VA & HUD Issue First-Ever Report on Homeless Veterans

Assessment Key to Preventing and Ending Homelessness

WASHINGTON – February 11, 2011 - For the first time, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development today published the most authoritative analysis of the extent and nature of homelessness among Veterans. According to HUD and VA’s assessment, nearly 76,000 Veterans were homeless on a given night in 2009 while roughly 136,000 Veterans spent at least one night in a shelter during that year.

This unprecedented assessment is based on an annual report HUD provides to Congress and explores in greater depth the demographics of Veterans who are homeless, how the number of Veterans compare to others who are homeless, and how Veterans access and use the nation’s homeless response system. HUD’s report, Veteran Homelessness: A Supplement to the 2009 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, examines the data in the department’s annual report to Congress in-depth.

“With our federal, state and community partners working together, more Veterans are moving into safe housing,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “But we’re not done yet. Providing assistance in mental health, substance abuse treatment, education and employment goes hand-in-hand with preventive steps and permanent supportive housing. We continue to work towards our goal of finding every Veteran safe housing and access to needed services.”

Last June, President Obama announced the nation’s first comprehensive strategy to prevent and end homelessness, including a focus on homeless Veterans. The report, Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, puts the country on a path to end Veterans and chronic homelessness by 2015; and to ending homelessness among children, family, and youth by 2020. Read more about the Administration’s strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness in America.

Key Findings of

Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness {continued}

First-Ever Report on Homeless Veterans -

Another 'Nam Vet Dies Alone, This One Homeless.......

This is the second 'Nam Vet found to have died alone and remains found way too late. The first, to make any news, was only a few days ago having died in his apartment in NYC, lying there for a couple of months with no one checking in on him even after a foul odor was noticed!

When Bodies Go Unnoticed { NYC Vet }

The second in Florida:

Skeletal remains believed to be missing homeless veteran in Riviera Beach

The police made two announcements about Gary Dale Wilson this week, back to back: Person lost, remains found.

Person lost: Homeless, veteran, 61, 5-foot-10, 140 pounds, missing two months, very ill, needs medicine.

Remains found: In woods, south of Martin Luther King Boulevard. Near a dozen bottles of medicine and cans of liquid food and a little wooden shelter just big enough for someone to sleep comfortably. Still seeking his family........Rest Here

Then we have a still living Vet fighting for himself and his brothers and sisters to be recognized for what they're going through.

Gulf War Veteran Tractors to DC

See his location and progress

Nancy Murdy Logsdon wrote The Forgotten Soldier in honor of her long time friend, Matthew Letterman from Willow Springs, MO. Matt is a Gulf War Veteran from 1990-1991 who suffers from Gulf War Illness. Almost 19 years later, he still has not received benefits from the VA.

Matthew Letterman..The Forgotten Soldier


Just think of the many, who served this Nation, our brothers and sisters, that have died alone, many homeless, and never known about!

Or how about the total lack of coverage on those who served in the first Gulf War and many now suffering from a variety of devastating ailments much like our brothers of 'Nam and Agent Orange, the Vietnamesse are still seeing the results of today!

I post this news up, about these three brothers, as a 'Nam Vet myself, as a reminder to our returning veterans of the present two conflicts and occupations, that they continue what other Veterans before them have had to do, Fight A Nation they serve, who quickly loose interest after the cheering of Wars of Choice dies down, and they don't uphold their end of the contracts of those who serve them, and to watch out for each other!

Deja Vu All Over Again

Homes for Homeless Vets

Wichita VA Hospital New Home to Homeless Vets

Robert J Dole Veteran Affairs Medical Center will soon be home to a temporary housing facility to help homeless vets get back on their feet.

The announcement was made official in a public hearing Monday night........

But what is the norm we get the "Not in my backyard!", meme! Aren't the population just sooooo "Supportive!"!

The Things They Carry

More than one million soldiers have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan over the last eight years. Close to 4,500 have died in Iraq and nearly 20 percent of those who return have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Well over 100,000 Iraqis have been killed. As Memorial Day approaches how will soldiers, families of soldiers, and the rest of our society reflect on the dead and those still living with the trauma of war?

Today on GRITtv Darren Subarton a veteran who served in the Army’s 101st Air Borne Division, Joshua Kors who has written extensively on the experience of veterans returning from war, Dan Lohaus director of When I Came Home, and Nada Michael a student in Social Work at Smith College discuss the challenges veterans face, dealing with the VA, and what likely won't be discussed Memorial Day.............

