Unmasking America’s Homelessness Crisis: Veterans Caught in the Crossfire

How Broken Promises and Systemic Failures Betray Our Heroes.

Edy Zoo
3 min readMay 16, 2023
Photo by Benjamin Faust on Unsplash

Homelessness is an issue that plagues even the wealthiest countries, and the United States is no exception. In recent years, we’ve seen a disturbing trend: a growing number of homeless individuals are veterans, the very people who once risked their lives to protect their nation. It begs the question — how did we get here, and why has the system failed our heroes?

To understand the root causes of homelessness among veterans, we must first examine the broader context of homelessness in America. Several factors contribute to this crisis, including the lack of affordable housing, mental health issues, substance abuse, and unemployment. These challenges are often exacerbated for veterans, who may face additional hurdles upon returning to civilian life.

One major issue that affects veterans is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD can have debilitating effects on mental health, making it difficult for veterans to maintain jobs and relationships. Many struggle to adapt to civilian life after their time in the military, and the lack of adequate mental health support can leave them feeling isolated and vulnerable.

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Edy Zoo

Edy Zoo is a social critic, theologian, and philosopher who writes about social subjects.