How Legal Aid Society is Working to Support Homeless Veterans

"Veterans make up just 7 percent of the U.S. population. So it’s safe to say that for large swaths of our country, the realities of military service are somewhat removed from our daily lives and sphere of understanding.

Though the sacrifices made by veterans are brought to our attention on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the emotional or physical wounds that some vets carry are a constant, daily struggle.

Some experience a spiraling effect on their personal relationships and ability to manage basic life responsibilities.

According to a 2017 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development report on homelessness, 9 percent of the U.S. homeless population is made up of veterans —more than 40,000 veterans.

It’s a tragedy when any person experiences homelessness, but especially so when their service to our country has played a role in them being in that situation.

These men and women often face a variety of legal needs.

In fact, a survey released in May by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs found that four of the top 10 unmet needs for homeless veterans result from a lack of legal assistance..."

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