Homeless | Veterans

A trio of studies published in JAMA Psychiatry in 2014 shed light on the problem of mental health disorders among members of the military.

One study found that one out of every four active members of the military suffers from mental health issues.

Another study concluded that mental health disorders were “a leading cause” of illness in the military. Among soldiers with psychiatric disorders, the researchers found:

• 49.6 percent suffered from “internalizing” disorders such as depression, anxiety, panic and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• 81.7 percent suffered from “externalizing” disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intermittent explosive disorder and substance abuse problems.

PTSD is a significant concern. It is a condition that arises from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic, life-threatening event, which is highly common in military conflict. According to the VA, every year in our country, you can find:

• 15 percent of Vietnam veterans with PTSD
• 12 percent of Gulf War (Desert Storm) veterans with PTSD
• Between 11-20 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with PTSD.

Flashbacks, depression, difficulty with memory and concentration, sudden irritability, hallucinations and self-destructive behavior can all result from PTSD.

As with a medical disability, a veteran suffering from mental health issues may be unable to adjust to civilian life, obtain gainful employment and avoid falling into a situation that results in homelessness.

Every year, on average, 44 percent of Michigan’s homeless veterans suffer from a “medical” disability, our data shows. In many cases, the disability arose during a veteran’s active service in the U.S. Armed Forces, or it was aggravated by their service.

As one major newspaper reports, the most commonly reported disabilities among veterans are:

• Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
• Back or neck strains
• Knee problems
• Migraines
• Spinal arthritis
• Defective hearing
• High blood pressure.

Disorders arising from traumatic brain injury merit special concern. The Congressional Research Service dubs TBI as the “signature wound” of our recent military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is because the incidence of TBI among veterans of these conflicts is much greater than any conflict in the past.

According to the VA, brain injuries comprise an estimated 22 percent of all combat casualties from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In contrast, only 12 percent of combat casualties from the Vietnam War were brain injuries. Additionally, the VA states, possibly four out of every five soldiers who suffer blast injuries may also suffer from TBI.

TBI is brain damage caused by an external force such as the blast of an improvised explosive device (IED), grenade, mortar or mine or from being struck by a bullet.

Even those who suffer mild TBI such as a concussion may experience long-term physical, cognitive and behavioral issues that make it difficult to hold a job and earn income, potentially leading to homelessness.

“Substance abuse is both a cause and a result of homelessness, often arising after people lose their housing,” the National Coalition for the Homeless notes. The Coalition states that, among homeless people in our country:

• 38 percent are dependent on alcohol
• 26 percent are dependent on other types of drugs.

The problem of substance abuse clearly is a factor among the homeless veterans in Michigan. Our data indicates that roughly 35 percent of these individuals suffer from a substance abuse-related disability.

The stress of military service – especially when in war zones – can lead to the development of alcohol and drug problems among soldiers, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) points out. In recent years, NIDA adds, concerns have grown about the abuse of pain medication, or opioids, among service men and women.

Substance abuse problems developed during active service can carry over to civilian life. A veteran may be unable to maintain employment and afford housing due to addiction. Additionally, a substance abuse-related disorder may alienate family members and friends who could otherwise provide support during difficult times.

However, drug and alcohol addiction may also develop among homeless veterans as they try to cope with their situation. These substance abuse problems may, in turn, worsen the veteran’s situation and prolong his or her homelessness.

The following links take you to sites that list the many food pantries and community kitchens located throughout Michigan such as the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit and East Side Soup Kitchen in Flint.

• FoodPantries.org
• HomelessShelterDirectory.org
• FeedAmerica.org

As the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans states, “A top priority for homeless veterans is secure, safe, clean housing that offers a supportive environment free of drugs and alcohol.”

Several websites list homeless shelters in Michigan that can provide short-term solutions, including:

• Michigan State Housing Development Authority
• ShelterListings.org
• HomelessShelterDirectory.org
• Housing Resources, Inc.
• Project Homeless Connect (Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness - MCAH)

Additionally, many sites provide information about “supportive housing,” which can serve as an effective bridge between homelessness and permanent, independent housing. These are helpful resources:

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Housing Assistance
• National Housing Conference
• Volunteers of America - Transitional Housing
• Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
• Support Homeless Veterans

It is crucial for veterans to obtain treatment for physical and mental conditions that may contribute to their homelessness. Several VA medical centers and outpatient clinics are located in Michigan, including:

• John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit
• VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System

You can find a complete listing of VA medical facilities here.

Additionally, at the following sites, you can find information about benefits counseling as well as vocational programs that are aimed at helping veterans to transfer their skills to civilian occupations:

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Detroit Regional Benefits Office
• Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency