Understanding the Issues
Who are homeless veterans?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says that males comprise about 96% of our nations homeless veterans. About 45% of all homeless veterans suffer from mental illness; more than 67% served our country for at least three years, and 33% were stationed in a war zone.
How many veterans are homeless?
The Veteran's Administration estimates that more than 200,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. One out of every four individuals who is sleeping in a doorway, alley, or box in our cities and rural communities has put on a uniform to serve our country.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says that males comprise about 96% of our nations homeless veterans. About 45% of all homeless veterans suffer from mental illness; more than 67% served our country for at least three years, and 33% were stationed in a war zone.
How many veterans are homeless?
The Veteran's Administration estimates that more than 200,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. One out of every four individuals who is sleeping in a doorway, alley, or box in our cities and rural communities has put on a uniform to serve our country.
Why are veterans homeless?
Veterans are homeless due to a complex set of factors such as mental and physical disabilities, severe shortages in affordable housing and supportive services, and high unemployment. A large number of displaced and at-risk veterans live with the lingering effects of trauma, compounded by a lack of family and social support networks.
Who are homeless veterans in Columbia?
About 1 in 5 homeless people in columbia are veterans. The average age of homeless veterans in Columbia is about 45. At least 85% of homeless veterans in Columbia are diagnosed with a mental illness that contributes to chronic social and occupational limitations.
What are the biggest challenges for homeless veterans in Columbia?
Aside from adequate shelter, some of the biggest challenges homeless veterans in Columbia face:
Disability- Most veterans staying at Welcome Home are applying for VA and/or Social Security disability compensation and have very limited financial resources to meet their basic needs until a determination can be made. This process is often lengthy and can take as long as two years. Often veterans become homeless because they are unable to work and they have no income until a decision on compensation has been made.
Veterans are homeless due to a complex set of factors such as mental and physical disabilities, severe shortages in affordable housing and supportive services, and high unemployment. A large number of displaced and at-risk veterans live with the lingering effects of trauma, compounded by a lack of family and social support networks.
Who are homeless veterans in Columbia?
About 1 in 5 homeless people in columbia are veterans. The average age of homeless veterans in Columbia is about 45. At least 85% of homeless veterans in Columbia are diagnosed with a mental illness that contributes to chronic social and occupational limitations.
What are the biggest challenges for homeless veterans in Columbia?
Aside from adequate shelter, some of the biggest challenges homeless veterans in Columbia face:
Disability- Most veterans staying at Welcome Home are applying for VA and/or Social Security disability compensation and have very limited financial resources to meet their basic needs until a determination can be made. This process is often lengthy and can take as long as two years. Often veterans become homeless because they are unable to work and they have no income until a decision on compensation has been made.
Employment- Many employers are afraid to hire homeless people, and many are unable to accommodate a modified work load or schedule that someone with a mental or physical disability may require. The current economic situation makes the challenge of finding work even more difficult.
Transportation- Sometimes the bus isn't an option for veterans who work early or late hours.
Clothing- While there are a number of facilities that sell used clothing, often our veterans have so little money that they simply cannot afford to buy any clothing.
Do you help veterans who are not homeless?
Welcome Home is here to serve all veterans. We are here to help, homeless or not!
Transportation- Sometimes the bus isn't an option for veterans who work early or late hours.
Clothing- While there are a number of facilities that sell used clothing, often our veterans have so little money that they simply cannot afford to buy any clothing.
Do you help veterans who are not homeless?
Welcome Home is here to serve all veterans. We are here to help, homeless or not!
What can I do to help?
Welcome Home, Inc. is a non-profit organization run by veterans for veterans. Our board of directors are all veterans. Our most critical need is cash contributions that allow us to provide direct assistance to veterans experiencing homelessness. If you or your organization are interested in supporting our homeless heroes, please consider a donation! All donations are tax-deductible.
Our veterans can always use the following Items:
Bicycles
Reduce fare bus passes
Clothing, shoes/boots, hats/gloves
Backpacks
Household items
Twin bed linens
Towels/wash cloths
Hygiene products (travel size)
Canned/dried goods
Postage
Cleaning and household supplies
Welcome Home, Inc. is a non-profit organization run by veterans for veterans. Our board of directors are all veterans. Our most critical need is cash contributions that allow us to provide direct assistance to veterans experiencing homelessness. If you or your organization are interested in supporting our homeless heroes, please consider a donation! All donations are tax-deductible.
Our veterans can always use the following Items:
Bicycles
Reduce fare bus passes
Clothing, shoes/boots, hats/gloves
Backpacks
Household items
Twin bed linens
Towels/wash cloths
Hygiene products (travel size)
Canned/dried goods
Postage
Cleaning and household supplies
There are also many other ways that individuals and organizations can help; please contact our office for more information.
Often our homeless heroes may be separated from their families, so if you or your organization are interested in adopting a veteran for the holidays, please contact our office.