When I Came Home

Trailer

Homeless Heroes: Veterans Struggles

Like a recent tragic event in Iraq brought out a number of reports on PTSD around the country there have also been a number of other reports as well that focussed on the homeless veterans, the first one just below is in and around this Nations Capital:

Homeless War Veterans Abound in D.C. Region

A new report is giving sobering statistics about how homeless veterans are treated in the Washington area.

The report says beds are available for only 10% of the homeless vets in Virginia, 8% have beds in Maryland and in the District, there is room is less than 2%.

From the Iraq War with the Army's First Calvary Division to fighting a battle to find homes for fellow veterans, Chad Lego says he never imagined when he came home, he would find some 200,000 service members homeless. >>>>>More

Last week there was a two part series, the first reporting on a brother 'Nam Vet who has been homeless for pretty much the whole time since 'Nam, but now seeking and getting the help needed. The second is of a much younger Vet from these most recent Wars and Occupations who came back confused and disoreinted and ended up homeless and drifting, he also is seeking and getting the help needed now.

Veterans' Struggles, Part One

The issue of homelessness has garnered much attention in the metro recently, following a fire at homeless camp along the Des Moines river. While it is no secret many of the homeless people living in tents and so-called hooches are veterans, we don't often examine the question of 'why'. >>>>>More

Part 1 Video


Homeless Heroes: Veterans' Struggles, Part Two

In Part One, we introduced you to a Vietnam veteran who has spent the last four decades battling to get his life on track. In Part Two of our series on homeless veterans, a veteran of recent combat in the Middle East shares his story of the struggle to save himself from an all too-common fate.

For the better part of 40 years, following two tours in Vietnam, Paul Lizotte found himself homeless, jobless, and angry at the country he volunteered to serve. Now, at age 57, he's slowly getting his life back together, but fears for the next generation of soldiers -- those returning from the Middle East.

"They're going to have a pack of troubles, because their war is a whole lot different than ours. Vietnam was a guerilla warfare. Theirs is an urban warfare. They're going to come back here, be amongst buildings that they're used to getting sniper fire from, rocket attacks from," he says.

More than three decades separate the two wars, but the struggle of returning to civilian life is the same now as it was then. "They're going to have to learn how to deal with it. I hope they don't choose my road, of going for the loner," Paul says. >>>>>More

Part 2 Video


Jan Barry, another 'Nam brother, and a writer which I'm not, had a recent entry Home for Veterans in his newsletter that he also posted on a few of these online interactive blogs as well.

Coming home for some war veterans means slipping off the track of chasing a fading American dream. Despite the yellow ribbons of support for the troops festooning patriotic front yards and backs of cars, there’s an army of homeless former soldiers seeking shelter in cities and towns across this country. Compounding the shock of becoming homeless can be another bitter discovery: Few communities provide programs to help veterans who hit a rough patch get back on their feet. Consequently, an estimated 154,000 veterans are homeless on any given night, according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs. >>>>>More

At the bottom of Jan's post he gives a few URLs:

This one speaks for itself National Coalition for Homeless Veterans

These next two are of a local action being taken on to give housing to some local Vets in New Jersey Highland Park agrees to convert shuttered church to homeless veteran housing, and this one as well, Pastor Seeks to House Veterans in Old Church

And more grassroots help out of Arizona:

Vet center offers support resources for homeless

A grassroots effort to help homeless veterans is making some real progress, the Madison Street Veterans Association is a group started by veterans for veterans.

"We've got a big sheet cake coming, it says congratulations Madison Street Veterans Association, it's red, white and blue," Terry Araman says country loyalty is important to this grassroots group, "we feel that Veterans, whether they're homeless or not, whether they've gone through PTSD or not, have a lot to offer the community,"

Terry Araman along with others at the Madison Street Veterans Association are working to help military vets like Richard Chamberlain who was recently laid off and is now studying Quantum Mechanics. >>>>>More

Than we have another moving writeup from a present combat vet Paul Rieckhoff of IAVA - Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America who wrote this op ed piece Homeless Heroes

The next generation of American Veterans is on its way home. Over 1.3 million American troops have already served in Iraq or Afghanistan, and tens of thousands more will return from combat over the years to come. After these young men and women put away their uniforms, they will still be coping with the consequences of years spent at war. When these conflicts have faded from the headlines, will we, as Americans, continue to honor our yellow-ribbon commitment to “Support the Troops”? Already there are many disturbing signs that we are not prepared to meet that obligation. >>>>>More

A short note to Paul, and our younger brothers and sisters of these present, that should not have been, occupations. Please choose your words respectfully when mentioning us old foggies now, 'Nam Vets, but not only of that occupation, but of all those vets, conflict or peace time, that came before you. You'll want those coming after you to do the same.

