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November 4, 2011 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson is encouraging homeless veterans to take advantage of a new Veterans Administration outreach program that will help them get the medical care and housing assistance they need.
“As Veterans Day approaches, we honor the men and women who have shown their courage and loyalty to our country. Unfortunately, many who served on our behalf now have special needs and are homeless,” Senator Nelson said. “I applaud the Veterans Administration for offering incentives to encourage homeless veterans to get the help they deserve. I hope these American heroes will take advantage of this opportunity.”
To encourage veterans to use the health resources available to them, free meals are being offered at Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) cafeterias to homeless veterans attending their first VA medical appointment.
New Veterans participating in the Housing and Urban Development and VA Supportive Housing program (HUD-VASH) will also receive a $20 coupon to be used in VCS retail stores located at every VA medical center. HUD-VASH provides permanent housing and ongoing case management treatment services for homeless Veterans who require these supports to live independently.
Al Washko, former director of the Omaha VA Medical Center, said HUD-VASH vouchers have helped find housing for 240 previously homeless veterans in the Omaha area. The VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System estimates that there are between 800 and 1,000 homeless veterans in Nebraska.
“A free meal and a few free items may not seem like much, but it can be a world of difference to a person getting back on their feet and seeking recovery and independence,” VCS Director Marilyn Iverson said.
There are two VCS facilities in Nebraska: at the VA Medical Center in Grand Island and at the VA Medical Center in Omaha. A third Nebraska VCS is being planned for Lincoln.
Additionally, the Veterans Resource and Referral Center opened at the Omaha VA Medical Center this past June and assists homeless veterans and those at risk of becoming homeless. It also offers free laundry services and showers to veterans.
According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, veterans make up only 8 percent of our country’s overall population, yet veterans make up 23 percent of our homeless population. On any given night, 107,000 veterans are homeless.
“These are not just statistics. Behind each number is the story of someone who served his country. These are people who had hopes and dreams. Some may have had a family. And they all made great personal sacrifices and put their lives on the line to wear the uniform,” Senator Nelson said. “Yet, for some veterans, all has been lost and their lives have become tragedies. It doesn’t matter why. What does matter is that America has always honored those who served our country. We have a commitment to make sure we do all we can on their behalf.”
In a speech on the floor of the Senate in March, Nelson cited his opposition to deep cuts in the HUD-VASH program as one of the main reasons he voted against certain budget proposals. He said, “The $75 million cut for Homeless Veterans housing vouchers seems absurd. To quote the Director of the Omaha Veterans Hospital, ‘This is a very big deal for those veterans and the community.’”
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