The Concert

Photo courtesy of the Veterans Administration.

2012 Features

Bonds of Battle

There are more than 67,000 homeless veterans in America. Veterans become homeless for many reasons. Financial trouble and a lack of support or safety net are compounded by the psychological conditions many veterans face: around 400,000 have reported TBI (traumatic brain injury) symptoms, while at least 200,000 veterans have reported PTSD symptoms. These conditions, which are not always diagnosed, frequently lead to substance abuse and make it more difficult for veterans to find and keep a job – especially in a difficult economy.

Almost half of all homeless veterans in America fought in Vietnam, but there are as many as 20,000 vets who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan and become homeless in the past five years, including women veterans with children. This number is increasing.

Private Larry Michaelis: A Vietnam Veteran’s Story

Private Larry Michaelis was 18 years old when he was flown into Vietnam in 1968, just after the siege of Khe Sanh began. Like other Vietnam veterans who defended the U.S., Larry did not receive a warm welcome when he returned home. And, after battling PTSD without treatment for years, Larry lost everything and became homeless.

Larry and other homeless veterans reflect on their experiences in the video below.

On the 2012 “National Memorial Day Concert,” four-time Emmy award-winning star of “NYPD Blue” and Vietnam vet, Dennis Franz, shared Private Larry Michaelis’ incredible story.

“Ever since my return home after serving a tour with the Army in Vietnam, 1969-70, Memorial Day has been a solemn personal day of reflection for me.  My heart and my arms go out to every brave man and woman who has shown the strength and courage to serve in our military forces and my love goes out to the families who have either lost one of these brave individuals or have had them return home unlike they left.  With great pride and gratitude, I am honored to be a part of this Memorial Day concert.”
– Dennis Franz

Fortunately for Larry, he received assistance from the Florida branch of the Volunteers of America. But, there are many other organizations committed to helping end homelessness among veterans in the U.S.

Organizations That Offer Assistance to Homeless Veterans

Veterans Affairs Initiative on Homelessness
Visit the website to access information and resources if you are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, or if you want to help veterans who are.

Some noteworthy VA programs and joint initiatives to help homeless veterans include:

The Homeless Veteran Supported Employment Program (HVSEP) provides vocational assistance, job development and placement for homeless veterans and veterans at-risk of homelessness. The program is expected to serve approximately 15,000 veterans in FY 2012.

The Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program provides grants and assistance such as rent subsidies, childcare and vocational services to community-based non-profit agencies that help prevent homelessness.

Project REACH
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, together with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Jon Bon Jovi’s Soul Foundation, launched Project REACH (Real-time Electronic Access for Caregivers and the Homeless), a mobile app-creation contest, which asks mobile and website developers to create an app that will help homeless veterans find health clinics, food banks and housing.

The HUD-VA Supportive Housing (VASH) Program is a joint effort between the VA and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to move homeless veterans and their families into permanent housing. Between FY 2008 and FY 2012, HUD allocated funding to local public housing authorities to provide over 47,000 Housing Choice Vouchers, which allow homeless vets to rent privately owned housing.

U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) - Veteran Information
HUD offers homeless veteran housing programs and initiatives, as well as a toll-free hotline, which provides information to veterans seeking answers to housing questions.

National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) is striving to end homelessness among veterans by shaping public policy, promoting collaboration, and building the capacity of service providers.

National Alliance to End Homelessness - Veterans information
The National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) is a nonprofit, non-partisan, organization committed to preventing and ending homelessness in the United States, including among veterans.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Homelessness Resource Center - Veterans
Provides resources to learn about the unique challenges faced by veterans experiencing homelessness and how to help meet their needs.

National Health Care for the Homeless Council
A resource for health care providers who serve homeless veterans.