Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Homeless Warriors



Introduction

     I would define "Civic Engagement," as a "personal endeavor," to address important issues, that are relevant to our community.  This involves taking a "personal," as well as a "proactive," stance in addressing those issues.  It would include setting aside a certain amount of time, to research, conduct surveys, and interview community members, in order to get an "idea," of the community's attitude regarding the investigated "issue," and how can it be addressed in a "beneficial," manner.
     I do believe that one individual can make a difference, and all it takes is the "willpower," and attitude that "change," can be a positive," outcome by addressing the numerous issues facing our community today, in a more "proactive," manner.

    
HOMELESS WARRIORS BY MARK T. TSUNOKAI




Statistics and Information regarding Homeless Veteran.


     The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) states the our nation's homeless veterans, comprise 11% of our national homeless population.  Two-thirds of these homeless veterans have served in "combat zones," all over the world.

     These veterans have served in World War II, The Korean War, The Cold War, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Lebanon, The Persian Gulf War, Afghanistan and Iraq (OEF/OIF), and in the military's anti-drug cultivation efforts in South America.  Nearly half of the homeless veterans are veterans that served during the Vietnam era.

     Based on the findings by the VA in January 2017; "the number of veterans facing homelessness in the U.S. has declined by nearly half since the year 2010, along with the unsheltered homeless population, a decline of 50% in 2010 was apparent.  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Point-In-Time (PIT) Count estimates that on a single night, fewer than 40,000 homeless veterans were experiencing homelessness, while just over 13,000 were unsheltered and living on the streets.

     In addition to the problem of "homelessness," there is an extreme shortage of affordable housing, livable income and access to health care.  Many displaced and at-risk veterans suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse, which is compounded by a lack of family and social support resources.  In addition, many military occupations and training are not always compatible in the civilian workforce, which results in the veterans being at a "disadvantage," when competing for civilian employment.

     The VA had made great strides and continues to do so, in addressing the problem of homeless veterans.  The VA's specialized homeless programs provide health care to almost 150,000 homeless veterans and other services to more than 112,000 veterans.  In addition, more than 40,000 homeless veterans receive compensation or pension benefits each month.

     Since 1987, the VA's programs to address veteran's homeless, has centered on collaboration with other community service providers to expand the scope of assistance to veterans in crisis.  Using its own resources or partnerships with other state resources, the VA has secured nearly 15,000 residential rehabilitative and living quarters and more than 30,000 permanent residences for homeless veterans through out the United States.

The information and statistics listed above were from Housing for Homeless Heroes.  Website www. housing4heroes.org.


City of Los Angeles, California.

     For the City of Los Angeles, veterans make up about 3% of the general population, but comprise up to 11% of the homeless population.  As stated above, the transition from military service to the civilian sector, is sometimes complicated by service related disabilities, which may make it difficult for veterans to find housing.

     Mayor Eric Garcetti is committed to addressing the issue of "homeless veterans," and assisting them in "getting off the streets," as an "urgent priority."  As a result, since January 2014, Los Angeles
has housed more than 11,000 veterans, that amount is more than the combined totals of Salt Lake City, Houston, Phoenix, and New Orleans.  These comments were from a news conference and panel discussion with U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald.

     Despite the past successes, the problems of addressing the issue of "homeless veterans," continues to challenge Mayor Garcetti and the City of Los Angeles.  Concerns such as having a new Presidential Administration, results in the questions of whether "social service," funding will still remain available.  As a result, Mayor Garcetti has refrained from setting a "time table," regarding this issue, but continues to plan for future solutions, regarding "homeless veterans."

     Other issues include a heavy reliance of the use of "rent vouchers," in the City of Los Angeles, which are already in an extremely tight and expensive retail market, which results in veterans looking outside Los Angeles, for affordable housing, which places them farther away from the social services they require, for a successful transition from military to civilian life.  Worst yet, some veterans are unable to keep their housing.

     Hopes of using the VA's 388 acre West Los Angeles campus into a "homeless housing project," has been viewed as a slow planning process, due to the inactions of local and federal officials.  As of part of a 2015 legal settlement, the agency had agreed to turn the Westside's largest underdeveloped property into a "residential village," for 1,200 homeless veterans.  Plans would also include job training, recreational amenities, mental health, and substance abuse treatment facilities, on the proposed housing project.

     Los Angeles is making progress in reducing the number of homeless veterans, said Nan Roman, the President of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, a Washington nonprofit.  VA Secretary McDonald has called Los Angeles' efforts to address "homeless veterans," a national model, despite the delays in locating housing for all veterans.

     "We cannot end veteran homelessness nationally without ending it in Los Angeles," VA Secretary McDonald stated.

