Forgotten Veterans?

On Veteran's Day, we thank the men and women who have served in our nation's armed forces. How can we thank the ones who returned from wars but never fully came home?

The Veterans Administration estimates that 131,000 veterans are homeless on any given night; the National Alliance to End Homelessness puts that number close to 200,000. And approximately twice that many experience homelessness over the course of a year. Conservatively, one out of every three homeless men who is sleeping in a doorway, alley or box in our cities and rural communities has put on a uniform and served this country.

America’s homeless veterans have served in World War II, Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam War, Grenada, Panama, Lebanon, Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Operation Iraqi Freedom, or the military’s anti-drug cultivation efforts in South America.

• 23% of homeless population are veterans - let's thank them with more affordable housing
• 67% served three or more years - let's thank them by honoring their commitment with more than just a parade
• 33% stationed in war zone - let's thank them by helping them find peace at home
• 85% completed high school/GED, compared to 56% of non-veterans - let's thank them by supporting job training programs
• 76% experience alcohol, drug, or mental health problems - let's thank them by creating health care programs they can access and afford

And let's thank them in person when they come to Vine Street next week to spend the night with us.