Help homeless veterans during COVID-19 pandemic

#Middlebury #Veterans

A recent Department of Veterans Affairs press release describes a new initiative asking the public to “provide emergency relief and facilitate remote access to health care for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Specifically the VA is asking for non-perishables, cellphones and cash for security deposits. Really?

Back in February, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie turned down money when asked if the VA needed more to deal with the coronavirus problem. Yes, you read that right. He turned down money. Granted, in February maybe it wasn’t clear to Wilkie just how bad it was going to get, but he assured those at the budget meeting that they were good to go because they train for emergencies.

A month later the VA had to get $60 million in emergency help, followed by nearly $20 billion a week later. That money was spread out over a long wish list, including IT, construction, mobile treatment … and yes, homeless veterans. On a given day, there are an estimated 100,000 homeless veterans on the street.

For those who are ready to whip out a credit card to help, go online to the eDonate site at www.volunteer.va.gov/apps/VolunteerNow. Find your state and the facility you’d like to support. Be sure to include a note that says you want the money to go to support homeless veterans.

If you want to donate household supplies to help get a veteran set up in living accommodations, or a cell phone, contact the Voluntary Service office at the VA closest to you. To find it, go here: www.volunteer.va.gov/directory/index.asp.

And yes, I did donate a hefty amount to the eDonate site. After all, it’s for our homeless brothers and sisters. But I still want to know why Wilkie turned down that money. On the day he said that, there already were 80,000 cases of coronavirus around the world and in six U.S. states. Everyone knew what was coming.

© 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.