Homeless Veterans

Abstract

Providers of mental healthcare services to people experiencing homelessness are well-aware of this apparent contradiction. Why are veterans who should have special benefits and services available to them from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) ending up on the streets of the country they served? Two core questions are raised by this incongruity: "Why did they become homeless?" and "Why aren't VA services and benefits helping them get off the streets?"

Why are veterans homeless? Research has helped to illuminate the causes of veteran homelessness, pointing away from military service as a risk factor and towards the "usual suspects" of personal vulnerabilities related to physical and mental health, addictions, and social isolation, occurring within the structural context of lack of affordable housing and extreme poverty.

With regard to the second question of why available services and benefits don't always create a path out of homelessness, there are several possible scenarios. Clearly, veterans with "other than honorable discharges" - also known as "bad paper" - would not have access to benefits and services from the VA. But what about those who are eligible who don't take advantage of what's available? Are they simply unaware of the resources? Are they aware, but too confused and frustrated by the process involved to apply? Are they actively avoiding contact with the large government institution of the VA? Or are the services not appropriate or adequate to meet their needs?

The answer, of course, is "all of the above." Each individual veteran is different. Mental healthcare providers whether involved in medical care, mental health/substance abuse services, social work, case management or outreach activities - need to understand those individual differences. Just as important is having a clear picture of the complex range of services and benefits offered by the VA and community-based organizations, including eligibility requirements and how to facilitate access.

Table of Contents

ABSTRACT2

THESIS STATEMENT5

SUMMARY5

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HOMELESS PEOPLE WHO ARE VETERANS AND HOMELESS PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT VETERANS?7

DOES BEING A VETERAN PUT PEOPLE AT RISK FOR BECOMING HOMELESS?7

HOMELESS VETERANS AND MENTAL HEALTHCARE10

WHAT THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES ARE COMMONLY USED TO TREAT PTSD?13

HOW COMMON IS PTSD IN VETERANS?16

HOW MANY HOMELESS VETERANS ARE AFFECTED BY PTSD?17

REFERENCES20

Homeless Veterans

Thesis Statement

Although homeless veterans as a group are similar in many ways to other homeless people, every individual has certain preferences, past experiences, values and beliefs that will either prevent effective use of services, or will act as motivation to engage in services that support positive changes.

Summary

This document is designed to begin addressing these issues. Although it may also be of use to others in the field, it is primarily directed towards mental healthcare providers who serve homeless veterans as part of their general client population. It is not intended as a guide to best practices for setting up specific programs for homeless veterans, in that it does not include a comprehensive comparison of the various approaches to veterans' programs. Rather, this is presented as an introduction to what we have learned from research and practice about the needs of ...