America passes legislation to help end veteran homelessness

The number of American veterans who are experiencing homelessness is rising, and the government has just enacted legislation that will help to address the problem.

The U.S. Senate just passed legislation to provide housing for homeless veterans.

"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,"

states the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans website. That organization pegs the number of homeless veterans at about 131,00. The Canada Free Press published an article Wednesday that said the number is closer to 154,000. The U.S. has vowed to end veterans homelessness in five years. Said Oregon Senator, Jeff Merkley, of the legislation to house homeless veterans, which is a part of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act,

“After serving our nation selflessly and putting their lives on the line for the safety of our citizens, it is completely unacceptable that veterans are sleeping on the streets and not receiving the care and services they deserve. This funding is an important step forward in helping veterans get off the streets and back on their feet.”

The Department of Veteran's Affairs holds what are called "Stand Downs" at different locations and dates around the country. 157 were scheduled for 2009. Veterans attend the Stand Downs for such things as flu shots, dental screening, two hot meals, health screening, counselling, hearing aid and eyeglass repair, and haircuts. At a recent Denver Stand Down, veterans were provided with a duffel bag, clothing, canteen, sleeping bag, boots, toiletries, gift cards for buying food and bus tokens. 418 veterans accessed help at that Stand Down. The Stand Downs are comprised of community and government short-term partnerships. Said Chaplain Col. Andy Meverden, based with the Colorado National Guard,

"These guys have done a lot of heavy lifting for our nation. A lot of homeless veterans have non-physical injuries, and we feel for them a combination of pity and gratitude. For them to end up here, it’s counterintuitive – not the way it should be.”

Senator Merkley helped sponsor two bills into being that will also help address the issue of homeless veterans; the Homes for Heroes Act and the Zero Tolerance for Veterans Homelessness Act. Earlier this year, veteran David Whittaker, homeless himself, set out to cross America in his wheelchair to draw attention to the plight of homeless veterans. Congressman Glen Nye recently donated his pay increase to a veterans organization, Vetshouse, in Virginia Beach.