Military Veterans
A Detailed Analysis of Homelessness among United States Military Veterans
University of Central Florida PAD 3003
7/20/2014
Abstract In the United States, homelessness among veterans is a massive epidemic that the government is currently battling. Returning from military service to no home, is a situation no one should bare. The VA has vowed to end veteran homelessness by the year 2015. To combat this issue, the government instated the Open Doors program in 2009. As of 2013 there were roughly 57,486 veterans without a home. Since 2009, the fight against homelessness has produced a massive 24 percent decrease in veteran homelessness. The open door program focuses on relocating veterans who live on the streets, in abandoned buildings …show more content…
and cars. The U.S government has created a thriving program that has produced significant results, but must continue the path of success to meet the desired goal by 2015. This text will discuss the statistical analysis of U.S homeless veterans within a 5 year span, implementation of the open door program, and the current results as of today.
A Detailed Analysis of Homelessness among United States Military Veterans
As of 2012, approximately 8 percent of the U.S population were United States military Veterans. Voluntarily deciding to join the U.S military, is a commitment that does not guarantee one shall return to their loved ones alive. A job of this caliber demands significant courage, commitment and honor to one’s country; this being why only a trivial percent of the population join the service. For those who make this life altering commitment, one would expect to return to a respectful life style upon completion of one’s military service. Sadly, an overwhelming percent of U.S veterans are homeless. As of 2009, approximately 136,000 veterans were classified as homeless at least once within a 1 year time frame. Approximately 75,609 veterans were classified as homeless on any given night during 2009. The U.S government has implemented specific programs to decrease the percent of homeless veterans. In the last 5 years, the U.S government has fought drastically to combat the homeless veteran epidemic and has made significant progress. The percent of U.S homeless veterans has significantly decreased since 2009, due to strict implementation of the Opening Doors program.
Psychological disorders
Psychological disorders are a leading force pushing veterans toward the risk of being homeless.
Post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental condition that is highly correlated with military service. The National Center for PTSD states, “PTSD occurs in 30% of Vietnam Veterans, 10% of Gulf War veterans, and 11-20% of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans”. Combat related mental disorders can cause a numerous variety of psychological effects, such as “difficulty with task completion, concentration, social communication and temper control” ("Opening doors," 2010). The above mental conditions contribute tension toward employment and steady relationships. Lack of employment and a support group, are obvious conditions that hinder one’s ability to obtain a steady home. PTSD has not been scientifically correlated to homelessness, but there is a correlation between psychological disorders and PTSD. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, “Mental illnesses may also prevent people from forming and maintaining stable relationships or cause people to misinterpret others’ guidance and react irrationally. This often results in pushing away caregivers, family, and friends who may be the force keeping that person from becoming …show more content…
homeless”.
Homeless Veteran Estimates
Two calculate an accurate estimate of current homeless veterans, we shall use two separate types of estimation formats. Sheltered refers to the homeless who are in emergency shelters or transition homes. Non- sheltered, refers to the homeless who are living in the streets. First, is the “Point in time estimate”, which calculates unsheltered and sheltered homeless veterans during one single night. The estimate is gathered from homeless veterans in shelters or transition housing and those living among the streets. The second type of estimation format is referred to as a one year estimate. The calculations are received via homeless management information systems also known as HMIS. HMIS is a database that records the type of services provided to homeless and characteristics of those who request assistance. The estimate is based off homeless veterans who visit shelters or transition homes in a 1 year time frame. The one year estimate only takes into consideration those who visit a shelter.
Homeless Veterans 2009 to 2013 The below text will analyze recorded data of homeless veterans populations and demographics, during 2009.
In 2009, veterans were highly over represented within the homeless community. Roughly 8 percent of the U.S population were veterans, but 12 percent of homeless were veterans. Recorded data states, “An estimated 136,334 veterans spent at least one night in an emergency shelter or transitional housing program between October 1, 2008 and September 30, 2009” ("Veteran homelessness: A," 2009). Of the 136,334 homeless veterans, 92.5 percent were male, while 7.5 percent were female. Non-Hispanic/non-Latino, represented 88.9 percent of the homeless veteran population, while Hispanic/Latino represented 11 percent. The age gap of homeless veterans, ranged from 18 to 62 years or older. Individuals between the ages of 31 to 50 were over represented, representing approximately 44 percent of all homeless veterans. Homeless veterans between the ages 18 to 30, represented 8.4 percent, thus being the age group least likely to be victimized to homelessness. According to the demographics, the typical homeless veteran in 2009, was a white male between 31 and 50 years of
age.
