Northport Department of Veteran Affairs

Introduction

There are many challenges that the Northport Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) faces. One challenge is that despite the numerous efforts, campaigns, and funding, many military veterans are still homeless or in the process of becoming homeless. Another challenge is that there is inadequate support available for veterans once they become homeless. This lack of support can make it difficult for these veterans to access needed resources, such as housing and mental health care. Additionally, many homeless veterans experience difficulties integrating back into society after leaving the military (Randles & Finnegan, 2021). This can lead to increased poverty, unemployment, and substance abuse risk. Finally, veterans who are homeless often have a harder time accessing medical services due to their location and lack of resources.

The Northport Department VA provides a wide range of services to veterans in the area. The VA has been struggling to address the issue of homelessness among military veterans. The department has allocated a vast number of resources to try and combat this problem, but it appears that the issue is still growing. One reason may be that many military veterans do not seek help from the VA because they do not think they will be able to get help or feel like they are not being taken seriously. The VA has also been criticized for not connecting military veterans with available resources in the area. This could be because the VA does not have a centralized database that tracks these resources or because the veterans do not know where to find them.

The problem of homelessness among military veterans has been developing for many years. The roots of the problem can be traced back to the conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan (Elbogen et al., 2018. Many veterans who have returned from these wars have struggled to find a place to call home. This is because they have lost their homes, jobs, and relationships with family and friends. Many veterans also face serious mental health issues after serving in the military.

Because of this, they often cannot find a place to live or receive the support they need. Members of the interdisciplinary team and members of different disciplines are among the least organizations that have made major contributions to the development of the conflict. The organizations can work together and share their knowledge to improve the situation for military veterans in accordance with the logic model shown in Figure 1 below.

Review of the Related Literature

The literature on the conflict between military veterans and homeless people is mainly descriptive. Studies have shown that anywhere from 30-60% of homeless veterans are military Veterans (Crone et al., 2021). There are several reasons for this, but one of the main causes is that many veterans who leave the military do not have access to the benefits they were promised, such as health care and housing. Sources also say that many veterans face significant challenges after leaving the military, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and unemployment. This combination can make it difficult for them to find stable housing or get the mental health care they need.

• Conflict: a situation in which two or more parties cannot agree on what to do or how to behave.
• Military veteran: A person who has served in the armed forces.
• Homeless person: A person who does not have a fixed place to live.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A mental health condition that can occur after someone experiences a traumatic event, such as military service. It can cause problems with sleep, eating, and emotions.
• Unemployment: A situation where someone is not working because there are no jobs available or they cannot find a job that matches their qualifications.
• LICH: Long Island Coalition for the Homeless
• BHNVR: Beacon House Northport Veterans Residence
• DSS: Department of Social Services
• OHCD: Office of Housing and Community Development

Some studies have looked at how homeless veterans and military veterans interact. One study found that homeless veterans often feel like they are not welcome in the civilian world, which can lead to conflict with military veterans (Thurston, 2022). Other studies have tried to find ways to provide better support for both groups, such as providing housing and mental health care to homeless veterans (Crone et al., 2021). Still, others have looked at ways to reduce the number of military Veterans who become homeless after leaving the service (“Homelessness,” 2022). However, no single solution will likely be effective for all military veterans and resolving homeless people.

Some alternatives to addressing the conflict between homeless veterans and military veterans include providing housing and mental health care to both groups, reducing the number of veterans who become homeless after leaving the service, and creating a welcoming environment for all veterans. However, no single solution is likely to be effective for all military veterans in resolving conflicts people. Each individual must receive the support they need to resolve their conflicts successfully.

The most effective alternative to addressing the conflict between homeless and military veterans has been providing housing and mental health care to both groups. It has been identified as the most effective because it has been found to improve the outcomes for both groups. It has also been shown to be cost-effective, as it does not require additional government funding. Additionally, it is a welcoming environment for all veterans, which can help reduce their conflict.

There are several advantages to using one approach over another. For example, the most effective approach for one group will likely be the least effective for another. This is because each group has different needs and conflicts. Additionally, it can be difficult to change an approach if it is not working well. If an approach is not working, finding a new solution that will work better may be more challenging. In the case of addressing the issue of homeless and military veterans, housing and mental health care will likely be the most effective approach. This is because both groups have been shown to benefit from these services. Additionally, this approach will likely be more cost-effective than other alternatives.

