3_vidal_aldo

Aldo R. Vidal

Rhetoric

Aug. 3, 2001

Homeless Veterans: The Forgotten Heroes

It's been ten years since the American led coalition was launched against Saddam Hussein's occupying troops in Kuwait. With superior tactics, the opposing army was driven back into Iraq. Persian Gulf War veterans came home to a welcome seldom matched in United States military history. Society certainly bestowed the appropriate symbolic rewards on the veterans. While the spectators returned to their routines and soon forgot about the war, some Gulf War veterans were destined to endure the horrors of homelessness in their post military life.

Janie Blankenship defines homeless veterans as men and women who once served in the military and who now have no permanent residence (20). There are men and women who once served their country with honor sleeping in doorways, alleys, in boxes, and under bridges in cities and rural countryside without dignity. Everybody agrees it is time to take action and try to formulate a plan to combat this serious matter. Actions are being taken to eliminate homelessness by cities across the country. However, they have increasingly moved toward enacting and enforcing laws that specifically criminalize homelessness. This is in response to their concern about the use of public space. New York mayor, Rudolph Giuliani, declared in his weekly radio program that homeless people do not have the right to sleep on the sidewalks. Giuliani said "streets do not exist in civilized societies for the purpose of people sleeping there . . . you do not have the right to sleep on the streets" (qtd. in Whyte). Services that ensure veterans are provided all the care, entitlements and compensation they have earned through their service and sacrifice in defense of their nation should be developed in a prompt and compassionate manner. By addressing issues such as housing, income, and services, society can provide better living conditions for these forgotten heroes.

Homelessness, as the name implies, is a housing problem. The United States Congress estimates that between 150,000 and 250,000 veterans are homeless on a nightly basis, and twice as many might be homeless over the course of a year (6). Military veterans represent nearly one third of the homeless population who seek shelter (6). The rising cost of housing and the stagnating incomes of the middle class have combined to create a situation in which virtually any misfortune, such as the loss of a job, an increase in rent, or sustained drug and alcohol abuse, can result in displacement. Steve Vogel, of the Washington Post, states fund-raisers by the general public and celebrities are essential for creating homes for the homeless. Heather French, Miss America 2000, states, "There's a lot of mistrust because no one seems to be listening to the homeless veterans . . . I learned how to listen not only with my ears, but with my heart" (qtd. in Blankenship 20).

In an attempt to clean up cities and counties, policy makers across the nation have ratified ordinances and enacted laws which effectually criminalize the state of homelessness. Homeless people are being brought to shelters, but if they refuse to work, they are going to be thrown back on the streets. Ms. Brosnahan stated, "There is no logic here . . . throwing them back on the streets is not the answer" (qtd. in Whyte). These criminal laws are quick-fix solutions to remove homeless people from sight, rather than addressing the underlying causes of homelessness. It is easier for cities to attack homeless people than to attack the root causes of homelessness. Although, some concerns about public space are valid, the criminalization of homeless individuals is poor public policy.

One approach to solving the housing problem is to create enough affordable housing which can be done by building military style barracks that can serve as temporary shelters for homeless veterans. Congress can direct the use of surplus Department of Defense buildings for housing the homeless (United 45). Another approach is to create government incentives for private company involvement in building affordable housing. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans is sponsoring a program which will provide ten homes to homeless veterans (Blankenship 20). Through the joint effort of the government and its citizens, a system can be implemented to rescue the unfortunate.

In view of the Nation's economic problems, combined with the downsizing of the armed forces, the number of veterans relying on VA help is bound to increase. An article by Robert Rosenheck, of The American Journal of Public Health, states that national data reveals higher rates of unemployment among veterans than non-veterans (466). In order for homeless veterans to win and reenter the workforce, the government and society need to provide them with the support and equipment necessary. Homeless veterans require a comprehensive education support program both to help them work their way out of homelessness and to keep them from returning. Currently, there are few community based education programs for homeless veterans and their families across the Nation (United 12).