Paul I'm sure will know what I mean, there are some really ruffled feathers in the 'Nam Vet community this past week, most of us got riled than let it pass as we have all the rest over these many years, actually your few words have been said many times and are even used today, mostly by the 'chickenhawks' who try and cut those of us of 'Nam but not Hawks down, they loose everytime..

Another thing to keep in mind, all that's been happening to those returning these recent years is not new, we Vets and this Country have seen it all before and through these years since. By Country I mean the few who actually pay attention, like those that have joined us in the fight to push better understanding of PTSD and TBI. We've been fighting the battles now for over thirty years, we're right there with you all as you continue these battles, and now maybe we can get them in a real 'Victory' a 'Victory' for this country, and world, that really counts.

Us big brothers and sisters would appreciate it!

Homeless Heroes:

Veterans' Struggles, Part One

The issue of homelessness has garnered much attention in the metro recently, following a fire at homeless camp along the Des Moines river. While it is no secret many of the homeless people living in tents and so-called hooches are veterans, we don't often examine the question of 'why'.

In Part One of a special series on Homeless Veterans, we introduce you to a Vietnam veteran, and a program trying to help keep him off the streets..........

Vet Helping Homeless Vets

Former addict gives homeless veterans a second chance

Following a faint trail through a dense patch of woods in Florida's Palm Beach County, Roy Foster is a man on a mission.

Foster, 53, is searching for homeless veterans -- and he knows where to look.

Whether in a vacant lot behind a supermarket or a small clearing off the highway, homeless vets aren't that hard to find: One in three homeless adults has served in the military, and more than 150,000 veterans nationwide are homeless on any given night, according to the Veterans Administration.

“I Was Off to Represent For My Fathers…”:

I would like for any reading this to travel over and read

Field Producer Robin On Veterans and the Petition Delivery, a very moving, and short read, of her travels with the Homeless Veterans to
the FOX media New York city studios.

A sample below:

As we were organizing Thursday's petition delivery to the FOX building in New York, we put a call out for field producers to help cover the event. Robin Laverne Wilson answered that call, and we’re so glad she did. The following is her account of what happened yesterday, as well as her thoughts on the struggles veterans face and her personal connection to this issue. If you are interested in joining our army of field producers raising hell across the land, go here.

Robin starts her narrative with this:

I put on my brown military thermals, my chocolate chip cammies, my black bandana and my black boots. I was off to represent for my father, my uncle, their army buddies and all the people in my life that I knew and didn't know who had served this country and in some way, often the same way, got the shaft from it.

I grabbed my gear and went into friendly warrior mode to help these vets broadcast their story. And believe me -- their stories are AMAZING.

Which leads in to short descriptions of just two of the Veterans met on that day.

This:

My father served 20 years, including Korea and Vietnam.

leads into what her father went through during life after his 20 year Service To Country and Two Theaters of Conflict Operations.

And what they ran up against

The Freedom of Speech they fought for entitles me to wield my camera and document the truth, from my worldview. But the News Corporation security detail insisted that we stay behind their property line.

At the FOX studios.

Go over and read what Robin Laverne has to say, I don't think you'll be sorry you did, you'll also be able to view the Video of the Homeless Veterans attempting to deliver the petition to the loudmouth 'chickenhawk', with a podium to spew his venom from, getting very wealthy in return!

And sadly many who watch and listen to him are connected in one way or another to others who have Served This Country, either directly or through their family trees, and Don't Speak Out but wave their flags and use wordspeak catch phrases, while hanging onto each venomous word attack he wages against others!!

1/31/08 - Homeless Vets - o'reilly {Updated-w/Video}

Homeless veterans bringing their fight to Bill O’Reilly — Directly

Now, a group from Fitzgerald House, an "organization representing homeless veterans," plans to bring their fight for recognition to Fox's doorstep. They plan on visiting the Fox News Channel Studios today at 3:00 pm, and will come carrying a petition signed by 17,000 people demanding an apology from O'Reilly for his ignorance and abuse. In a press release, Brave New Films and Fitzgerald House say thay "have found that it is very easy to locate homeless veterans and are willing to help O'Reilly find them if his desire to help homeless vets is sincere."

