Alexis Cartwright

Mrs. Lewis
English 3 - Pd. 2
May 20th , 2016

Homeless Heroes
The brave men and women fighting for our country are coming back with nowhere to call
home. Statistics show that 47,225 veterans were homeless on just one single night just fewer
than 10% of those veterans were women. These men and women risked their life day and night
just to give us the right to be free, so how come they come back just to sleep on the streets?
Whose problem is it though? The greatest risk factors for homelessness is social isolation
after their discharge and lack of support. With that being said there is about 1.5 million veterans
considered at-risk of homelessness. Although the Department of Veteran Affairs helps there is
an estimated 500,000 veterans reported homeless some time during the year. The VA only
reaches 20 perecent of that 500,000 which leaves 400,000 without supportive services. Nearly
half a million of these men and women come back and are paying rent which is 50 percent of
their income. I believe as a country we are lacking support for our veterans.
Now to bring up the cost and impacts it has on our community. The state, local, and federal
governments have spent at least $168 million annually for programs and services to assist the
homeless. The state agencies assist local homeless efforts by providing direct services and
funding. However, some state agency practices could be improved. A major source of dedicated
funding for homeless programs is the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development.
There is also the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program which helps veterans and
their family stay in their homes. With the help of funding and programs the percentage of
homeless veterans dropped 40 percent in the past four years.
Veterans budgeting for a low income household can always go to the VA for help. The VA
(Veteran Affairs) and HUD (U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development) have teamed
up to offer supportive services to help homeless veterans and their families find and sustain
permanent housing. For very low income veterans, SSVF (supportive services for veteran
families) makes sure that the Veteran's family doesnt lose their home or identify a new, more
suitable housing situation. They also have the Homeless Providers Grant Program where the
state, local, and tribal governments and nonprofits receive capital grants to develop and operate
transitional housing and service centers for the homeless veterans. With those options, and
plenty more it sets an easy path for our veterans to get a suitable housing arrangement.

The number of homeless veterans is slowly but surely going down. Just because the
percentage is going down doesnt mean our help isnt needed. Thanks to the amazing

programs available veterans across the country are starting a new chapter in their lives and are
able to say they have a home.