Veterans face a host of unique challenges that civilian members of American society don’t always understand. The lack of institutional support often means Veterans find themselves in unfortunate situations with little to no outside help.
Homelessness
Approximately one third of all homeless Americans are Veterans. Veterans with untreated PTSD can develop alcohol and drug addictions, which are high-risk behaviors that can lead to deteriorating mental health and suicide. You can get in touch with the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, a non-profit group dedicated to helping homeless veterans find housing, health services, food, and job training. Help can be reached by contacting either Kathryn Monet CEO, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans kmonet@nchv.org (202) 546-1969, or David O.O. Higgins Jr. Communications Manager, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans dhiggins@nchv.org (202) 546-1969.
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Many disabled Veterans are unable to find solid work once they return home. Plus, Veterans who joined the military right after high school often don’t have the education that their peers received, which puts them at the hiring disadvantage.
If you’d like help finding a job and receiving job training, non-profit-groups like Hire Heroes can help you look for a job upon your return. They can be contacted at the headquarters:
13010 Morris Rd, Suite 175, Alpharetta, GA 30004, Main Line, 844.634.1520, Services Inquiries clientsupport@hireheroesusa.org.
One of the great advantages Veterans have is the GI Bill that will pay for college education or other job training programs including license tests to get you the career you are seeking. In addition the organization, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) can help you understand the educational benefits you’re entitled to as a U.S. Veteran. You may also be able to find veteran-specific scholarships that help you complete your education. IAVA is located at 85 BROAD STREET, 18TH FLOOR NEW YORK, NY 10004, E: info@iava.org : 212-982-9699, veterans.
Poor Mental Health
Unfortunately, suicide and depression rates remain high among members of the Armed forces. This is partly because of the social stigmas attached to seeking mental health treatment, which leads to high rates of untreated PTSD in returning Veterans.