As of 2013,” the homeless veterans point in time estimate was 57, 849. Research states, “Of the 57,849 homeless veterans counted in the 2013 point-in-time count, a reported 60% were sleeping in emergency shelter or transitional housing and 40% were on the street or in other places not meant for human habitation” (Perl, 2013). Males accounted for 92.2 percent of homeless veterans, while females accounted for 7.8 percent. Veterans accounted for 12 percent of the entire homeless community.
A comparison of the recorded data of homeless veterans in 2009 versus 2013, will depict the significant progress in the fight against homeless veterans. During this 4 year time span, the government made massive progress toward decreasing homelessness amongst veterans. Since 2013, “veteran homelessness decreased by 17,760 people or 24 percent” (Henry, Cortes & Morris, 2013). Homeless veterans visiting emergency shelter organizations decreased by roughly 20 percent. In 2009 approximately 32,307 homeless veterans lived in unsheltered locations; unsheltered homeless veterans dropped by 28 percent as of 2013.As the data portrays, since 2009, the United States has produced a dramatic decrease in all areas of homelessness among veterans. The government implemented numerous programs built to decrease homelessness among veterans and the general population.
President Barrack Obama stated, “It is simply unacceptable for individuals, children, families, and our nation’s Veterans to be faced with homelessness” (Opening Doors, 2010). In dire need to combat the homeless epidemic, the United States government developed a strategic plan to end homelessness, referred to as “Opening Doors”. The opening door program is built upon a foundation of four desired goals. The goals are to end chronic homelessness in 5 years, end veteran homelessness in 5 years, end homelessness for children, you and family in 10 years and set a road map for ending all forms of homelessness in America. This federal strategic plan has chosen 5 key steps that must be followed.
Open Door Program 5 Steps
Step 1 of the Opening door program calls for an increase in leadership, collaboration, and civic engagements. To implement strategies to decrease chronic homelessness, it requires solid leadership at all levels of government. Communities that have reduced homelessness have conducted similar tactics, “ they have set goals, identified needs and gaps, developed strategies to meet these needs and gaps, created public-private investment in the strategies, monitored progress, and adjusted the course when needed” (Opening Doors, 2010). One community cannot resolve the issue of homelessness, thus communities must work together using all available resources.
Step 2 of the Opening doors program calls for an increase of access to affordable housing. The gap between ones income and cost of housing will dictate what type of living conditions they will receive. Those who are considered poor are at risk of becoming homeless. Veterans who are at risk of becoming homeless require access to affordable housing. To be effective, affordable housing must be located in areas containing high rates of homeless. To provide affordable housing, the Opening Door program suggests the following strategies, “Support additional rental housing subsidies through federal, state, local, and private re- source, expand the supply of affordable rental homes where they are most needed through federal, state, and local effort, and improve access to federally-funded housing assistance by eliminating administrative barriers and encouraging prioritization” (Opening Doors, 2010).. The government has implemented permanent supportive housing, providing support for those with disabilities or special needs. Supportive housing caters to those with mental disorders, HIV/AIDS and substance dependency. An environment that caters to special needs is crucial for veterans with mental disorders, thus providing personal needs to prevent chronic homelessness.
Economic security is a vital role in preventing all from experiencing homelessness, thus the Opening Door program strides to increase economic security of those at risk. At risk veterans, require access to steady and reliable employment. An increase of job opportunities will decrease the unemployment rate, thus reducing the percent of veterans at risk. The government has begun to, “increase opportunities for work and support recovery for Veterans with barriers to employment, especially Veterans returning from active duty, Veterans with disabilities, and Veterans in permanent supportive housing” (Opening Doors, 2010).
Majority of the homeless lack a proper outlet to receive health care services. The Open Door program has, “integrated primary and behavioral health care services with homeless assistance programs and housing to reduce people’s vulnerability to and the impacts of homelessness” ( Opening Doors 2010). Approximately 52 percent of homeless veterans are classified as disabled, to include mental or physical conditions. Depending on the severity of a disability, one can find difficulty obtaining employment and in result unable to afford housing. The ability to seek medical treatment while being at risk; can lead one to control their disability prior to becoming homeless. The government has increased medical treatment opportunities by, “ increasing availability of behavioral health services, building upon successful service delivery models, and improving access to child and family services”( Opening Doors, 2010).
