Veterans' Families in Need of Increased Funding for Counseling and Financial Assistance

Veterans' Families in Need of Increased Funding for Counseling and Financial Assistance

Adobe Stock / qingwa

Veterans' family support services, including counseling and financial assistance, have become even more important in recent years. These services are critical for the well-being of veterans and their families, who often face a unique set of challenges as a result of the veteran's service, 1011 NOW reports.

One of the most significant challenges facing veterans and their families is the psychological toll of deployment. Many veterans struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other mental health issues as a result of their experiences in combat. These conditions can take a toll on veterans' relationships and family dynamics, making counseling and therapy essential for their recovery.

As of 2021, there are an estimated 19 million veterans living in the United States.Photo: Adobe Stock / motortion
As of 2021, there are an estimated 19 million veterans living in the United States.

Another challenge that veterans and their families face is financial instability, AARP reports.

The transition from military to civilian life can be difficult for veterans, especially for those who have difficulty finding employment or are dealing with injuries that make it hard to work. Financial assistance programs can help veterans and their families to make ends meet and ensure that they have a stable home and can access the services they need.

Support services services are critical for the well-being of veterans and their families.Photo: Adobe Stock / qingwa
Support services services are critical for the well-being of veterans and their families.

In addition, many veterans and their families face challenges related to housing. For example, veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, need support services to help them find stable and affordable housing.

As The Center for American Progress reports, despite the need for these services, funding for veterans' family support services has been historically inadequate. Studies show many veterans and their families are unable to access the services they need due to a lack of funding, leaving them without the support they need to heal and rebuild their lives.

Some veterans and their families face financial instability challenges.Photo: Adobe Stock / flysnow
Some veterans and their families face financial instability challenges.

Organizations like Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) have been advocating for increased funding for these services, and lawmakers have introduced legislation to provide additional funding for veterans' family support services.

There has been some increase in funding for veterans' family support services in recent years, as reported by the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, enabling many veterans and their families to access the services they need. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all veterans and their families have the same access, and opportunities to thrive.

When it comes to homelessness among veterans, the number has been reducing over the years but it is still a concern.Photo: Adobe Stock / Angelov
When it comes to homelessness among veterans, the number has been reducing over the years but it is still a concern.

As of 2021, there are an estimated 19 million veterans living in the United States, according to the VA, the average age of whom is 63 years old.

When it comes to homelessness among veterans, the number has been reducing over the years but it is still a concern. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, on a single night in January 2020, there were approximately 37,252 veterans experiencing homelessness in the United States. This represents a decline of 2.1 percent from the previous year, and a decline of nearly 50 percent since 2010. However, it's worth noting that veterans still represent a disproportionate share of the homeless population.

Help us call on the VA and Department of Veterans Affairs to increase funding for veterans support services!Photo: Adobe Stock / LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS
Help us call on the VA and Department of Veterans Affairs to increase funding for veterans support services!

Veterans and their families face a unique set of challenges as a result of the veteran's service, and access to counseling, financial assistance and other support services is critical for their recovery and well-being. Despite the need for these services, funding for veterans' family support services has been historically inadequate. Efforts to increase funding for these services are ongoing, and it is important that veterans and their families are able to access the support they need to heal and rebuild their lives.

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Matthew Russell

Matthew Russell is a West Michigan native and with a background in journalism, data analysis, cartography and design thinking. He likes to learn new things and solve old problems whenever possible, and enjoys bicycling, spending time with his daughters, and coffee.

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