The information and statistics listed above were from "Ending Veteran Homelessness."  lamayor.org/ending-veteran-homelessness and "More than 1,200 homeless veterans living on Los Angeles streets still need housing." By Gale Holland.  Los Angeles Times, 2017.  This article is related to: Homelessness, Eric Garcetti, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Ryan Reynolds.


Personal Viewpoint.

    The plight of Homeless Veterans affects me, because I am a "Veteran," and the fact that so many of our military personnel who have served this country, are living out in the streets, is "unacceptable," to me as a veteran and concerned citizen.  I want to make clear, that "homelessness," in general is "unacceptable," to me and I do not differentiate between civilians and veterans.  No one should be homeless and living on the streets.

     I believe that the overall solutions we find and implement, will not only benefit "veterans," but also their "civilian," counterparts.  I have had the opportunity to work with homeless veterans, one of which ended up in the shelter, I was working at, was a fellow soldier, I served with in Iraq, in 2005-2006.  This became a personal issue, now.  I then fully realize that, change was needed, but on an "immense," scale.  We can help as individuals, by supporting legislation that supports all veterans and their families.  It's an incredibly large challenge, but is something that needs to be remedied, as quickly as possible.

     The solutions we find to end "homeless veterans," can also be applied to the overall problem of "homelessness," as well.  In the end, we all win.





     Take care of them first.  Based on "doing their time."  Make them a priority over everyone else.  Our government made them "homeless."  When an event happens in another country, we are there to provide immediate support.
     Force "landowners," to comply with land ownership regulations and agreements, i.e. market values.  Categorize and prioritize veterans versus civilians, for home ownership.  How long will it take?  Why the delay?  James Okumura.






Homeless Veterans.

     American Marine Veteran Karl Marlantes once said, "When the peace treaty is signed, the war isn't over for the veterans, or the family.  It's just starting.  Veterans are essentially retired military whom have either dedicated a portion of their entire lives to protecting their country.  We generally honor efforts from entering basic training to earning military authority to achieving careers to finally completing terms and returning to families.  Returning to civilian life unfortunately is not as spectacular despite enormous honor and respect actives receive.  Many return with mental or physical disabilities.  Some without ligaments.  Others a completely different person then former selves.  Once a hero now a distraction or bother.  Societal views of veterans saddens my heart.  Showing a large ideology of people's views of using others.  These brave men and women put years into such a mentally and physically draining battle in order to keep this country safe.  In return, we force these warriors to wander streets, scavenge for survival, and either adapt or fall. 
     Many homeless Veterans are beaten, locked up, or killed everyday.  People need to band together and promote more programs giving veterans support.  Programs should provide housing to necessities.  Many programs suggested to ex-military in need of support are also offered to general population such as shelters, promoting difficulty for members of our community who devoted time to our country to sleep well at night.  Programs should be implemented specifically for Veterans to allow a mentally or physically wounded person to live remaining years with less wounds then already shown.  Sean Pariser.





     I personally don't know much about the welfare that veterans receive from the government: at the same time I don't know any or have witnessed many homeless veterans in Los Angeles.  However, if our veterans are facing a living crisis then I feel like as citizens of this country we should promote awareness of these type of issues and try to resolve it as soon as possible.  It's not a pretty scene seeing a homeless veteran on the street.  They put their life on the line so that we people (citizens) are able to sleep without worry, eat comfortably, and be able to walk the streets of America in peace.
Daniel Deng.









     The way I feel about homeless veterans is it's a shame that they are homeless.  There should be no reason why our government has not implemented some form of relief for our fallen vets.  These men and women put their lives on the line to commit to our country in making America a safe place to live in.
     Some of our veterans have now been diagnosed with mental health issues, wounded in war and a host of other issues.  This should not be ignored and the problem should be under control by now.  This is not a new issue and has been occurring after the Vietnam War and the wars that followed after that.
     More funding and programs should be available for these individuals because they are entitled to it and have earned it.  Angel Garner.


     Although there are plethora of programs to support veterans after service, why are there so many left homeless?  My standpoint on this issue is that our government fails to properly assist our veterans.  They weren't homeless before they joined the military so they shouldn't be after they have serviced their country.
     These veterans have faced physical, emotional, and psychological trauma.  Some of which are so problematic that the government isn't able to give them proper treatment.  For example, a 65 year old Vietnam war veteran had severe, untreated atherisis and has been in the streets for 20 years only to be found under a bush smelling of urine and covered in life and different mites.
     The money that the government provides isn't enough to cover all expenses including housing.  And the food stamps provided is barely enough to feed a person for a week.
     Our veterans expose themselves to a variety of dangers and fight for our country, only to be given nothing.  Injustice to our veterans is due to the betrayal of our apathetic government.  Ariana Ho.



























         





    
    
    

    






    



                                                                                  


























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