Solution:

Through my research, I have seen that one of the biggest issues that come into play for homeless veterans is the fact that those who are dishonorably discharged cannot receive government assistance or benefits. This is troubling, because there are former soldiers who have issues such as depression, PTSD, and severe anxiety that they would not have if it were not for being in the military. (In other words seeing certain things and being involved in certain military activities causes them to develop these problems). When these people develop these problems it causes them to do things like not show up for drills, or to not be able to fulfill other military obligations, and they can be dishonorably discharged. When this process occurs these people have trouble finding employment, benefits, applying to go to school, and they still suffer from whatever mental issue caused them to be discharged to begin with. One of the questions that we have to consider when it comes to these situations is: how can we help them? What can we do to try to create change for people who are in such horrible situations? One of the solutions that we came up with is starting right here at home in Washtenaw County. There are small things that we can do specifically, and there are ways that we can actually try to influence policy changes.

The policy that we would want specifically to change is H.R.897. Part of this policy states that it: “Includes as a homeless veteran, for purposes of eligibility for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), a veteran or veteran's family fleeing domestic or dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other dangerous or life-threatening conditions in the current housing situation, including where the health and safety of children are jeopardized, there is no other residence, and there is a lack of resources or support networks to obtain other permanent housing.” We do not disagree with this policy, but it does not include those who are dishonorably discharged from the military, regardless of the reason.

We believe that this creates a situation where their family members may have to suffer and have their benefits cut off, which is not fair to them (especially the children involved in the situation). What we would like to see changed about this policy is that either veterans who were dishonorably discharged should be able to receive these benefits, or their children should still be able to receive them. This way a family could still survive even if a person was discharged from the military for a reason beyond their control. The way that we can attempt to have this policy changed or expanded is by contacting state senators and other members of the government with our concerns, we can write letters or contact other politicians whose values fall in line with helping homeless vets. We can also get people’s attention by creating online petitions, and holding fundraisers. The more people who pay attention to an issue, the more likely it is that we can help create change.

Two other ways that we can help seem smaller, but they do make a huge difference. One of the ways is by donating to organizations that help homeless veterans either on a local or state-wide level. There are organizations such as the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans that allow online donations and help people all over the United States who have served our country and need assistance. This organization does not discriminate against those who have been dishonorably discharged, and they do what they can to help homeless veterans and their family receive food, affordable health services, and housing. Making online donations to this organization is quick and simple. Even if we cannot individually donate very much we can spread the word verbally and through social media sites to get a lot of people involved that want to help. Another simple way to help is by volunteering at shelters for homeless veterans. In Ann Arbor there is a VA office that helps volunteers find shelters and places to volunteer to directly assist homeless veterans and their families. There is also an organization called “A Voice for Veterans” that helps unemployed veterans find and keep jobs. Volunteers can assist these people in job searches, and teach them how to use computers and do job searches. While these things seem very simple, they can make a huge difference in someone’s life, and hopefully create change on a larger level.