Combat arms skills learned in the military are not transferable to civilian economy. Some veterans join the military after high school and are trained in the arts of war. When discharged, most infantry soldiers do not possess the necessary skills to perform jobs in civilian occupations. Soldiers should be encouraged to participate in job training or to attend a trade school prior to being discharged from the armed forces. Being better prepared for the jobs available in the civilian workforce can give veterans added assurance they will perform well in their new way of life.

Tax breaks or government incentives can serve to encourage businesses to hire homeless veterans. Donations of clothing by the general public can ensure that veterans are properly dressed when applying or interviewing for a job. Another way to address homelessness is to ensure that people's incomes are adequate to support independent living. Work is the chief source of income for homeless people, followed by public benefits. Yet, not surprisingly, the incomes of homeless people are very low. There are a variety of ways in which incomes can be increased, including employment training, job development, and expanding public benefits.

Even if there was a ready and abundant supply of affordable housing and all homeless people had incomes that allowed them to live independently, many people who are homeless would still require assistance to overcome the problems that interfere with their independence. Some need recovery programs to help them deal with alcohol and drug abuse. Others need case management to help them establish the support networks to help them handle the crises of daily living. There are those who need child care to give them the time and energy to train and apply for a job. Some people require treatment and counseling to help them manage mental illness. In the cases of veterans, displacement may in some cases be directly linked to their military service, as is suggested by the high incidence of homeless veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (United 8).

Homelessness inevitably means health problems. Illnesses such as dental problems and malnutrition are prominent on the streets. Catherine Austin, of the
Journal of the American Dietetics Association, states the average consumption for homeless people is 1.8 meals a day (1283). Programs such as "Standdown" provide services from several agencies while providing hot meals and a safe environment for sleeping. In the military, "Standdown" refers to a time when a soldier can leave combat to rest and regain strength before returning to battle. These "Standdowns" are special two or three day events which provide services from several agencies for homeless veterans. During "Standdowns," veterans can temporarily escape the stresses of life on the streets and not only obtain warm meals, but also have a safe environment for sleeping (93). Improvement in psychiatric symptoms was associated with superior housing and improvement in community adjustment. According to Catherine Leda, of the American Journal of Psychiatry, program participation was found to be associated with improvement in all areas of community adjustment (1219). A decrease of alcohol problems was positively associated with improvement in employment (1219).

Homeless mentally ill veterans derive clear benefits from participation in a multidimensional residential treatment program. In the cases of veterans, displacement may in some cases be directly linked to their military service, as suggested by the high incidence of homeless veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Now, more than three quarters of all homeless veterans suffer from mental or physical health problems, including substance abuse. Hospital treatment programs and participation in halfway houses can help recovering veterans relearn skills and begin rebuilding their lives (United 43).

Karen Laski, of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, states that this nation has stood the test of time, and we cannot forget about this group of brave citizens, for they are the men and women that defended the freedoms everyone holds so dear (39). Ryan Ver Berkmoes, of the American Medical News, states that Victor Wahby, MD, arranged for a group of carolers to perform at a White House Christmas party on behalf of homeless veterans (35). This shows that attempts are being made to end homelessness. However, much more has to be done to be successful in the war against homelessness. Instead of wasting everyone's time, why not sit down at the table with the best and most sufficient resources to permanently end homelessness. The criminalization effort tears the focus of both homeless people and their advocates away from long term and permanent solutions. Former chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, Colin Powell, said of previous members of the armed forces, "You've served in the past . . . and you will continue to serve in the future" (Blankenship 21).

Tim Dyhouse, of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, states, "only through the collaborative effort can we seek to best address the need of our homeless veteran population" (14). Programs that assist homeless veterans must focus on helping veterans reach the point where they can obtain and sustain employment. Rounding up homeless people from the streets simply to get them away from sight is not the answer to solving the problem. A better planned solution must be thought of and implemented in order to truly put an end to homelessness. While it is agreed that these people must be put to work, it is also imperative to provide the necessary tools to help them overcome their short-comings. Housing, income, and services should be the top priority in our efforts to battle the continuing problem of homelessness. Armed with proper education, good health, and an understanding of the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse, most homeless people can rejoin and adjust to society with more ease.

