I wanted to point out the following article that appeared in today's Arizona Daily Star "Returning Veterans Ending Up on Streets". It is noted in this article that new veterans are seeking housing services months after their return from Iraq--much sooner than Vietnam veterans. Also highlighted in this article is a recent study in The New England Journal of Medicine that found that nearly 20% of Iraq veterans demonstrate signs of major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, which increases their struggle to reintegrate into civilian life.
This is the link to the article http://www.azstarnet.com/news/196134.php. If you have time, I would suggest reading through the online comments thread as well as there is quite a debate heating up there. Putting politics aside (although political ideologies are surely a valid part of the discussion to an extent) I am curious what those of us who work with/for the homeless population think about this phenomenon. Further, what can we do, or what do we already do, as a facility that veterans may turn to for help? Where does Primavera fit into all of this? Where do we as homeless advocates fit in? Beyond liberal vs. conservative and pro-war vs. anti-war, what do we do about this complex issue?
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Well, that was an interesting artcile. As to your question, "Further, what can we do, or what do we already do, as a facility that veterans may turn to for help? Where does Primavera fit into all of this?" Primavera's Transitional Housing programs, particularily 5 Points and Winstel have a very good relationship with the VA and the CWT (Compensated Work Therapy) Program at the VA. Currently, 5 Points houses 5 Vets in that program and is looking to add to that number in the coming weeks. Vets who have addiction or mental health issues that are willing to work a program can get employment from the VA for a set time period. They can then get temporary housing through Comin' Home, and many times when they move on from there, they move to 5 Points for our Transitional Housing. The program has been a very big success in my experience and I hope to continue to cultivate and expand the relationship with the VA. If you have more questions about it, please let me know, I will fill you in as much as possible or give you the VA contact we have for more information for yourself.
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