Help for Those Who Helped 

A huge THANK YOU to the men and women have served our nation so valiantly.  Many served in WWII, the Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam War, Grenada, Panama, Lebanon, Persian Gulf War, Afghanistan and Iraq, and  the military’s anti-drug cultivation in South America. They were there to protect and aid those who could not fend for themselves. Unfortunately, however, many returned physically and emotionally wounded. They suffer from mental illness, alcohol and/or substance abuse, PTSD or co-occurring disorders. They find themselves alone, friends and peers have moved on. Their jobs outsourced. The men and women who served so bravely now find themselves alone, no place to call home, and eventually  end up homeless. Research shows that the greatest risk factors for homelessness are lack of family and social support networks, more so now with the pandemic. About half of our current homeless veterans served during the Vietnam era, two-thirds served our country for at least three years and one-third were stationed in a war zone. These veterans are 50% more likely to become homeless than other Americans due to poverty, lack of support networks, and dismal living conditions in overcrowded or substandard housing.

 

The figures are staggering. Homeless veterans are younger on average than the total veteran population. Approximately 9% are between the ages of 18 and 30 and 41% are between the ages of 31 and 50. Conversely only 5% of all veterans are between the ages of 18 and 30 and less than 23% are between 31 and 50. They are predominantly male, roughly 9% being female. Majority are single and live in urban areas. Even more staggering is that 1.4 million other veterans are considered at risk of homelessness. Demographics show that 51% of homeless veterans have disabilities, 50% have serious mental illness and 70% have substance abuse problem. A high percentage end up in prison.

 

Can you help? Of course, you can. Research has shown that community-based programs, veterans helping veterans affords the best opportunities for success. Numerous studies show that transitional housing, living in a structured environment , nutritious meals, mental health counseling, personal development, job assessment, training, and placement assistance, are needed to turn the tide.   Substance-free environments with fellow veterans can make a huge impact. Our veterans need our support, resources and opportunities for housing, employment, and health care. 

 

The Rotary Club of Salem Creekside is a staunch supported our veterans and neighbors. Numerous community organizations and businesses came together to restore the former Salem Outreach Shelter into the transitional housing program and resource center for homeless veterans, WestCare. A veteran’s facility that provides substance abuse recovery training reintegration programs, life skills training and a secure house for homeless veterans. The Rotary Club of Salem Creekside helped repair and refurbish the Resource Center and office spaces to provide information on Veterans benefits, referrals to services for healthcare, housing employment emergency assistance, and a couple of the bedrooms.  Our support has not wavered. This last year Salem Creekside Rotarians pitched in to paint, piece together furniture, purchase bedding and room supplies for incoming VETS at the Tanner Project. The project name for Army, Sgt. Derrick Tanner, who after multiple deployments, committed suicide while struggling  with alcohol, drugs and homelessness.  This thirty-six-bed transitional shelter, mainly funded through the VA, allows male and female veterans to live in the facility up to two years. Female veterans are often overlooked for their service and are subject to a higher risk of sexual violence, while in service and suffering from homelessness. The Tanner project does not require sobriety and veterans can bring pets.  Before completion there were 74 veterans on their waiting list. There is plenty that still can be done. If you would like to be involved in these and other service projects that help our community, or are interested in Rotary, contact Maria Mokrai at mamok@q.com. Visit the Rotary Club of Salem Creekside Thursdays at noon, Danny’s on the Green, Creekside Golf Course, or our  website,   www.clubrunner.ca/salemcreekside for guest speakers on interesting current topics.  Visitors are always welcome.