Sources Cited

Austin, Catherine Kimm. "Absence of Malnutrition in a Population of Homeless

Veterans." Journal of the American Dietetics Association 96.12 (1996):

1283. 20 July 2001 <www.infotrac.galegroup.com>.

Blankenship, Janie. "Miss America Sheds New Light on Homeless Veterans."

Veterans of Foreign Wars Aug. 2000: 20-21.

Dyhouse, Tim. "Sharing Services to America." Veterans of Foreign Wars Aug.

2000: 14-18.

Laski, Karen M. "Saving the Star-Spangled Banner." Veterans of Foreign Wars

Aug. 2000: 38-39.

Leda, Catherine. "Mental Health Status and Community Adjustment After

Treatment in a Residential Treatment Program for Homeless Veterans."

American Journal of Psychiatry 149.9 (1992): 1219. 20 July 2001

<www.infotrac.galegroup.com>.

Rosenheck, Robert. "The Proportion of Veterans Among Homeless Veterans."

The American Journal of Public Health 84.3 (1994): 466. 20 July 2001

<www.infotrac.galegroup.com>.

United States. Congress. The DVA Loan Guaranty Programs, National

Cemetery System, and Programs for Homeless Veterans. Washington:

Government Printing Office, 1992.

Ver Berkmoes, Ryan. "Serenading Homeless Veterans: A New Tradition."

American Medical News 33.2 (1990): 35. 20 July 2001

<www.infotrac.galegroup.com>.

Vogel, Steve. "At USO Event, a Salute to Soldiers and a Plea for Homeless

Veterans." Washington Post 6 Apr. 2000: J04. 20 July 2001

<www.galenet.com>.

Whyte, Alan. "New York's Mayor Calls for Police Crackdown on the Homeless."

World Socialist Web Site 24 Nov. 1999. 1 Aug. 2001 <www.wsws.org>.









