Monday, February 13, 2012

The Right to Shelter... U.S. Veterans

It is shocking but true:
76,154 U.S. war veterans were
among the homeless in 2010.

Click on this interactive map from 2010 by the National Alliance to End Homelessness
 to view how many U.S. veterans were homeless in each state.

 
We are all responsible for any other human or species lacking shelter or habitat.
No one should be comfortable with seeing homeless people on the streets.

It is shameful that people live without shelter
in the most privileged countries of Earth.

Every being shall have the Right to Shelter or Habitat, as a basic survival need.
Of course, for some, homelessness may be a choice, a choice of freedom.


Revision:  thanks to commenter Bruna.

30 comments:

Anonymous said...

The problem of housing shortages and homelessness, however, knows no national boundaries, it is by no means limited to the poor, nor developing nations. The great capitals and metropolises of the developed world, almost without exception, also have their skid rows and slums. Along with the sparkling skyscrapers and modern high rises, there are the ghettos and decaying inner cities.
The basic neccesities for human life is shelter, food, and water, all human being need it for survival. Acknowledgeing this fact will help people to see that a homeless individual is being strip of this basic human right. -YEM

Anonymous said...

“On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind.” Dan Lipinski

It is our duty to demonstrate appreciation to the men and women who give their lives to protect our freedoms. Assuring that their basic needs are met when they come home, it is our responsibility to volunteer, donate, be kind, don’t judge and do on to others.

Take care of home first and it will trickle to the Nation. Here are a few websites to visit to begin giving of ourselves and thank those who protect us.

http://www.miamidade.gov/homeless/
http://miamihomeless.org/
http://www.cphi.org/volunteer.asp
http://floridavets.org/#
http://www.hopeinmiamibeach.org/
http://www.va.gov/homeless/
http://www.nchv.org/background.cfm
T.L.

Anonymous said...

While I do believe we should put more effort in getting homeless people into shelters and more stable environments. It takes effort on their behalf too, some of them are veterans and need to corporate with programs made to help them become accustomed after war, while others might be suffering addictions or really just tough financial times.
CP

Anonymous said...

The homeless have a big problem on their hands to deal with. I do agree that they have a right to have shelter, but in reality I don't think that their right was taken away. The homeless I know at least in more developed countries do have the choice to grow. In the United States I do know that the homeless do have avenues to go and find help. The Homeless are homeless for many reasons but they are not always the reasons we think. The homeless just need the helping hand to get up and move. As For veterans of wars I think that they had a chance for shelter they have made money in the service and should invest and think about the life outside the military once they leave service. I do believe no one should be homeless but everyone needs to be put in their effort to not be homeless and earn their right for shelter.
-JPG

RCW said...

The Universal Declaration to the bill of rights state: “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control”... It should be taken more seriously like other social rights which include education.

Anonymous said...

The right to property is a right given to those who acquire the money to own it. For those who don't have that kind of money, deserve shelter, food, and water. Even though, many homeless are in that situation due to their own faults, in reality, a lot of the homeless populations are very unfortunate people. Therefore, shelters should be available in all states and in several regions within that state, in all countries as well.
AG

Mr.Drama said...

The facts are there and we can always do something about it, but through a Humanistic perspective I can say that there is worry upon the matter, but not enough worry to do anything about it. Yes the homeless veterans(as well as all the homeless in general) should have the right to shelter, yes it can be their fault and yes many benefits were stripped away from veterans thru ought history, but ask yourselves this question and think realistically about it. What are you going to do to resolve this matter? Now if there was some way that we can i'm almost certain that we would, but the matter is not in our hands even though it should be a matter enthralled by the people and for the people.



P.S.
This is a link to benefits stripped away from benefits. It is very informative.

http://oldtimer.wordpress.com/military-tradition-history-veterans-abused-discarded/

Anonymous said...

It is truly sad to know that so many U.S. Veterans are homeless. When you think Veteran, you think that after doing something so great for their Country they would have something in return. That's not always the case. What happens to all of their benefits, why are they left behind? I wonder to myself if I were in that position how will I feel, with no where to go? EVERYONE has the right to shelter, no matter the circumstance.

