America is a proud nation, where many leave their native countries for the dream of democracy and freedom. Yet, many men and women who risked their lives to protect our freedom and safety are homeless and broken.
On any given day, 590-plus homeless veterans throughout Hawaii are roaming the streets or are in shelters and transitional housing. How does this happen?
Veterans especially are vulnerable to homelessness because of the extreme stress and trauma encountered while in service. This is exacerbated by the fact we’ve been at war since 2001, bypassing the 11-year Vietnam War. To sustain the fight and specialties needed, many veterans completed extended and back-to-back deployments, creating increased pressure and strain for them and their families.
Veterans were exposed to horrendous situations. They were trained to survive on the battlefield, neutralizing the threat, while seeing their military brothers and sisters maimed or killed. As part of their training, they were taught to stand on their own, while helping others. The physical and psychological toll is immense, making it extremely difficult to transition to civilian life.
The risk for homelessness is heightened for many veterans ending their service in Hawaii, thousands of miles away from the support of family and friends. Asking for help is difficult since that’s not what they were trained to do.
For many, there’s a real disconnect when re-entering civilian life. It’s hard to let go of the reality of war literally overnight, and approach life in a tranquil manner where mediation and verbal negotiation is the norm.
Russell Dela Cruz, a former U.S. Marine, is a veteran who gave his very best to make this transition. He had a successful career in the military, served on multiple deployments and says he was "a lean, mean fighting machine."
When honorably discharged in 2001, Russell suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, but couldn’t ask for help. He turned to drugs and alcohol to help him cope, eventually became homeless and landed in prison. Today, Russell is in the U.S.VETS VIP (Veterans in Progress) program, where he receives substance-abuse treatment services and healthy coping skills. Most importantly, he is making progress one day a time.
Three key areas affect a veteran’s successful transition into civilian life: housing, employment and emotional support. As America continues to engage in war, veterans can’t be helped by government alone. It requires collaboration from our faith community, military, social service agencies and employers willing to hire veterans.
Studies on PTSD show that beyond the physical injuries and trauma, veterans also may experience "moral injury." Many were required to commit acts of violence required in war — so foreign to life in civil society. Some find it impossible to integrate into their identities as a loving son, husband or father. Faith communities offer a supportive ohana where veterans find acceptance, forgiveness, fellowship and hope. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu has a program called "Vets In The Pew," where parishioners provide emotional and spiritual support to veterans in need.
Front-line responders like the Institute for Human Services, Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. VETS-Barbers Point are out in the field, seeking veterans and connecting them with U.S. vet services and community resources. Veterans need to know there are many citizens, including fellow veterans, willing and waiting to stand with them, advocating on their behalf.
The recent Homeless Veteran Stand Down and Job Fair was a ground-breaking, collaborative event, bringing together our faith community, military, social service agencies and employers, all providing immediate service to our veterans. It’s a great example of how synergy can be generated to ensure all homeless veterans find their way home.