			Aldo R. Vidal Rhetoric Aug. 3, 2001 Homeless Veterans: The Forgotten Heroes It's been ten years since the American led coalition was launched against Saddam Hussein's occupying troops in Kuwait. With superior tactics, the opposing army was driven back into Iraq. Persian Gulf War veterans came home to a welcome seldom matched in United States military history. Society certainly bestowed the appropriate symbolic rewards on the veterans. While the spectators returned to their routines and soon forgot about the war, some Gulf War veterans were destined to endure the horrors of homelessness in their post military life. Janie Blankenship defines homeless veterans as men and women who once served in the military and who now have no permanent residence (20). There are men and women who once served their country with honor sleeping in doorways, alleys, in boxes, and under bridges in cities and rural countryside without dignity. Everybody agrees it is time to take action and try to formulate a plan to combat this serious matter. Actions are being taken to eliminate homelessness by cities across the country. However, they have increasingly moved toward enacting and enforcing laws that specifically criminalize homelessness. This is in response to their concern about the use of public space. New York mayor, Rudolph Giuliani, declared in his weekly radio program that homeless people do not have the right to sleep on the sidewalks. Giuliani said "streets do not exist in civilized societies for the purpose of people sleeping there . . . you do not have the right to sleep on the streets" (qtd. in Whyte). Services that ensure veterans are provided all the care, entitlements and compensation they have earned through their service and sacrifice in defense of their nation should be developed in a prompt and compassionate manner. By addressing issues such as housing, income, and services, society can provide better living conditions for these forgotten heroes. Homelessness, as the name implies, is a housing problem. The United States Congress estimates that between 150,000 and 250,000 veterans are homeless on a nightly basis, and twice as many might be homeless over the course of a year (6). Military veterans represent nearly one third of the homeless population who seek shelter (6). The rising cost of housing and the stagnating incomes of the middle class have combined to create a situation in which virtually any misfortune, such as the loss of a job, an increase in rent, or sustained drug and alcohol abuse, can result in displacement. Steve Vogel, of the Washington Post, states fund-raisers by the general public and celebrities are essential for creating homes for the homeless. Heather French, Miss America 2000, states, "There's a lot of mistrust because no one seems to be listening to the homeless veterans . . . I learned how to listen not only with my ears, but with my heart" (qtd. in Blankenship 20). In an attempt to clean up cities and counties, policy makers across the nation have ratified ordinances and enacted laws which effectually criminalize the state of homelessness. Homeless people are being brought to shelters, but if they refuse to work, they are going to be thrown back on the streets. Ms. Brosnahan stated, "There is no logic here . . . throwing them back on the streets is not the answer" (qtd. in Whyte). These criminal laws are quick-fix solutions to remove homeless people from sight, rather than addressing the underlying causes of homelessness. It is easier for cities to attack homeless people than to attack the root causes of homelessness. Although, some concerns about public space are valid, the criminalization of homeless individuals is poor public policy. One approach to solving the housing problem is to create enough affordable housing which can be done by building military style barracks that can serve as temporary shelters for homeless veterans. Congress can direct the use of surplus Department of Defense buildings for housing the homeless (United 45). Another approach is to create government incentives for private company involvement in building affordable housing. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans is sponsoring a program which will provide ten homes to homeless veterans (Blankenship 20). Through the joint effort of the government and its citizens, a system can be implemented to rescue the unfortunate. In view of the Nation's economic problems, combined with the downsizing of the armed forces, the number of veterans relying on VA help is bound to increase. An article by Robert Rosenheck, of The American Journal of Public Health, states that national data reveals higher rates of unemployment among veterans than non-veterans (466). In order for homeless veterans to win and reenter the workforce, the government and society need to provide them with the support and equipment necessary. Homeless veterans require a comprehensive education support program both to help them work their way out of homelessness and to keep them from returning. Currently, there are few community based education programs for homeless veterans and their families across the Nation (United 12). Combat arms skills learned in the military are not transferable to civilian economy. Some veterans join the military after high school and are trained in the arts of war. When discharged, most infantry soldiers do not possess the necessary skills to perform jobs in civilian occupations. Soldiers should be encouraged to participate in job training or to attend a trade school prior to being discharged from the armed forces. Being better prepared for the jobs available in the civilian workforce can give veterans added assurance they will perform well in their new way of life. Tax breaks or government incentives can serve to encourage businesses to hire homeless veterans. Donations of clothing by the general public can ensure that veterans are properly dressed when applying or interviewing for a job. Another way to address homelessness is to ensure that people's incomes are adequate to support independent living. Work is the chief source of income for homeless people, followed by public benefits. Yet, not surprisingly, the incomes of homeless people are very low. There are a variety of ways in which incomes can be increased, including employment training, job development, and expanding