TESTIMONY OF JOESPH E. CAOUETTE, CHAIRMAN NATIONAL HOMELESS VETERANS COMMITTEE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEES ON BENEFITS AND HEALTH COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WITH RESPECT TO HOMELESS VETERANS’ ISSUES WASHINGTON, DC MARCH 9, 2000
Mr. Chairmen and Members of the Subcommittees: As someone who is committed to assisting homeless veterans, I appreciate this opportunity to participate in today’s hearing and share my thoughts on how various veterans’ homeless programs may be improved to better serve this nation’s former defenders who now find themselves in need. A major concern voiced by six homeless shelters I contacted is that the number of substance abuse and mental health counselors are being drastically reduced or completely eliminated. A key component in getting veterans off the streets and back into society as productive citizens is addressing any substance abuse or mental health problems they may be experiencing. Without immediate professional help, they cannot be expected to succeed. In Worcester, the second largest city in Massachusetts, the Central Shelter for Homeless Veterans is having serious problems due to the local Veterans Affairs Medical Center having no substance abuse or mental health counselors. Three years ago the Medical Center had five counselors, today there is no direct contact by trained counselors with homeless veterans. The North Hampton VA Medical Center will not provide one-on-one mental health or substance abuse counseling unless the veteran has been drug or alcohol free for the past six months. Mr.Chairmen, these veterans need help immediately, not six months from now. The whole purpose of counseling is to help them overcome addictions, not to be on their own during this critical period. Another problem area I am witnessing is the detoxification program. If a veteran is sent to the Brockton VA Medical center they will receive 3-5 days in detox, and then be released as an outpatient; this is simply not working. At the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans, of which I am associated, veterans do have access to substance abuse counselors, but if they are refereed to a detox unit they will only receive 5-7 days of treatment and unfortunately, that program is being eliminated. Recently we are noticing an increase in two groups of homeless veterans - - World War II veterans and women veterans with dependents. We attribute the increase in World War II veterans to their release from VA Medical Centers or homeless programs and, in many cases, their families not living in the area. As to women veterans, this is simply due to the fact more and more women are now serving in the Armed Forces. As to their homelessness, there are many contributing factors. I am sure you can appreciate our concern when a woman veteran and her children seek assistance. This presents a whole new set of challenges with limited resources. In closing Mr. Chairmen, again I appreciate the opportunity to appear before your Subcommittees. I look forward to a continuing dialogue and will be happy to respond to any questions you have. Back to Witness List |