Increasing Veteran Homelessness Brings Attention to Homeless Solutions

JACKSON, Tenn. - A national organization called Healthier Veterans Today reports veterans are fifty percent more likely than other Americans to be homeless.

Mainly because of poverty, lack of social support, and poor living conditions in cramped or subpar housing.

It also reports the number of homeless veterans is rising.

“Sometimes it’s substance use the reason they have become homeless, or sometimes simply they just lost their job and need to get back on their feet. Those are some of the things we’ve seen with our clients.”

Erica Bingham is the program manager of Supportive Services for Veteran Families in Jackson.

A veteran himself, Avery Fuller helps other veterans find healthcare.

“I find it very comforting that veterans have assistance out there, but the discomfort is they don’t know what’s out there for them. all of the healthcare needs, whether it’s mental, whether it’s physical, social, if they need someone to talk to.”

Director of Tennessee Homeless Solutions Amy McDonald reports last year, Tennessee Homeless Solutions helped fifty-eight veterans in West Tennessee.

She explains the collaboration between Tennessee Homeless Solutions and West Tennessee Legal Services.

“The legal services attend to legal services, and THS attends to the housing needs.”

West Tennessee Legal Services works to help veterans with housing situations, benefits, and legal assistance, all with no charge.

General counsel Ashley Holliday explains how the legal services help.

“It’s used to prevent imminent homelessness or used to rapidly rehouse homeless veterans.”

To help or receive help from Tennessee Homeless Solutions, veterans can call 1-800-307-5469. For West Tennessee Legal Services, they can call 731-423-2600.