For veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan, many never thought they would still be at war when they came home. Unfortunately, everyday more veterans are becoming homeless. Just how does a vet become homeless? Usually, it has a lot to do with the military lifestyle. Here are some factors that make it especially hard for vets to obtain employment following duty:

• Constant moving: the military moves most of its enlisted and officer force every 3-4 years. This makes it especially hard for a vet to obtain professional contacts in local areas, or have a reliable reference record.

• Budget constraint: military members are paid a salary, but most do not make more than $50,000 even if they live in a high cost living area. As a result, many go deep into debt trying to live on their small military budget. Furthermore, due to the military lifestyle, most cannot hold second jobs while they serve.

• Lack of mental health resources: Most military members are exposed to extreme stress throughout their careers- even more so if they deploy often. The VA has gotten better at providing mental help but its far from perfect and many fall through the cracks

• VA Paperwork: Did you know the average time between discharge and when a vet sees their first benefit check can be as long as 2 years? During that time, the vet isn’t getting paid and isn’t getting any benefits whatsoever. This includes health. As a result, many go even further into debt as they struggle to survive.

For the vets that come home and rent, almost 2% have to spend over 15% of their pay on rent. This leaves little room for health care, food and utilities. In some areas of the nation, the almost 8% of all veterans are homeless.

The best solution needs to be immediate as we have more coming home every day. Job skills and continuing education are the top factors that will help a veteran combat poverty and homelessness. With their sacrifice, they deserve no less.

For more information, visit End Homelessness.