The final step of the Opening Doors program, consists of retooling the homeless crisis response system. A homeless crisis response system prevents homelessness and returns homeless to reliable housing with the needed tools for success. This system provides a continuum of care, or “a community plan to organize and deliver housing and services to meet specific needs of people who are homeless as they move to stable housing and maximize self-sufficiency” (Opening Doors, 2010). The structure of a continuum care plan contains 4 required components. An outreach intake, and assessment are required to isolate specific needs of individual. Emergency shelters are needed to offer instant living quarters for those living on the streets. A transitional house providing support services is recommended for the transition to permanent housing. The last component is a permanent home with access to support services.
Conclusion
To summarize, over the last 4 years the United States has dramatically reduced the population of homeless veterans. The goal is to eliminate homelessness among veterans by 2015, and we are currently heading in the correct direction. The above data of the Open Door program, has proven to cause a massive reduction in homelessness. Following the implementation of the program in 2009, it has resulted in a 24 percent decrease in homeless veterans, a 20 percent decrease in veterans visiting emergency shelters and a 28 percent decrease in unsheltered homeless veterans. The open door programs focuses on not only preventing homelessness but providing long term solutions. The plan provides increased employment opportunity, medical assistance, housing assistance, support service assistance, and continuous care assistance. Our society still contains significant amounts of homeless veterans scattered throughout the nation, thus the government must continue to take the proper steps of reduction.
References
Henry, M., Cortes, A., & Morris, S. Department of House and Urban Development, Community Planning and Development. (2013). the 2013 annual homeless assessment report to congress
Homeless veterans. (2009, September). Retrieved from http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/veterans.html
National Coalition for the Homeless, (2009). Mental illness and homelessness Perl, L. Congressional Research Service, (2013). Veterans and homelessness
The U.s Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Center on Homelessness among Veterans. (2009). Veteran homelessness: A supplemental report to the 2009 annual homeless assessment report to congress
United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, (2010). Opening doors
University of Central Florida PAD 3003
7/20/2014
Abstract In the United States, homelessness among veterans is a massive epidemic that the government is currently battling. Returning from military service to no home, is a situation no one should bare. The VA has vowed to end veteran homelessness by the year 2015. To combat this issue, the government instated the Open Doors program in 2009. As of 2013 there were roughly 57,486 veterans without a home. Since 2009, the fight against homelessness has produced a massive 24 percent decrease in veteran homelessness. The open door program focuses on relocating veterans who live on the streets, in abandoned buildings …show more content…
and cars. The U.S government has created a thriving program that has produced significant results, but must continue the path of success to meet the desired goal by 2015. This text will discuss the statistical analysis of U.S homeless veterans within a 5 year span, implementation of the open door program, and the current results as of today.
A Detailed Analysis of Homelessness among United States Military Veterans
As of 2012, approximately 8 percent of the U.S population were United States military Veterans. Voluntarily deciding to join the U.S military, is a commitment that does not guarantee one shall return to their loved ones alive. A job of this caliber demands significant courage, commitment and honor to one’s country; this being why only a trivial percent of the population join the service. For those who make this life altering commitment, one would expect to return to a respectful life style upon completion of one’s military service. Sadly, an overwhelming percent of U.S veterans are homeless. As of 2009, approximately 136,000 veterans were classified as homeless at least once within a 1 year time frame. Approximately 75,609 veterans were classified as homeless on any given night during 2009. The U.S government has implemented specific programs to decrease the percent of homeless veterans. In the last 5 years, the U.S government has fought drastically to combat the homeless veteran epidemic and has made significant progress. The percent of U.S homeless veterans has significantly decreased since 2009, due to strict implementation of the Opening Doors program.
Psychological disorders
Psychological disorders are a leading force pushing veterans toward the risk of being homeless.
