How You Can Restore Dignity To Homeless Veterans This Veterans Day

The decision to sacrifice your own life for the greater good of your country is in no way an easy decision to make. However, year after year hundreds of Americans take this vow of service, not for the fame they can gain from it, but owing to a burning sense of allegiance to their country and a desire to serve it.

After dedicating years of your life in service to your country, you would probably think the greatest reward comes after being relieved of service and earning the honorary title of becoming a Veteran. Unfortunately, for many Veterans, the transition out of the armed forces and back into the life of a civilian leaves much to be desired. 

The Reality of Veterans

From having to obtain good health insurance to finding a new career path, ex-military service members face an enormity of challenges that many are not adequately equipped to navigate. The result? More often than not, these Veterans find themselves lacking one of life’s most basic necessities, housing. In a recent study conducted to find out the exact number of US Veterans that are homeless, it was found that over 40,000 Vets are without proper accommodation on any given night.

While this number has thankfully seen much decrease, the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development 2018 records showed that the number of Homeless Veterans is now well below the initial 40,000 count, there is still much room for improvement. According to the National Coalition of Homeless Veterans, a most astounding fact as it relates to Homeless Veterans is that within 5 years of leaving the army 3.7% of Vets become homeless, accounting for 11% of homeless adults in America. 

How Veterans Become Homeless

Whenever people think of Veterans on Veterans Day, only a few really take the time to consider what we are thanking Veterans for in the first place. Yes, we applaud the service they’ve given to our country but what about their sacrifice of family quality time, the lack of further career advancement, or having no place to call home as they move from military base to military base, not to mention being stationed at different parts of the world.

No one stops to think about the after effects of sacrificing these things we so often take for granted. Some Veterans are homeless owing to lack of employment due to mental and physical disabilities. While others become homeless as a result of depression, substance abuse and lack of affordable housing.

How You Can Help Restore Dignity To A Homeless Veteran

After years of service to your country, the last thing you would expect is to return home to the U.S and end up on the streets. This however is the harsh reality for a number of Veterans. If you really want to restore dignity to a Homeless Veteran, this Veterans Day, here’s how you can help. 

1. Find a Non- Profit Organization such as Edens Shift, whose mandate is to assist the homeless population. Giving donations in any form of kind to this organization can continue doing the impossible work for the good of the homeless. 
2. Become an Edens Shift volunteer. After funding, recruiting volunteers are the most difficult to come up with. Although, there are some good samaritans who are willing to volunteer, establishing the connection of where to can be a challenge.  
3. Spread the word. Word by mouth is the best advertisement there is. With today’s generation; Passing around the web channels, posting Edens Shift on your social media, and commenting on your involvement experience, People are more likely to follow your trend.