The disadvantage of using one approach over another may be that it is difficult to change an approach if it is not working well. If an approach does not work, it may be more difficult to find a new solution that will work better. In addition, it may be more difficult to reach groups that are not typically targeted by an approach. For example, providing housing and mental health care will likely be the most effective approach for homeless veterans and military veterans. However, this approach may be less practical for other groups of veterans. This is because other groups may also have issues with housing and mental health care. Targeting these groups with an approach designed specifically for them may be more difficult.

The Literature Application to the Organization

The literature provides key points that include the following:

• Housing and mental health care are effective services that can benefit veterans.
• It is likely that providing housing and mental health care will be more cost-effective than other alternatives.
• It may be difficult to change an approach if it is not working well.
• Reaching groups of veterans who are not typically targeted by an approach may be difficult.

Examples from the agency include the following:

• A housing program provided housing and mental health care to homeless veterans.
• The military has a program that provides mental health care to veterans.
• The VA provides mental health care to veterans who have served in the military.
• A program that provides housing and mental health care to veteran entrepreneurs is being implemented by the VA.

Housing and mental health care will likely be more cost-effective than other alternatives. One study found that providing homeless veterans housing and mental health care was more cost-effective than providing alternative services (Byrne et al., 2017). It may be difficult to change an approach if it is not working well. In a study of three interventions targeting veteran homelessness, it was found that only one intervention showed significant reductions in veteran homelessness (Crone et al., 2021). This suggests that it may be difficult to change an approach if it is not working well.

Reaching groups of veterans who are not typically targeted by an approach may be difficult. A study of veteran homelessness interventions found that interventions that targeted veterans who had served in the military were more successful than those that did not (Crone et al., 2021). This suggests that targeting specific groups of veterans may be more effective than trying to reach all veterans.

The history of this problem at the agency can be traced back to the 1990s. At that time, there was a decrease in funding for mental health care for veterans, which led to an increase in veteran homelessness (Ramchand, 2021). In addition, there was a decrease in outreach and services available to veterans. The primary factors of the situation at the agency include:

1. a decrease in funding for mental health care for veterans,
2. a decrease in outreach and services available to veterans, and
3. an increase in veteran homelessness.

These factors have led to a conflict between the agency and veterans, who cannot access the needed services due to the lack of funding. Some examples of how this conflict has manifested itself include:

1. a decrease in the number of outreach workers,
2. a decrease in the number of case managers, and
3. a decreased focus on providing services to veterans.

These changes have hurt veterans, who cannot access the support they need to get back on their feet.

There are numerous stakeholders when it comes to veteran homelessness. The primary stakeholders are the veterans themselves, as they are the ones experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless. Other stakeholders include the VA, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the general public. The VA is responsible for assisting veterans, but they have been criticized for not doing enough to prevent or address homelessness among veterans.

The costs of the challenge on homeless veterans include time and money. Goal attainment is also impacted by the lack of funding, which has prevented veterans from accessing the necessary services. The literature does not explicitly mention any costs associated with this challenge, but it suggests that it is challenging to provide mental health care to veterans adequately. Thus, it is likely that there are additional costs associated with this problem.

The objectives or desired outcomes for resolving this challenge for the organization may include improving veterans’ access to mental health care, reducing the number of homeless veterans, and maintaining the quality of service provided. Literature suggests that these are important goals to pursue, as they will positively impact the overall welfare of veterans and staff at the agency. Besides, achieving these objectives will likely require a coordinated effort by all parties involved. Thus, resolving this challenge will require a collaborative effort from all stakeholders.

Viable Plan to Address the Problem

Dear Agency Administrator,

Please refers to the logic model in Figure 1 below to see how we propose a viable solution to address the homelessness problem among veterans. It relies on extensive collaborations and partnerships to help our veterans as quickly as possible. Due to urgency, the solution must be comprehensive, timely, and systematic. The existing body of evidence and literature revealed that there are many moving pieces to the issue, which is why it cannot be addressed one-dimensionally.

Note. Created by the author.

