Addressing Veteran Homelessness
This paper will discuss how cross-sectoral collaboration contributes to advocacy on Veteran Homelessness.
In 2016, the unemployment rate of Veterans stood at 435,000. First and foremost, work is a massive priority in preventing or ending homelessness among veterans. The Workforce Reinvestment Act has overseen innovative collaborations between Workforce Boards and employees, which has, in turn, helped meet the needs of veterans. For instance, the labors workforce systems website has since been updated to offer a repository of information on workforce-related issues. Cross-training of staff develops alliances and increases the efficiency of programs in each system (Bryne & Fargo 2016).
The Partnership of strong communities and a group of advocacy organizations and government agencies work hand in hand to end homelessness of veterans. For example, the Federal Property Suitable as Facilities To Assist the Homeless provides sustainable housing units to local governments and non-profit organizations to provide shelter for homeless veterans.
Furthermore, Homeless Court has assisted in removing Veteran Barriers to employment. A collaboration between the court, homeless shelters, and service agencies has enabled veterans to participate in program activities to earn payment, which contributes to their well-being.
Between 150,000-180,000 U.S.U.S. military personnel return with at least a mild traumatic brain. To mitigate this situation, the District of Columbia Traumatic Brain Injury Needs and Resources Assessment works to integrate veterans into treatment programs and help them get employment to gain independence (Olenick & Diaz 2015).
Lastly, non-profit organizations like Fieldstone Alliance research the situation of homeless veterans i.e., they locate and identify veterans in need of assistance. Through data-sharing agreements, they assist local governments, other non-profit organizations, and the federal government in creating a database for veterans experiencing homelessness.
References
Byrne, T., Montgomery, A. E., & Fargo, J. D. (2016). Unsheltered homelessness among veterans: correlates and profiles. Community mental health journal, 52(2), 148-157.
Olenick, M., Flowers, M., & Diaz, V. J. (2015). U.S.U.S. veterans and their unique issues: enhancing health care professional awareness. Advances in medical education and practice, 6, 635.