EDITORIAL: Helping veterans

Written by The Amity Observer
Tuesday, 21 February 2012 01:00

It’s a heartbreaking fact that some of the men and women who served our country, giving up their free time and families, subjecting themselves to the mental and physical tolls of war, don’t have a place to call home or a place to rest comfortably at night.

About 23% of the nation’s homeless population and 33% of the total male homeless population are veterans, according to The Vet Hunters Project, a non-profit with the mission of ending homelessness among veterans and their families. Statistics show that 47% of that population served during the Vietnam era, another 17% served post-Vietnam.

The Vet Hunters Project was founded to assist in ending Veteran Homelessness by 2015 and beyond, according to the organization. Members from the Vet Hunters Project range from active duty, reservist, guardsmen, veterans, disabled veterans, combat veterans from various conflicts and military supporters.

“The same dedication that we have and gave to our wonderful country while serving is the same passion and devotion that we give this organization,” according to the organization’s website. “Here at Vet Hunters we ‘Vet Hunt,’ in areas such as washes, canyons, streets and under bridges to name a few. We are successful because we go beyond feeding our homeless brothers and sisters. Vet Hunters gives respect, love and most importantly, hope.”

The organization offers comprehensive programs that provide permanent housing, emergency shelter, substance abuse counseling, personal support/developmental services, job assessment referral and training, educational services and life-skills training.

Visit www.ctwhvvd.com to learn more about upcoming Vietnam veterans events throughout the state and make donations to Vet Hunters. You can also visit Vet Hunters directly at VetHunters.org.

Veterans did their part to serve our nation, let’s do our small part to support them.