Homeless veterans fill shelters
According to NCHV, what veterans are in need of is secure housing, nutritional meals. As well, basic physical health care, substance abuse care and aftercare are necessary. And, something many will need most, mental health counseling, personal development and empowerment.
According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, 12% of the adult homeless are veterans. That is about 49,993 people, on any given night. Most are single, live in cities, and often have issues regarding drug and alcohol abuse.
“I think that veterans really do need help after they finish off in the army. I know it must be difficult to be thrown back into the real world after going through war,” said freshman Thea Ferdinand.
Not only that, but another 1.4 veterans at risk of homelessness due to poverty and lack of support from the government, etc.
“My grandfather is a veteran and is one of the sweetest guys in the world. I really hope that the government can pay more attention to the problems veterans face after war,” said Ferdinand.
A large number of at-risk veterans live with the effects of PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, causing even more issues for them.
“It is a really sad situation because many have to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder and that directly comes from their service to our country,” said Ferdinand.
