Wichita — A new report says the number of homeless veterans in Kansas grew slowly in recent years.
The National Alliance to End Homelessness says there were 712 homeless vets in Kansas in 2008, an increase from 689 in 2007 and 601 in 2006.
New estimates are that about 131,000 veterans were homeless across the country in 2008.
The new figures are based on reports from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facilities and local counts of the homeless.
The report says about 4 percent of those who sought care from the VA were veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, and most are 35 to 54 years old.
Last week, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced a five-year goal of cutting the number of homeless vets.
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MeAndFannieLou (anonymous) says…
"They all need to get a job!" - the GOP
quarterlyanswer (anonymous) says…
Or they need appropriate services such as mental health services, physical therapy, and other services to help them get that job. Many of these veterans have a difficult time transitioning back into the "real world" after spending time overseas. These men and women are protecting us and our families and have served their country. They deserve to be offered every service possible to get them back on their feet.
BigDog (anonymous) says…
We can provide services that will fix them - Liberal Left
BigDog (anonymous) says…
Many homeless vets never went "overseas" .... don't get me wrong some did. Remember their report says 4% of those they are seeing are from recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I worked at the VA at one point in life. Many with mental health issues developed their mental illness just as they would have if they were in college or working at Sprint. Those often first entering military service do so at the prime age for some mental illnesses like schizophrenia .. age 18-25.
I commend the VA for their efforts to help those who are homeless and desire help to get off of the streets .... but some vets don't want their help .... not trying sound crass but is true. The most accurate portrayal of this is the recent movie "The Soloist"
geekin_topekan (anonymous) says…
There's a new shelter goin up on 23rd. They can go there assuming the neighbors from 10-18 blocks away don't frighten themselves into blocking the facility. From what Ive heard they don't want those homeless types walking near their schools and children.
Jean1183 (anonymous) says…
vet.....thank you for your service!