Honoring our veterans at home

March 28, 2012

The Daily Press reports, "For 14 years, the [Hampton] Peninsula has been fortunate to have a transitional housing program operated by the Salvation Army on the campus of the Hampton VA Medical Center. Hundreds of homeless veterans have been helped there. But the program is in immediate danger of closing. The VA has determined the century-old dormitory, which houses about 60 veterans, needs about $3.5 million in repairs and renovations to remain operable, and the VA has decided to demolish the building."

Progressive Point: Virginia has a rich history as the home of countless of our country's patriots. The Commonwealth of Virginia has always prided itself on its values and virtue and that should be true of how we help and honor our homeless veterans. They risked their lives to serve our country, now its our turn to ensure they're taken care of when they come home.

Helping the less fortunate members of our community, especially those who served our country, is not a matter of partisan politics nor is an election year issue. Its part of our shared Virginia values and a duty to do what we can--and a housing program that has helped hundreds of Virginia veterans itself now needs a new home. Many of our veterans are already fighting to find jobs when they return from overseas, they shouldn't also have to fight to find a home.

Get the Facts: According to the Daily Press:

• The Salvation Army must find a new facility by May 31 or the program will be suspended and those veterans currently living there will be back on the streets.


• "Housing, food, health care, substance abuse treatment, counseling, and employment assistance are all part of the formula for helping homeless veterans attain self-sufficiency as tax-paying productive citizens. The VA offers many supportive services along these lines, including a successful housing voucher program that has helped 33,000 veterans across the U.S. since 2009. But a local bricks-and-mortar facility that provides immediate services is an essential part of equation."


• In Hampton Roads there are roughly 2,500 homeless veterans, and 1 in 4 of all Hampton Roads homeless are veterans. "About three-fourths of the veteran homeless population experience alcohol, drug or mental health problems."

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