I would like to share some information with your readers that was brought to my attention by the American Legion Post #103 in Douglaston.
This was published in their newsletter called, “Scuttlebutt.” This is a subject that I can relate to and feel deeply about. I found myself homeless after the Vietnam war in ‘75 after I was released from the Navy and if it was not for the kindness of a stranger I don’t know how I would have ended up.
Now leaders of the American Legion economic division, say they are encouraged by the latest government report showing a continued decrease in the rate of homelessness among military veterans. On Dec. 10, the V.A. and the Housing and Urban Development announced that the number of homeless veterans dropped by about 7 percent between Jan. 2011 and Jan. 2012. The veterans homeless rate dropped 12 percent the previous year, according to these same sources.
V.A. Secretary Eric Shinseki said, “While this is encouraging news, we have more work to do and will not be satisfied until no veteran has a place to sleep on the street.”
American Legion Economic Commission Chairman Harold Barnett, echoed the secretary’s words saying, “It is clear that the funding and various programs with the VA is making a difference. It’s vital that VA maintain adequate funding for these programs.”
In its press release concerning veteran homelessness, V.A. also announced the availability of $ 300 million in grants for the support services for veteran families.
This program has served approximately 70,000 veterans and their family members facing homelessness. Tied to homelessness is unemployment. While overall veteran unemployment is below the national average, the jobless rate among young veterans of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq is alarmingly high, well above average.
“This concerns us greatly, but in terms of unemployment itself and the homelessness it precipitates,” Legion Division Director Joe Sharpe said. “In terms of transitioning service members so they can migrate easily into civilian vocations. The legion also continues to campaign aggressively in favor of civilian professional and trade licensing and certification for service members either prior to discharge or with minimal training afterwards. These measures can help greatly to mitigate homelessness among veterans.”
Shinseki first announced his department’s plan to end veteran homelessness “within five years” at the Legion’s 2009 convention. He later reflected, “I know that the ideal of zero homeless veterans is ambitious, but a high target is necessary so that everyone puts in their best efforts.”
I hope these measures work for our veterans have served our country well and need our help now.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Glen Oaks Village
