Just last week the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs heard testimony on evaluating federal and community efforts to eliminate homelessness among veterans.
Back in 2009, President Barack Obama set an ambitious goal of ending chronic homelessness among veterans by 2015. That’s right around the corner….are we there yet?
Phil Landis, president & CEO of Veterans Village of San Diego, testified at the hearing.
Veterans Village (VVSD) is a San Diego nonprofit that works with homeless veterans that provides food, clothing, shelter, substance abuse treatment and counseling for mental health issues.
“These are truly challenged human beings,” Landis said.
Landis believes long-term residential treatment is essential to getting veterans permanently off the streets. He says two-thirds of the men and women veterans they see are diagnosed with chronic mental illnesses; 70 percent have already been incarcerated, and of the post-9/11 veterans, 85 percent have been incarcerated.
A veteran can receive treatment at VVSD for two years with the average length of time being one year.
“The magic ingredient is they are in a controlled environment that allows people to slowly change behavior and perceptions,” Landis said.
The national veteran homeless population has been reduced by 33 percent, according to veteran service providers. But what still needs to be done? We take a look at the federal initiative, and whether San Diego is on track to end homelessness among veterans.
