Veteran Homelessness and Its Impact on Society

 

   If our leaders in government were the homeless, they would understand the pain and agony that homeless people face when living on the streets. It seems as if they were being ostracized from society because no one looks twice their way and there isn't really another way to make people understand how helpless these people are until tables were turned, more people would find the debate over whether we should help the homeless ridiculous because they would be able to see that it is our duty to help one another, knowing how desperately these people need help. I, like Abraham Lincoln, believe that we should help those who indeed need help, not those who just want it. The reason behind this is because there might be those who ask for financial and emotional help and not need it. On the other hand, there might people who are struggling to survive and never ask for help. Because of this, a choice has to be made on who is in desperate need and who can move forward without help.

   There are certain causes for veterans becoming homeless. A common situation that leads to a homelessness result is PT SD, which is a disorder some soldiers get after have been in extremely violent situation, and the fact that when they return home they face all of their depression alone. The returned soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan are twice as likely to become homeless theleafchronicle.com. Not only that, but around 90% of homeless veterans don't have family nor friends, they're completely alone. These people have lost their loved ones when fighting and shedding blood for this country, and what do they get in return? Nothing important. When they come back home, for most, all of what they cared about is gone and they're left in depression from the war and their new incomplete lives. When they reach rock bottom the rest of society judges them by calling them lazy, useless, and even disgusting. Not only is America not helping them out of poverty and starvation, but it's burring them by making them seem like they're purposely and willingly suffering.

   There are certain groups of people whom believe that homeless are guilty for living the lives they're living. These same people, also believe that homeless people are the cause for a bad economy. Some researchers believe that homeless outside of the stores loitering, bring ale prices down because it reflects negatively on the store dailycal.org. For example, in Berkley,CA there was a report published that tried to persuade people in to voting for "measure S," which is basically banns any kind of homelessness in commercial ares. This measure was created with the belief that it was homeless people outside of the stores bringing business down and only that. However, there is so much focus on the problem that the solution is being forgotten. If homeless and their loitering are what bring businesses' sale prices down then why not start at the root of the problem and instead of relocating the homeless elsewhere, fix the homeless epidemic. Help them both economically and emotionally and not only will homelessness decrease, but the economy and businesses with benefit as well. America will benefit in vast ways by lending a hand to the homeless. Not only that but most of these homeless people are veterans and the government was once protected by these people, whom swore to guard America until death took them. How is it possible that that same government now cannot decide on whether to help these people because of "higher priorities?" despite the fact that it will, in the long run, end up benefiting all of America through its economy, business growth, and less people living on the streets, struggling to survive.

  There is a myth out there that people created that says that not everyone can help the homeless. I believe that any willing person has the power to help and assist those in need. What is there to think about? If the tables were turned and the leaders in government were the homeless veterans, they would plead for help and security they so rightfully deserve. They would feel the pain of being hated by the vast majority of society, being called lazy, unless, and irrelevant. By the contrary, homeless veterans aren't lazy, but sick and lonely and we the people who owe them so much for their sacrifices should help them. Not only that, but all homeless people are a clear representation of the country in which they live in and society as a whole. Helping them is actually like helping ones self because a better economy and better living conditions affect us all. I believe that everyone should at the very least try to help homeless people and that the government should be an epitome supporter especially when it comes down to helping homeless veterans.

Esmeralda Flores