HOMELESS VETERANS

Outreach to Homeless Veterans
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According to estimates by the HUD department, there are approximately 47725 US veterans who are homeless at any given time (“Helping Homeless Veterans to make them Whole Again,” 2015). This is approximately 11% of the entire homeless population in the United States (“Helping Homeless Veterans to make them Whole Again,” 2015). This is only an estimate because a significant number of homeless people do not register into any programs. The statistics, however, are sufficient to decry the challenge of homelessness among veterans. Veterans have sacrificed a lot for the American people. According to statistics, 67% of the homeless veterans have served at least three consecutive years in the military. 33% have served in an active war zone (“Helping Homeless Veterans to make them Whole Again,” 2015). Within the service, they are exposed to the constant risk of injury and death. They are also separated from families and friends. Consequently, they are predisposed to various severe mental disorders upon returning home. The extensive institutionalization in the military increases the changes of inability to manage individual life especially since a significant number of the individuals are single. Resolving this problem is an obligation for not only the government but also citizens, who are grateful for the services of veterans.
Outreach plays an essential role in helping the homeless veterans. Outreach involves collaboration between the veterans and supporting institutions such as employers and donors to social support groups.

It can be done through ground street activism in which volunteers go out to meet the veterans and help them enroll in support programs. It can also be done through newspaper, radio and other media advertisements. The chief aim is to resolve systemic hindrances that prevent the veterans from owning and sustaining homes. Two of the principal objectives are therefore to (1) address any mental problems; (2) help the veterans get gainful employment (Outreach Strategies, 2018). Using outreach to connect the veterans to employers and therapy to address stress-related psychological issues will help reduce the number of homeless veterans significantly.

References
Helping Homeless Veterans to make them Whole Again. (2015). National Veterans Foundation. Retrieved 28 April 2018, from https://nvf.org/helping-homeless-veterans/
Outreach Strategies. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.nvtac.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/BP-2NVTACOutreachStrategiesIntroduction_508-FINAL.pdf