Anonymous said...

A.Q the comment above.

Anonymous said...

These men and women gladly surrender their valuable years in a life that will solely come once.They do this why? To protect people they dont even know.(to protect our county,to protect us, and all children.)They return empty handed,everything they knew has been taken away and now they have to start over.When you do something all day everyday it becomes crucial to your health,it is a routine that stands as your only comfort.Ones lifestyle and enviorment forms your identity.When that is taken away,"it is difficult to answer the question of "who am i". The largest problem with society is blindness.Homelessness is like a sickness, it pulls down your selfesteem and will. You loose yourself and you become mentally weak.These U.S veterans fought everyday so we can live a normal life and not be introduced to the monstrosity or better said the reality they face.The way i see it is that no matter who you are you have or once had dreams.What makes my dreams more important than a man with nothing to eat? Nothing. LINA.A

Anonymous said...

U.S. Veterans have plenty of resources not to become or continue being homeless. The things they’ve done and seen are difficult for us to comprehend. Let alone them to accept. Some become mentally unstable and turn to drugs and alcohol because they can’t deal with reality. Others become homeless because they can’t get a job, technology is passing them by. For someone who has served our country by protecting our rights and freedom, there should be a better way of transitioning them back into society. It’s the least we could do. BRM

Bruna said...

Having worked with members of the homeless population and listening their stories, it is apparent that many people prefer to live in the streets. They can panhandle to support habits, and go dumpster diving for food and drink. Some homeless people actually prefer the freedom and unpredictable qualities of being without permanent shelter, going from place to place. This can be seen incomprehensible to those who find comfort in a secure home and live in a functional family. Many homeless people find the streets an escape from the disfunctionality of their lives. Their lives may not work for them in the civilized world, wearing scars of war and manifesting various mental illnesses. The street can become a refuge for a veteran who does not fit into society.

Anonymous said...

War veterans, put their lives at risk for the safety of their country, and if government can spend money to send them to fight a cause, it is unfair to think how they can allow veterans to go homeless. The public should be enraged to see their war heroes on the streets and motivate reformation of the laws that protect these soldiers. It is hard enough to struggle with the after war onset of PTSD, we should have more systems in place to help them readjust to society.
For the people that wish to live on the streets, I honestly wish them the best, they should do what makes them happy.
ALB

Anonymous said...

I believe that government can spend so much money for our soldiers to go do the governments dirty work. Then give them the speech that they are proud of them and no man left behind. But then once they are retired and they served their country, their country does nothing to support them from staying off the streets and living poorly. It is understandable that some become drug addicts and that is no one else’s fault but them self, but others should not go through the lifestyles they live for dedicating their life to the country.
ABL

Anonymous said...

I agree with the right the right to shelter... u.s. veterans. However, I don't believe someone would chose to be homeless for freedom. A home is anyplace where a loved one is, but I doubt that they would be homeless together by choice. As for the homeless veterans, well that's a crying shame. These brave men and women risked their lives for their country and this is how we treat them; a moment of valor and pride and then a life time struggling to make due in society again.
M.D.L.

Anonymous said...

I recently read an article about a veteran on this exact issue. His problem, not being able to put his daughter through college and paying rent. He chose to live on the street and send his monthly security checks to her instead of telling her the truth. This is both sad and humbling that he made the choice to go without shelter in order to pay for her education. In the end, its his choice.

Anonymous said...

G.C. above comment 2-24-2010

Anonymous said...

I do agree with the right to shelter, and also with the statement that people choose to me homeless just to have freedom, especially here in United States. Sometimes I think that people choose to be homeless just so they won’t have to follow societal standards, abide laws, and assume responsibilities; may be they just want to do things their own way and at their convenience.
*NG*

Anonymous said...

I truly belief that every human being have to the right to shelter. Specially those veterans who went to war willing to die for their country, Even thought they might be mental affected by war and previous experiences, there should be a special program for them understanding the physical and physiological needs.

