance of holistic support networks to ensure their well-being.

Johnny Cash tells the story better in a song wrote by Peter La Farge known as …

The Ballad of Ira Hayes:

You can find that song with the lyrics in the web address below the photo of Ira Hayes.

Click Here 🡪 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vshujEaKRh8

Yet another story:

Another story that tells of the sadness of the homeless veteran would be one made famous by country singer George Jones.

The “Wild Irish Rose” is a song about a veteran struggling with homelessness. Billy Joe Shaver wrote the song in 1973, drawing inspiration from his own experiences and observations of veterans returning from the Vietnam War. He witnessed firsthand the struggles they faced with PTSD, mental health issues, and societal disregard.

The song tackles the harsh realities of war’s aftermath, highlighting the trauma inflicted on soldiers, the institutional failures in providing adequate support, and the tragic plight of veterans navigating homelessness. Shaver’s “Wild Irish Rose” resonated deeply with veterans and anyone who empathized with their struggles. It became an anthem for raising awareness about PTSD and the urgent need for better support systems for veterans experiencing homelessness.

The opening lines of this song goes like this …

“They sent him to Asia to fight in a war

He came back home crazy and asking, What for?

They had him committed, oh, medals and all

To a mental hospital with rubber walls.”

The singer that made this song most famous was the Late Great George Jones. I’ve placed a link below the picture below. Please follow the lyrics closely but beware … they may bring a tear to your eyes.

Click here 🡪 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMacTV5MaYg

If you would like to know more:

If you want to know more about the homelessness epidemic our U. S. Veteran’s face or find ways that you may support them … I’m listing several websites that you can turn to.

Here are some reliable internet resources for learning more about the issue of homeless veterans:

National Organizations:

  • National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV): https://nchv.org/about-us/annual-conference/ – NCHV is a leading advocate for ending veteran homelessness, offering comprehensive information, reports, and statistics on the issue.
  • VA Homeless Programs: https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/Veteran_Homelessness_Fact_Sheet.asp – This official VA website provides detailed information about government programs and resources available to assist homeless veterans.
  • The National Alliance to End Homelessness: https://endhomelessness.org/ – This alliance offers research, data, and resources on ending homelessness for all populations, including veterans.
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): https://www.vfw.org/ – The VFW advocates for veterans’ rights and provides resources to veterans experiencing homelessness.
  • American Legion: https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness – The American Legion offers support and resources to veterans in need, including those experiencing homelessness.

Documentaries and Films:

News and Reports:

Local Resources:

  • VA Medical Centers: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/ – Search for your nearest VA medical center for information on local resources and programs for veterans.
  • Shelters and Outreach Programs: Contact local shelters and veteran outreach organizations to learn about specific resources available in your area.

Donating to Support Homeless Veterans:

Many organizations rely on donations to support their work with homeless veterans. Here are some reputable options:

Remember to research any organization before donating to ensure your money goes directly to supporting homeless veterans.

I hope this information helps you learn more about this important issue and find ways to get involved in supporting our veterans.

Thank you for reading my article.

Remember: You can’t row the boat without “making waves” and if you are not rowing the boat, you are likely only drifting where the currents take you.

Jerry Nix |Freewavemaker, LLC

One thought on “The Homeless Veterans”

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