Written By Lynn Goya

“When I arrived at the Veterans Administration (VA) about 22 months ago, I began teaching myself to say, ‘Veterans lead the nation in homelessness, depression, substance abuse, and suicides. And they rank right up there in joblessness as well,’” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki at the National Forum on Homelessness Among Veterans last week. 

The Secretary spoke to more than 400 participants from across the country that gathered to brainstorm the path to end homelessness among Veterans.  The forum brought together health care providers, outreach coordinators, homeless specialists and service providers from various federal agencies, plus representatives from the private sector and Veterans service organizations. 

 “For twenty years, we have provided a wide array of services to homeless Veterans,” said Shinseki. “Today, we are intervening earlier in the problems that can lead to homelessness, such as mental illness, substance abuse, unemployment and financial problems.”

Held on Dec. 7-8, 2010 in Arlington, Va., participants strategized how to address the key areas that are known to combat homelessness, not only in veterans but in the general population, as well.  “This conference was the opportunity for the VA homeless service providers and community based organizations that work in partnership with VA to get a clear understand of services and strategies that make up the 5-year plan to end homelessness,” said participant John Driscoll, President and CEO, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.

“What makes this point in history so significant,” Driscoll continued, “is that we are looking at expanding available housing to homeless veterans and extremely low income families as well as providing service to vets in crisis to help them remain in housing so that they don’t become homeless in the first place.” 

The VA and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness has developed a five-year plan that will work in partnership with other federal agencies to combat the causes of homelessness. “We are talking about helping communities understand how developing interagency coalitions will help end all homeless, not just veterans who are homeless,” says Driscoll.  “This clearly outlines the actions communities need to take to end homelessness.  It focuses on housing, access to health care, and employment and income supports, all of which need to be addressed.”

Last year the Department spent almost $535 million on homeless programs, excluding health care linked to homelessness. “With our partners at the Department of Labor and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, we have marshaled considerable expertise and resources to help our Veterans leave the road to homelessness,” Shinseki elaborated.

VA and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, working in partnership with other federal agencies, are steadily decreasing homelessness among Veterans.  Last year, the Department spent nearly $535 million on homeless programs, not counting health care associated with homelessness. The VA approved $3.5 billion in 2010 to combat Veteran homelessness.  The 2011 budget request includes $4.2 billion to continue with the momentum to end “this national shame,” says Shinseki.  Of that budget, he clarified, about 85% goes to healthcare, “because homelessness is largely a healthcare issue.” The remaining 15 percent, about a half billion in 2010 and over $600 million in 2011, will subsidize community partners throughout the nation who forge the front line of the battle against veteran homelessness.

Homelessness among veterans went from 250,000 in 2004 to about 107,000 in 2009.  At the beginning of the Obama administration, there were about 131,000 homeless vets. The wealth of medical centers and regional offices throughout the VA puts it at the forefront to deal with Veteran homelessness “decisively,” says Shinseki, “both to prevent it, and to rescue those who have been forced into the streets or who end up incarcerated.”  With 40,000 vets being released from prison and those who are chronically homeless, “I believe that the costs of prevention are, over time, far less [than letting them slip into homelessness.]”

It isn’t just about more money, however. Shinseki cautions that it is really about people and doing things “faster, better, and smarter.”  Veteran homelessness won’t be eliminated unless existing and returning vets have education and jobs; have their mental health and depression treated; are helped in their fight against substance abuse; and, have a place that they can call home.

None of that can be done alone. “It’s a tiny percentage [of veterans who are homeless],” says Driscoll.  “But each one is precious and needs to be helped.  We believe the network of community-based service organizations that exists today, working in partnership with the VA, Labor and HUD, will reduce the likelihood that many of these younger men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan will fall into homelessness.

The VA national hotline for homeless Veterans is staffed around the clock, seven days a week, and offers veterans help finding food, shelter, clothing and other assistance.  For veterans who are currently or are about to become homeless, call 1-877-424-3838.