More veterans ending up homeless

[David]

KING 5 News


SEATTLE - Despite the flags and fanfare this Memorial Day there is stark evidence that America is failing its veterans when they return from war. Thousands end up homeless on the street, and many people fear we have barely begun to see the surge of homeless vets from the Iraq war.

The VA estimates there are about 154,000 homeless veterans in America right now. Some 5,000 of them in are in the Puget Sound region alone. At Seattle's Bread of Life Mission this Memorial Day, an overflow crowd gathered to honor homeless veterans. It’s believed to be the first event of its kind in the city.

Mission workers hope programs like this will get more vets the help they need.

“They're not trusting,” says Director of Volunteers, Jack Morgan. “They've been hurt, they've been disappointed,and they've been rejected. So, it's about rebuilding and establishing relationships.”

Veterans advocates warn that we are only seeing the very beginning of a new wave of homelessness. The VA believes some 20 percent of Iraq war vets will suffer serious emotional issues. The challenge will be getting to them before they end up on the streets.