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The aftereffects of war may not linger long in the
public consciousness, but for many veterans, the struggle to readjust
and deal with the psychological and physical traumas they underwent
while at war is ongoing.
Those who can't readjust are at real risk of ending
up on the street, along with more than 100,000 currently homeless
veterans. One in every four homeless adults once served in a branch
of the U.S. military, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs,
or VA.
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Mental health issues that aren't effectively dealt
with, post-combat or at the time of discharge, aggravate a vet's
readjustment experience. Some turn to alcohol or drug abuse to deal
with the pain and end up losing their jobs and families, says Ray
Crowell, vice president of mental health and substance abuse services
at the National Mental Health Association.
In an effort to deal with veterans currently on the
street and to prevent more recent vets from falling through the
cracks, the VA -- either on its own or partnered with community
organizations designed to help the homeless -- offers health care
for physical and psychological disorders, temporary and transitional
housing, employment assistance, clothing, and financial support
to homeless vets.
If you know of or have a relative or friend who is
a homeless vet and in need of assistance, there are things you can
do.
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How to assist a homeless veteran: |
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For more information on the services the VA is attempting
to provide for wounded vets, see "For
wounded veterans, the war goes on."
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