November 23, 2011 - Now, I take care of those in the public mental health system in the nation's capital. Those halls are much murkier, even as we celebrate Thanksgiving.Every day I take the Metro and walk through Union Station. Right outside, depending on my route, I see the homeless, including veterans. It is only about four blocks from the Capitol to Union Station, but the gap is immense. And it is not just due to the construction and the tourist buses.
Walk along 1st St NE, along the side of Union Station, and you pass under the tunnel sheltering the homeless stretched out underneath, with their gray blankets and square plastic weaved bags. Other streets downtown are also festered with the homeless. Nobody really knows how many are veterans. About 25%, according to some estimates.
How can we stop our Soldiers and other service members from descending from their proud uniforms to the homeless with their plastic bags outside the Greyhound Bus Station? Remember, only about half of recent vets go to the VA. This number is higher than ever before. But it still means that at least half get there care through other means. Or get no care. Or end up on the streets. read more>>>
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