Veterans Should Not Be Homeless
Veterans are twice as likely to become chronically homeless as other Americans. People who have been in military service make up about 11% of the US homeless population. The good news is that people are trying to help.
Veterans are twice as likely to become chronically homeless as other Americans. People who have been in military service make up about 11% of the US homeless population.
The good news is that people are trying to help.
In this video, MD Magazine visited a Camden homeless shelter where the New Jersey Hospital Association has hired veterans as “healthcare navigators.”
People like Michael Mimms, a former US Marine who holds a doctorate degree in education and Jaye Silver, an Air Force veteran who has a doctorate in psychology are counseling these veterans.
Back at NJHA headquarters near Princeton, NJ, staff working on the project include former US Navy nurse Aline Holmes, who holds a doctorate in nursing—and who personally experienced post-traumatic stress disorder during her Viet Nam-era service.
All agree veterans can be reluctant to seek care, but when they do, these dedicated counselors are ready to help. So far, they said, their outreach has helped dozens of veterans enroll in health coverage, get assistance with housing, employment and VA benefits.
