Chapter 1.3 The Forgotten Warriors: Addressing Homelessness Among Veterans

In my previous blogs, I’ve shared my personal battles with mental health and spoken about the reluctance many soldiers feel in addressing their struggles while in the military. The ridicule, embarrassment, and fear of consequences often silence those who need help, leading to a domino effect that impacts their lives long after they leave the service. Today, I want to turn our attention to a group of veterans who have fallen through the cracks completely, the homeless veterans who the military and the Department of Veterans Affairs have failed to catch.

These veterans, many of whom battle untreated mental health conditions or substance dependency, live in unimaginable circumstances. Without access to medical care, mental health treatment, or medication, they wander from place to place, carrying their lives in bags and laying their heads down wherever they can. They are often without transportation, money, or even basic necessities. It is maddening, heartbreaking and beyond comprehension that those who once served our country are left in such conditions.

A Personal Wake-Up Call

Recently I had a personal experience that brought this reality into sharper focus for me. A Personal Wake-Up Call Years ago, I fought a year-long battle with cancer, a difficult and life-changing experience. Thankfully, I emerged on the other side cancer-free, but the treatments left lasting consequences. The chemotherapy and radiation severely damaged my thyroid, and I’ve since relied on daily medication to function properly. Missing just a few days of my medication can leave me physically and mentally drained. I am not complaining it is much better than dealing with the alternative option I could have faced.

A few weeks ago, I accidentally let my prescription lapse, leaving me without my medication for four days. At first, I felt fine, but by the second day, I started to feel run-down. By the fourth day, I was lethargic, struggling to even climb a flight of stairs, and barely able to function. It was a stark reminder of how crucial my medication is to my daily life and how blessed I am to have access to it through the VA.

This experience sent my mind down the rabbit hole, I thought about the homeless veteran population, those without access to the medication and healthcare they desperately need. Many likely suffer from conditions similar to mine, or worse, without any treatment at all. They live in a state of constant exhaustion, unable to function, let alone navigate the complex systems required to access their earned benefits.

A Harsh Reality

Many of these veterans are eligible for healthcare and resources through the VA, yet they remain disconnected from the system. Whether due to a lack of knowledge, mistrust, or logistical barriers, they cannot access the care they’ve earned through their service. Imagine living day to day with untreated medical and mental health conditions, no medications, and no support system. It’s no wonder so many veterans end up on the streets, unable to find a way out.

Reflecting on my brief experience without medication, I realized how easily life can spiral out of control without proper support. I have a strong network of loved ones and access to resources, yet I struggled after just a few days. For those without these lifelines, the struggle is magnified a thousand times over.

Taking Action

At Veteran & Enlisted Targeted Solutions (VETS), we’re currently running a donation drive collecting essential cold weather clothing items to help the homeless population stay warm during the harsh winter months. While this is an important effort, it’s not nearly enough. We need to address the root causes of veteran homelessness.

Motivated by my recent experience, I’ve committed to doing more. I plan to spend at least one day each week visiting shelters and streets, seeking out homeless veterans. My goal is to assist them in obtaining their DD214s, enrolling them in VA Healthcare , and accessing the benefits they’ve earned. Enrollment into VA Healthcare is a relatively easy process with accessibility to the internet and devices to apply with, however these aren't luxuries our homeless have. Many of these veterans may not even want help initially, but I’ll do everything I can to encourage them.

This isn’t just about providing resources; it’s about building trust. Many veterans on the streets are at the final stages of their lives, clinging to survival without hope. Without medical care, mental health treatment, or a helping hand, their chances of escaping homelessness are slim to none

A Community Mission This effort isn’t something I can do alone. It requires a community of veterans and compassionate individuals coming together to address this crisis. We must extend the camaraderie we shared in the military to our civilian lives, reaching out to our fellow veterans and pulling them back from the edge.

Homelessness among veterans isn’t just a personal failure; it’s a societal one. These men and women served our country, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they don’t spend their final days in despair. At this stage, it’s no longer about acceptance—it’s about rescue. We’re on a mission to work the problem and save lives, and we must succeed.

Homelessness among veterans isn’t just a personal failure; it’s a societal one. These men and women served our country, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they don’t spend their final days in despair. At this stage, it’s no longer about acceptance—it’s about rescue. We’re on a mission to work the problem and save lives, and we must succeed.

The battle to end veteran homelessness is a fight we cannot afford to lose. Let’s come together as a community and show our veterans the same dedication and support they once showed us.

Help Us Provide Warmth and Hope This Winter:

I’ve added our Amazon Homeless Cold Weather Survival Pack Wish List to this blog to make giving easy and impactful. With just a few clicks, you can provide life-saving essentials to those in need. Whether you’re able to purchase a $3.99 fleece blanket—the lowest-priced item on our list—or a 20-pack of sleeping bags for $229.99, every donation makes a difference. The list includes individual and bulk items at various price points to make it accessible for everyone to contribute.

With your generous donations, I plan to assemble identical cold weather survival packs. Each pack will include:    •   10 pairs of socks

   •   2 pairs of gloves    

•   A beanie    

•   A neck warmer  

  •   A fleece blanket   

 •   A sleeping bag

These packs will be distributed to homeless shelters and communities in the Louisville area, packed into a Ford Transit van that we aim to fill completely. If we exceed our initial goal, we’ll expand our outreach to other communities throughout the state.

Why It Matters

Winter is a dangerous time for those living without shelter. Something as simple as a warm blanket or a pair of socks can mean the difference between life and death. Together, we can provide these life-saving essentials and bring hope to those who need it most.

How You Can Help

How You Can Help I’ve made the process as simple and effortless as possible.

1. Visit our Amazon Wish List (linked below in comment section)

2. Select the item(s) you’d like to donate.

3. Complete your purchase. The items will automatically ship to us for packing and distribution.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our homeless neighbors. Thank you for joining this mission to combat homelessness, one survival pack at a time. Let’s work the problem together and bring warmth, hope, and dignity to those who need it the most. Just click the tab below and make your purchase every donation matters! Thank you!