Post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental condition that is highly correlated with military service. The National Center for PTSD states, “PTSD occurs in 30% of Vietnam Veterans, 10% of Gulf War veterans, and 11-20% of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans”. Combat related mental disorders can cause a numerous variety of psychological effects, such as “difficulty with task completion, concentration, social communication and temper control” ("Opening doors," 2010). The above mental conditions contribute tension toward employment and steady relationships. Lack of employment and a support group, are obvious conditions that hinder one’s ability to obtain a steady home. PTSD has not been scientifically correlated to homelessness, but there is a correlation between psychological disorders and PTSD. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, “Mental illnesses may also prevent people from forming and maintaining stable relationships or cause people to misinterpret others’ guidance and react irrationally. This often results in pushing away caregivers, family, and friends who may be the force keeping that person from becoming …show more content…
homeless”.
Homeless Veteran Estimates
Two calculate an accurate estimate of current homeless veterans, we shall use two separate types of estimation formats. Sheltered refers to the homeless who are in emergency shelters or transition homes. Non- sheltered, refers to the homeless who are living in the streets. First, is the “Point in time estimate”, which calculates unsheltered and sheltered homeless veterans during one single night. The estimate is gathered from homeless veterans in shelters or transition housing and those living among the streets. The second type of estimation format is referred to as a one year estimate. The calculations are received via homeless management information systems also known as HMIS. HMIS is a database that records the type of services provided to homeless and characteristics of those who request assistance. The estimate is based off homeless veterans who visit shelters or transition homes in a 1 year time frame. The one year estimate only takes into consideration those who visit a shelter.
Homeless Veterans 2009 to 2013 The below text will analyze recorded data of homeless veterans populations and demographics, during 2009.
In 2009, veterans were highly over represented within the homeless community. Roughly 8 percent of the U.S population were veterans, but 12 percent of homeless were veterans. Recorded data states, “An estimated 136,334 veterans spent at least one night in an emergency shelter or transitional housing program between October 1, 2008 and September 30, 2009” ("Veteran homelessness: A," 2009). Of the 136,334 homeless veterans, 92.5 percent were male, while 7.5 percent were female. Non-Hispanic/non-Latino, represented 88.9 percent of the homeless veteran population, while Hispanic/Latino represented 11 percent. The age gap of homeless veterans, ranged from 18 to 62 years or older. Individuals between the ages of 31 to 50 were over represented, representing approximately 44 percent of all homeless veterans. Homeless veterans between the ages 18 to 30, represented 8.4 percent, thus being the age group least likely to be victimized to homelessness. According to the demographics, the typical homeless veteran in 2009, was a white male between 31 and 50 years of
age.
As of 2013,” the homeless veterans point in time estimate was 57, 849. Research states, “Of the 57,849 homeless veterans counted in the 2013 point-in-time count, a reported 60% were sleeping in emergency shelter or transitional housing and 40% were on the street or in other places not meant for human habitation” (Perl, 2013). Males accounted for 92.2 percent of homeless veterans, while females accounted for 7.8 percent. Veterans accounted for 12 percent of the entire homeless community.
A comparison of the recorded data of homeless veterans in 2009 versus 2013, will depict the significant progress in the fight against homeless veterans. During this 4 year time span, the government made massive progress toward decreasing homelessness amongst veterans. Since 2013, “veteran homelessness decreased by 17,760 people or 24 percent” (Henry, Cortes & Morris, 2013). Homeless veterans visiting emergency shelter organizations decreased by roughly 20 percent. In 2009 approximately 32,307 homeless veterans lived in unsheltered locations; unsheltered homeless veterans dropped by 28 percent as of 2013.As the data portrays, since 2009, the United States has produced a dramatic decrease in all areas of homelessness among veterans. The government implemented numerous programs built to decrease homelessness among veterans and the general population.
President Barrack Obama stated, “It is simply unacceptable for individuals, children, families, and our nation’s Veterans to be faced with homelessness” (Opening Doors, 2010). In dire need to combat the homeless epidemic, the United States government developed a strategic plan to end homelessness, referred to as “Opening Doors”. The opening door program is built upon a foundation of four desired goals. The goals are to end chronic homelessness in 5 years, end veteran homelessness in 5 years, end homelessness for children, you and family in 10 years and set a road map for ending all forms of homelessness in America. This federal strategic plan has chosen 5 key steps that must be followed.
