Sometimes, veterans returning from active duty require a little help re-integrating into civilian life. Groups that provide job and housing searches can step in and ensure a smooth transition away from the military routine. In other cases, problems persist, making more active intervention necessary.
When veterans struggle with heavy burdens such as addiction, physical disability or inability to find housing, a dedicated class of organizations can step in to provide assistance. These programs have taken root in cities and towns across the country, helping veterans facing the worst times of their lives rebound. Learning the stories behind such efforts can underscore why they are needed and what services they can provide.
California development sets good precedent
The Mather Veterans Village in Rancho Cordova, California, is designed to ensure that vets facing serious crises have a roof over their heads, CBS Sacramento reported. The residential units are funded by the city, Veterans Resource Centers of America and a nonprofit group called Mercy Housing. At present, 50 veterans live in the Mather Veterans Village. Some of the residents, including those dealing with physical disabilities, were homeless before finding places in the apartments.
Mercy Housing California's Doug Shoemaker explained to the news provider that Mather Veterans Village is just the beginning. The state of California intends to create more of these facilities, which consist of comfortable apartments instead of the bare-bones accommodations that can be found at homeless shelters. The village is an inspiring start, as it links veterans with therapy sessions, job training and medical help at a nearby VA hospital.
Private project creates veteran housing in Reno
Affordable apartments for formerly homeless vets have also gone up in Reno, Nevada, according to the Reno Gazette-Journal. Instead of being driven by an official program, this development was funded by Mountain Group Property Development's Dr. Murray Rosenthal. The company converted what was previously an uninhabitable motel into 20 single-occupant apartments. They are available to homeless veterans through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – VA Supportive Housing voucher system. Vets can receive rooms whether they need temporary accommodation or a place to live permanently.
When Rosenthal converted the units into apartments, he also turned a room into a center where veterans can receive health care advice, the news provider reported. The room is a full-time community gathering place in addition to its medical role. Rosenthal is also looking into adding other VA services, such as job counseling sessions to help tenants re-enter the workforce.
Help when it's needed
Providing places to stay for veterans who have fallen on desperate times is an important and noble undertaking, whether the project in question is led by public or private forces. A tragically high number of individuals struggle with homelessness after returning from serving their country. Communities that have resources to get these veterans back on their feet help to ensure that they are not forgotten. Housing developments provide their residents with the second chances they need to settle back into their lives and leave their darkest times behind.