Homeless Vets Attempt to Deliver Petition to Bill O'Reilly


Documentary filmmaker Dan Lohaus { When I Came Home } and field producer Robin W. captured the action

Can also be viewed at Brave New Films

Fitzgerald House

Message From the Exec. Director

I am honored and pleased to accept my appointment, by the Board of Directors, to be Exec. Director of Fitzgerald House, Inc. Over the years, I have had nothing but admiration for our Veterans who have served the people of the United States of America and its allies very well. It is my role and responsibility to improve the lives of these homeless Veterans. Our reputation for providing better homes is stellar. We will build upon it and widen the support base to help raise awareness of the plight of the homeless Veterans in America today. Fitzgerald House, Inc. is a young and growing non-profit organization. It has a solid group of experienced and dedicated board of directors, who will work tirelessly to make the operation of Fitzgerald house a success.

Much of Fitzgerald House’s success has been as a result of the vision and hard work of several Board Members over the past year. I believe that it has been the combination of drive, commitment, hard work and enthusiasm that have piloted our organization to its current level of success. For that immense accomplishment, I will be forever grateful to the following Board members, Roy A. Forbes, Miguel L. Forbes, Linval Taylor and Conrad Johnson. As well as a dear friend, Carla Patrick-Alexander.

The Board has given me the directive to take Fitzgerald House to the next level, that is, increasing the size of the organization and its programs significantly. My own vision is to make Fitzgerald House the best and most respected non-profit organization in the U.S.A. Currently, we are operating five (5) homes. I want to move slowly and calculatedly, but I would like to expand Fitzgerald House’s operations to Ten (10) homes within the next year. Over the next five (5) years, I also would like to double Fitzgerald House’s housing capacity, so that we can help more Veterans.

Currently, we secure properties by a combination of purchasing and leasing. But, our aim is to have 100% ownership of multi-family buildings for future growth and logistics. Fitzgerald House has operations in Queens, N.Y. and Brooklyn, N.Y. It is our goal to serve all boroughs.

In order to realize that vision, I will need your help. Among our priorities is the further diversification of donor support. Fitzgerald House has always been blessed with dedicated supporters from all sectors. I regard the Fitzgerald House community — staff members, donors, and colleagues as a team and a family, captivated by our common love for ensuring that our beloved Veterans are living their post-war and/or service years at a standard befitting those who have served our country well. Thank you for all that you have already done to help Fitzgerald House to be as successful as it is today. I believe wholeheartedly, that if we continue to work together, we can realize our ambitious goals for the future of Fitzgerald House, and, most importantly, for meeting the needs of our present and future Veterans.

Sincerely,

Carol F. Gardener

Veterans Need To Visit O'Reilly and FOX New York Studio's

I just sent out a Heads Up to Vet Pax, which is the coalition of Veterans For Peace and Vietnam Veterans Against The War Chapters in and around New York City.

I had been thinking about what could be done on this issue of o'really and his total lack of not only knowledge, about the Plight Of Veterans Who Are Homeless, but his total lack of Compassion, wasn't that what his hero ran on, and Support towards Veterans in General.

lbear sent me an E which cleared the thought process.

My call to 'Vet Pax' was that they pay a visit to the New York City Studios of FOX News?, now FOX advertises itself as a News Organization, so Real News, they can report, should be brought to their attention.

That Real News is the Truth about the Plight of Homeless Vets, not a fairy tail, but The Reality!

Brandon has a post up over at Vet Voice about the billo, along with a video, from Brave New Films of interviews with Homeless Vets about billo's comments. Take a trip over to either link and view.

I have never been able to figure out where billo, or for that matter any of their so called news anchors? or reporters?, fit into a News? channel, but I don't watch it neither.

Some of the Vets in Vet Pax have, at one time or another, experianced the Homelessness, for a veriaty of reasons, and they now help out Iraq and Afgan Vets, male and female, who find themselves in situations that leave them in that situation.

Now the New York City area isn't the only area where this happens, nor is it the only FOX Studio.

I'm writing this as a call to Any Veterans reading it, if you're near a FOX Studio, anywhere in the country, get together and pay it a visit, bring some Real Facts about what Veterans go through, in this country of flag wavers and super patriots. Bring FOX some real news to report!!

Oh and tell them it's Time Billo Be Gone!!