Professor Bainbridge...on law, politics, religion, culture & food

Homeless Vets

Jay Brown:

I want to note what is a growing national disgrace in connection with veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.  Published reports indicate that they are increasingly ending up in the homeless population in the United States. ... According to the Denver Post article, one in four homeless are vets, despite making up only 11% of the population. 

And while they are mostly from Vietnam and the Gulf War, the veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan are starting to make their appearance.  The article noted that the Department of Veteran Affairs had tracked 1500 vets from the current campaigns and found that 400 of them participated in programs designed to help the homeless.  Note that the number only picks up those who participate in VA sponsored programs, no doubt understating the numbers… This is a disgrace.  They volunteer to fight in these wars, risking their lives.  Some come back after having suffered physical trauma, others mental trauma.  Notwithstanding programs sponsored by the VA, they are showing up in the homeless population.

Jay suggests supporting the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. I agree with Jay that this is a serious problem and that we all need to dig deep to help these folks. Personally, however, I like to keep my contributions local. So I support the Los Angeles Mission and Catholic Charities of Los Angeles. Now would be an especially good time to consider supporting the LA Mission as they prepare for their annual Thanksgiving Meal. Nearly 3,500 homeless men, women and children will receive turkey with all the trimmings – served with a helping of love and respect. Volunteers will serve up plates of turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, rolls and pecan pies.