Firstly, for the ‘who’ and the ‘what,’ the Northport Department of VA must engage LICH, BHNVR, DSS, and OHCD in this endeavor. The column titled ‘Input’ refers to resources and agencies needed for the solution to work. Aside from our recruiters and housing instructors for our social work interns, OHCD will need to be directly involved in designing and helping with policies in relation to the Veterans Crisis Respite and Diversion Program. Due to their competency in housing development, our interns will be able to acquire more knowledge. Our recruiters will ensure that the agencies and interns work on the realization of the solution.

Housing instructors are mandatory to educate our interns, and to-be-veterans are equipped with knowledge on how to avoid homelessness. We and DSS will be primary funders of the program, whereas BHNVR will ensure that our interns are not dismissing key elements on a range of homelessness-related issues. These include substance abuse, mental health issues, women’s issues, emergency shelters, and HIV veteran housing. BHNVR’s Housing Assistance Programs can complement our program and interns through the assistance of their professional staff members, counselors, and watchers for women’s issues. LICH’s support is vital since they are an expert in connecting those experiencing homelessness.

Secondly, for the ‘where,’ the areas of interest are reflected in the activities column. Demographic changes are concerned with any age, gender, or race-related inequity observable among homeless experienced by our veterans. A thorough selection process must be established to properly choose the most competent interns who will directly work on the issue. Military lifestyle and culture changes are important areas of focus since interns and VA must be competent in educating veterans on how to proceed after the end of their service. Military policy is essential to fully address the issue, which is why the interns must be knowledgeable about how to make such shifts. Working with veterans, especially the homeless, requires an intricate approach since there are many underlying problems, such as mental health or substance abuse. Our interns must be aware of how to counsel and assist homeless veterans in the most professional and sensitive manner.

Thirdly, for the ‘when,’ it is clear that the situation requires immediate implementation. In the short term, housing teams must change bolstered by our interns and other supporting agencies. Homelessness in its direct normalizing sense must be reduced or eliminated. Substance abuse, addiction, and other challenges must be addressed as a priority since they are prime contributors to unproductive behaviors sustaining homelessness. Our interns must undergo intensive training on homelessness prevention. They need to be educated and work with our partners on the revision of existing policies with the implementation of new ones. On the counseling front, the housing group practice and reinforcement methods of working with veterans must be taught.

Fourthly, for the ‘how,’ the outputs column showcases the importance of raising awareness of the issues plaguing our homeless veterans, which needs to be reflected in how our interns are trained. Our interns need to be ready to revise the support process with the help of our partners and integrate key support groups effectively. They need to be ready to undergo these extensive training sessions and design working housing assistance policies. In addition, our interns and VA must be more competent on the trauma experienced by our veterans referring to substance abuse, women’s issues, and homelessness itself.

Conclusion

In conclusion, despite the numerous efforts, campaigns, and funding the VA has either implemented or allocated, and many military veterans are still homeless or in the process of becoming homeless. There is a conflict between the agency and veterans after the agency decreased funding for mental health care for veterans, increasing veteran homelessness. The VA Social Work Interns and Staff will be educated on how to serve their clients better. This education will help improve the agency’s and veterans’ relationship, ultimately leading to better services for both parties.

References

Byrne, T., Nelson, R. E., Montgomery, A. E., Brignone, E., Gundlapalli, A. V., & Fargo, J. D. (2017). Comparing the utilization and cost of health services between veterans experiencing brief and ongoing episodes of housing instability. Journal of Urban Health, 94(1), 54-63. Web.

Crone, B., Metraux, S., & Sbrocco, T. (2021). Health service access among homeless veterans: Health access challenges faced by homeless African American veterans. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. Web.

Elbogen, E. B., Sullivan, C. P., Wolfe, J., Wagner, H. R., & Beckham, J. C. (2018). Homelessness and money mismanagement in Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. American Journal of Public Health, 103(S2), S248-S254. Web.

Homelessness. (2022). Office of Research & Development. Web.

Ramchand, R. (2021). Suicide among veterans: Veterans’ issues in focus. Suicide Among Veterans, 1. Web.

Randles, R., & Finnegan, A. (2021). Veteran help-seeking behaviour for mental health issues: A systematic review. BMJ Military Health, 168(1), 99–104. Web.

Thurston, A. (2022). Why veterans remain at greater risk of homelessness. Boston University. Web.