Homeless Veteran Population

In the long run, the cuts in the budget that will reduce or eliminate funding for programs for the homeless population will cost Illinois more money in the future. According to the report by the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, “cutting homeless prevention and intervention programs will result in increased costs for hospital emergency departments, hospital inpatient settings, community health centers, jails, and state hospitals”. These interventions not only cost more money, but do no help in breaking the cycle to end homelessness. It is true that reducing or eliminating these homeless programs may save money, but only as a short-term solution. However, as a result of these services being eliminate or reduced, it forces individuals, families, …show more content…
For future implications, there needs to be more research on the homeless veteran population and the factors that are contributing to the homelessness. With the budget being cut, as well as other programming, there may be an increase in the homeless population. Research following how this impacts this unique population is vital in informing policy makers and stakeholders on the impact cutting the budget will have or has on the veteran homeless population. Also, research needs to be conducted on how the state is actually spending more money on this population in the long …show more content…
Additionally, veterans need job assistance, assessment and training. In addition, there needs to be aggressive outreach to veterans living on the streets, long term transitional residence programs with case management services, and clinical assessment for psychiatric disorders (Military.com). With a combination of all of these efforts, this can help break the vicious cycle of homelessness in veterans. However, in order to accomplish these efforts and meet the needs of homeless veterans, it will take a collaborative