public benefits. Even if there was a ready and abundant supply of affordable housing and all homeless people had incomes that allowed them to live independently, many people who are homeless would still require assistance to overcome the problems that interfere with their independence. Some need recovery programs to help them deal with alcohol and drug abuse. Others need case management to help them establish the support networks to help them handle the crises of daily living. There are those who need child care to give them the time and energy to train and apply for a job. Some people require treatment and counseling to help them manage mental illness. In the cases of veterans, displacement may in some cases be directly linked to their military service, as is suggested by the high incidence of homeless veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (United 8). Homelessness inevitably means health problems. Illnesses such as dental problems and malnutrition are prominent on the streets. Catherine Austin, of the Journal of the American Dietetics Association, states the average consumption for homeless people is 1.8 meals a day (1283). Programs such as "Standdown" provide services from several agencies while providing hot meals and a safe environment for sleeping. In the military, "Standdown" refers to a time when a soldier can leave combat to rest and regain strength before returning to battle. These "Standdowns" are special two or three day events which provide services from several agencies for homeless veterans. During "Standdowns," veterans can temporarily escape the stresses of life on the streets and not only obtain warm meals, but also have a safe environment for sleeping (93). Improvement in psychiatric symptoms was associated with superior housing and improvement in community adjustment. According to Catherine Leda, of the American Journal of Psychiatry, program participation was found to be associated with improvement in all areas of community adjustment (1219). A decrease of alcohol problems was positively associated with improvement in employment (1219). Homeless mentally ill veterans derive clear benefits from participation in a multidimensional residential treatment program. In the cases of veterans, displacement may in some cases be directly linked to their military service, as suggested by the high incidence of homeless veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Now, more than three quarters of all homeless veterans suffer from mental or physical health problems, including substance abuse. Hospital treatment programs and participation in halfway houses can help recovering veterans relearn skills and begin rebuilding their lives (United 43). Karen Laski, of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, states that this nation has stood the test of time, and we cannot forget about this group of brave citizens, for they are the men and women that defended the freedoms everyone holds so dear (39). Ryan Ver Berkmoes, of the American Medical News, states that Victor Wahby, MD, arranged for a group of carolers to perform at a White House Christmas party on behalf of homeless veterans (35). This shows that attempts are being made to end homelessness. However, much more has to be done to be successful in the war against homelessness. Instead of wasting everyone's time, why not sit down at the table with the best and most sufficient resources to permanently end homelessness. The criminalization effort tears the focus of both homeless people and their advocates away from long term and permanent solutions. Former chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, Colin Powell, said of previous members of the armed forces, "You've served in the past . . . and you will continue to serve in the future" (Blankenship 21). Tim Dyhouse, of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, states, "only through the collaborative effort can we seek to best address the need of our homeless veteran population" (14). Programs that assist homeless veterans must focus on helping veterans reach the point where they can obtain and sustain employment. Rounding up homeless people from the streets simply to get them away from sight is not the answer to solving the problem. A better planned solution must be thought of and implemented in order to truly put an end to homelessness. While it is agreed that these people must be put to work, it is also imperative to provide the necessary tools to help them overcome their short-comings. Housing, income, and services should be the top priority in our efforts to battle the continuing problem of homelessness. Armed with proper education, good health, and an understanding of the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse, most homeless people can rejoin and adjust to society with more ease. Sources Cited Austin, Catherine Kimm. "Absence of Malnutrition in a Population of Homeless Veterans." Journal of the American Dietetics Association 96.12 (1996): 1283. 20 July 2001 <www.infotrac.galegroup.com>. Blankenship, Janie. "Miss America Sheds New Light on Homeless Veterans." Veterans of Foreign Wars Aug. 2000: 20-21. Dyhouse, Tim. "Sharing Services to America." Veterans of Foreign Wars Aug. 2000: 14-18. Laski, Karen M. "Saving the Star-Spangled Banner." Veterans of Foreign Wars Aug. 2000: 38-39. Leda, Catherine. "Mental Health Status and Community Adjustment After Treatment in a Residential Treatment Program for Homeless Veterans." American Journal of Psychiatry 149.9 (1992): 1219. 20 July 2001 <www.infotrac.galegroup.com>. Rosenheck, Robert. "The Proportion of Veterans Among Homeless Veterans." The American Journal of Public Health 84.3 (1994): 466. 20 July 2001 <www.infotrac.galegroup.com>. United States. Congress. The DVA Loan Guaranty Programs, National Cemetery System, and Programs for Homeless Veterans. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1992. Ver Berkmoes, Ryan. "Serenading Homeless Veterans: A New Tradition." American Medical News 33.2 (1990): 35. 20 July 2001 <www.infotrac.galegroup.com>. Vogel, Steve. "At USO Event, a Salute to Soldiers and a Plea for Homeless Veterans." Washington Post 6 Apr. 2000: J04. 20 July 2001 <www.galenet.com>. Whyte, Alan. "New York's Mayor Calls for Police Crackdown on the Homeless." World Socialist Web Site 24 Nov. 1999. 1 Aug. 2001 <www.wsws.org>.