Homelessness is a growing issue in America and Veterans make up approximately one-third of our country's homeless population. Transitioning from military to civilian life is difficult, and without proper resources and support, many of our Veterans face homelessness. Some of the factors that contribute to putting our veterans at risk of facing homelessness include:

1. Affordable housing is at an all-time low, and many Veterans struggle to find housing they can afford due to a lack of availability or simply the high rent cost for the available housing.

2. Both unemployment and underemployment play a significant role in causing homelessness for Veterans after leaving the military because their skills from the military don't transfer to civilian jobs. As a result, this lack of employment and underemployment makes securing the affordable housing they need even more challenging.

3. Mental health issues plague many Veterans when they come home. Some Veterans experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and loneliness. These challenges often make it more difficult for Veterans to find and maintain stable housing and employment.

4. According to a 2016 study by the American Medical Association, nearly 23% of Veterans suffer from substance abuse. This number, however, only includes the Veterans who seek treatment and does not include the Veterans who have not sought treatment.

5. Physical health issues are a challenge for as many as 50% of Veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan who have sought treatment in the past year, and can significantly limit a Veteran's ability to gain meaningful employment.

6. Veterans often return home and find their relationships and family structures have collapsed, leaving them without support, a home, or any place to live.

7. Support systems are critical for a Veteran's successful re-entry to civilian life. However, many Veterans lack a strong support system of family and friends, making it difficult to find housing, access to resources, and other assistance.

8. Low digital literacy, lack of transportation, and limited access to VA benefits cause some Veterans to not know about or have access to the benefits available to them, including housing assistance.

Veterans face many unique challenges that contribute to their difficulty returning to civilian life, which can put them at risk of homelessness. Creative and innovative solutions such as Premier's CPR³ solution can provide Veterans access to resources, including healthcare, crisis intervention, job training, affordable housing, and more. Reliable and consistent access to these resources can improve their lives and allow them to reach their full potential as civilians.

About Premier Wireless

Premier Wireless specializes in technology solutions that enable safety, innovation, communication, and transformation.

Our solutions increase efficiencies and minimize costs for public, non-profit, and private organizations.

Premier's CPR³ for Veterans is a purpose-driven device customized to provide Veterans with access to critical resources.

Premier can help you identify your organization's goals, gaps​, challenges​, and desired outcomes. Reach out to one of our Veterans solution experts to discuss the perfect solution for your organization's unique needs.

Contact: solutions@pwbts.net to schedule a meeting today.

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