Open Door Program 5 Steps
Step 1 of the Opening door program calls for an increase in leadership, collaboration, and civic engagements. To implement strategies to decrease chronic homelessness, it requires solid leadership at all levels of government. Communities that have reduced homelessness have conducted similar tactics, “ they have set goals, identified needs and gaps, developed strategies to meet these needs and gaps, created public-private investment in the strategies, monitored progress, and adjusted the course when needed” (Opening Doors, 2010). One community cannot resolve the issue of homelessness, thus communities must work together using all available resources.
Step 2 of the Opening doors program calls for an increase of access to affordable housing. The gap between ones income and cost of housing will dictate what type of living conditions they will receive. Those who are considered poor are at risk of becoming homeless. Veterans who are at risk of becoming homeless require access to affordable housing. To be effective, affordable housing must be located in areas containing high rates of homeless. To provide affordable housing, the Opening Door program suggests the following strategies, “Support additional rental housing subsidies through federal, state, local, and private re- source, expand the supply of affordable rental homes where they are most needed through federal, state, and local effort, and improve access to federally-funded housing assistance by eliminating administrative barriers and encouraging prioritization” (Opening Doors, 2010).. The government has implemented permanent supportive housing, providing support for those with disabilities or special needs. Supportive housing caters to those with mental disorders, HIV/AIDS and substance dependency. An environment that caters to special needs is crucial for veterans with mental disorders, thus providing personal needs to prevent chronic homelessness.
Economic security is a vital role in preventing all from experiencing homelessness, thus the Opening Door program strides to increase economic security of those at risk. At risk veterans, require access to steady and reliable employment. An increase of job opportunities will decrease the unemployment rate, thus reducing the percent of veterans at risk. The government has begun to, “increase opportunities for work and support recovery for Veterans with barriers to employment, especially Veterans returning from active duty, Veterans with disabilities, and Veterans in permanent supportive housing” (Opening Doors, 2010).
Majority of the homeless lack a proper outlet to receive health care services. The Open Door program has, “integrated primary and behavioral health care services with homeless assistance programs and housing to reduce people’s vulnerability to and the impacts of homelessness” ( Opening Doors 2010). Approximately 52 percent of homeless veterans are classified as disabled, to include mental or physical conditions. Depending on the severity of a disability, one can find difficulty obtaining employment and in result unable to afford housing. The ability to seek medical treatment while being at risk; can lead one to control their disability prior to becoming homeless. The government has increased medical treatment opportunities by, “ increasing availability of behavioral health services, building upon successful service delivery models, and improving access to child and family services”( Opening Doors, 2010).
The final step of the Opening Doors program, consists of retooling the homeless crisis response system. A homeless crisis response system prevents homelessness and returns homeless to reliable housing with the needed tools for success. This system provides a continuum of care, or “a community plan to organize and deliver housing and services to meet specific needs of people who are homeless as they move to stable housing and maximize self-sufficiency” (Opening Doors, 2010). The structure of a continuum care plan contains 4 required components. An outreach intake, and assessment are required to isolate specific needs of individual. Emergency shelters are needed to offer instant living quarters for those living on the streets. A transitional house providing support services is recommended for the transition to permanent housing. The last component is a permanent home with access to support services.
Conclusion
To summarize, over the last 4 years the United States has dramatically reduced the population of homeless veterans. The goal is to eliminate homelessness among veterans by 2015, and we are currently heading in the correct direction. The above data of the Open Door program, has proven to cause a massive reduction in homelessness. Following the implementation of the program in 2009, it has resulted in a 24 percent decrease in homeless veterans, a 20 percent decrease in veterans visiting emergency shelters and a 28 percent decrease in unsheltered homeless veterans. The open door programs focuses on not only preventing homelessness but providing long term solutions. The plan provides increased employment opportunity, medical assistance, housing assistance, support service assistance, and continuous care assistance. Our society still contains significant amounts of homeless veterans scattered throughout the nation, thus the government must continue to take the proper steps of reduction.
References
Henry, M., Cortes, A., & Morris, S. Department of House and Urban Development, Community Planning and Development. (2013). the 2013 annual homeless assessment report to congress
Homeless veterans. (2009, September). Retrieved from http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/veterans.html
National Coalition for the Homeless, (2009). Mental illness and homelessness Perl, L. Congressional Research Service, (2013). Veterans and homelessness
The U.s Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Center on Homelessness among Veterans. (2009). Veteran homelessness: A supplemental report to the 2009 annual homeless assessment report to congress
United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, (2010). Opening doors