Noteboom The Law Firm

Fewer Homeless Veterans On The Streets

December 10, 2010 - Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Sec. Eric Shinseki made it the VA's goal to eliminate homelessness among veterans within 5 years. Ever since he set that goal, the VA has aggressively attacked the problem by establishing more places for veterans to live, and more programs to help them get back on their feet. The VA must have done something right, because there are 18% fewer homeless veterans on the streets than there were 2 years ago.

Sec. Eric Shinseki is that much closer to meeting his goal. He continues to stress how coordinating the right government programs and initiatives will serve to end veteran homelessness. Sec. Shinseki is far from declaring victory, but is using this opportunity to stress interagency teamwork. The progress that has been made proves that the VA is on the right track. Sec. Shinseki believes that by working faster and smarter, positive results will multiply themselves.    

Homeless assistance programs and initiatives cost the VA $3.5 billion in 2010. In 2011, the VA is looking for a budget of $4.2 billion, of which 85% will be used for health care. With the vast amount of facilities the VA operates, they possess the resources to not only prevent homelessness, but to help those who have already become homeless. It is much less expensive, draining, and time consuming to prevent veterans from becoming homeless than it is to reintegrate them into society once they have already become homeless. 

Perhaps the most expensive part of fighting homelessness is the medical and mental health care undoubtedly required by most homeless veterans. Seeing that progress is possible has breathed new life into Sec. Shinseki and his drive to eliminate homelessness among veterans.