ASR.

Fidela said...

The story repeats, again and again! The "elite" members of Congress have failed again to support laws for the well being of U.S. Veterans without shelter. They should be held accountable for showing their lack of compassion, sensitiveness, "fair knowledge", and common sense. U.S. Veterans, as warriors defending their country, deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, especially those with after war trauma. The right to reintegration to society programs for homeless veterans should be budgeted accordingly in order to avoid the deficiencies of today. There should not be a single veteran without shelter, not even by choice! The statistics from the National Alliance to End Homelessness displayed by states are unbelievable, painful, and evil. A humble recommendation to those U.S. citizens willing to help this cause, VOTE for more just and fair (down-to-earth) individuals to become members of the U.S. Congress. Fidela.

Anonymous said...

This country is pretty selfish! U.S. soldiers who were Vietnam vets that fought for this country for the cause of what?! Respect and recognition is tarnish, they develop PTSD, which declares them insane, including the bloodshed they face during their times in the battlefield. Army releashes them with no benefits/shelter and a false sense of purpose.In addition, there're outside with a basket full of junk begging for money. Does this country give a damn about the previous generation of soldiers? If so, look up the stats and find out for yourself!-Brett J

Anonymous said...

It is very unfortunate that the men and women who risk their lives to save us come home to no home. We are not all to blame. Some people actually try to help by donating as much as they can.One person can not change the world alone. We can't blame all or some, we are all in this together. One America is what we are and we must stand up for our heroes.
J.R.

Anonymous said...

It is pretty insane for U.S. Veterans to become homeless. For people who fought hard for our country, this is how they are rewarded? There should be a program that shelters veterans when they are in need of food, shelter, etc. when they come back from combat.
-F.B.

Anonymous said...

As a U.S. Veteran I can definitely relate to The Right to Shelter. I have seen too many of my brothers coming back home with issues like Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD), losing their families, depression or even with desires of committing suicide. For some of them, the ability to progress is non-existent and becoming homeless one of the ultimate outcomes. Helping them to fit back into society is a good start to promote “The Right to Shelter…U.S. Veterans”.
AYS

Anonymous said...

The right to shelter for veterans is imminent. I still cannot understand why those war heroes who helped this country and defended our rights at war, are homeless and asking for our money. how can this country let this happen. why can't they offer a respectable retirement for this veterans?
s.a.

Anonymous said...

The homeless do have the right to shelter but i just feel if they truly truly wanted to get on there feet and not be homeless they can do it. Instead of having a cup and sign, try getting a job application. They are free , they provide you with a pen, and when you get hired you get money, where then you can save up to find a home. So then you would not be homeless. -SKT

Anonymous said...

We all have the right to a shelter for a basic survival need however, some people bring it upon themselves from mistakes they have made in their lives. In this case, I believe to give those people a second chance. On the other hand, the homeless who are poor because they grew up poor, deserve a shelter.-S.S

Anonymous said...

I do believe that everyone has the right to shelter. I also believe that, if able people should have to do their part or earn their shelter. Nobody who is able-bodied and mentally fit should be able to just sit around and freeload off of the shelter other people have worked for and earned. It doesn't have to be a huge part, but if you aren't putting any effort into doing your part for the shelter you live in then you don't deserve it.MBS.

Anonymous said...

-This post really touched close to him since my grandfather and uncle are both veterans. They fought for our country only to recieve te worse health care I've seen i can only be thankful that they have a place to call home but between the medical bills,illness and psychological problems they have most of their money spent tryna to pay bills and drink away the memories from when they were at war. The V.A. hospitals suck -J.D.

Anonymous said...

-This post really touched close to him since my grandfather and uncle are both veterans. They fought for our country only to recieve te worse health care I've seen i can only be thankful that they have a place to call home but between the medical bills,illness and psychological problems they have most of their money spent tryna to pay bills and drink away the memories from when they were at war. The V.A. hospitals suck -J.D.