It shouldn’t happen in America, the home of opportunity and land of plenty. It is the country immigrants 
dreamed of and flocked to, but something is happening everyday across the nation. Homelessness. The insult to the injury – it is happening to our veterans. Our heroes, national treasures, supermen (and superwomen), are being forced to lives in means that are far from fitting to their descriptions.
These are not images of hobos riding trains or any romantic delusions of the sort. These are human beings who risked their lives on the line and now forced to live in sub-standard means. It is definitely not the place for heroes to inhabit but it is a sad and despicable fact. Unable to find available housing, veterans are forced to live on the streets or in shelters. Veterans in Ohio and the Toledo region are no less vulnerable to this traumatic issue.
The statistics and demographics are shocking. According to the National Coalition of Homeless Veterans, 12 percent of the homeless adult population are veterans and 50 percent are 51 or older. Fifty percent and 70 percent, respectively have serious mental and substance abuse problems. Between 2009 and 2013, there were 18,388 veterans living in the city of Toledo. Recent housing sites such as the 75 unit complex on Garden Lake Parkway in South Toledo whose completion is expected by June of this year is said to have already reached maximum capacity of future tenants. This clearly indicates there is a need for more to be done.
But how does this directly address the significant amount of homeless veterans and how do we resolve this problem as a community?
It’s a double-edged sword. You can’t get a job if you don’t have a place to live. You can’t get a place to live without a job. It’s unfair and unfortunately true. But think outside the box for a moment. United States Vets advocates a “buddy system”. Reaching out to another veteran could work. You both have the same needs and the same goals. Teaming up with another individual might be the answer.
But where are the places for veterans to find housing and shelter? There are various types of shelters. Some are free of charge and some charge a small fee, and due to lack of funding and support, many shelters and homes are going out of business. Not all are walk-ins also. Those individuals in need of a roof over their head are encouraged to call the shelter or center to inquire if there are accommodations and what type of information do they require from you for case management.
There are many types of housing for different needs. Not every vet is dealing with a substance issue. Some vets are just trying to get over the hurdles civilian life presents. Sometimes, they’re just down on their luck and need a start.
Here are the categories shelters and transitional housing fall under.
Day & Emergency Homeless Shelters
These places provide short term relief for the homeless and low-income individuals and families. Whereas there is a maximum stay of 3 months or less for emergency housing, day shelters only offer their services overnight. You may be asked to leave during the day. These shelters offer their services free of charge more than 50 percent of the time and usually offer meals and day shelters are usually free of charge.
Halfway Housing & Transitional Housing
For those in a transitional positions, these places assist those going from shelters or homelessness to permanent housing. It’s a good start. Average residency for these homes could be from six months to two years. If you’ve just started a job, this is great as residents may be required to pay a fee, sometimes up to thirty percent of your take-home pay. Occasionally, these “fees” that you pay may be returned to you when you are ready to venture out on your own.
Permanent Affordable Housing
Depending on where you fall in the low-income bracket, this is a long-term solution but there may be time limitations involve depending on each individual case. This type of housing does require some investigation. You may not need to pay more than 30 percent of your income.
Drug & Alcohol Rehab
Yes, sometimes this is where you need to start if you are dealing with substance abuse issues that have led to a homeless situation. This a program to get clean and sober and prepare you for the “outside” world as a functioning member of society. It is a place to live and a place to get healthy again.
Supportive Housing
Not everyone can live independently or without supervision and this resource assist those homeless in need of support to due to age, or a disability or mental problem. The support lends itself assisting in daily living, employment, vocational needs as well as assistance to transition into independent living.
Shared Housing
There are programs available for this housing option. It’s an affordable alternative, supportive and a great transitional means of living. It could be house or an apartment, but the companionship and supportive atmosphere make this a great option.
Rooming & Boarding Houses
Not unlike shared housing, the old-time rooming or boarding house services as a great alternative for supportive living in an independent yet not-completely-solo atmosphere. It’s a decent room for yourself and you share the rest of the house including the kitchen, common areas and bathrooms. They are usually converted hotels or possible a single homes.
Are you ready to start looking? Reach out and never be too proud to ask for help. Please go to our Resources tab to find our researched list of housing services for your consideration. As to date (January 2015), these shelters and missions are still open.
