A resolution declaring the need for greater funding for homeless healthcare and supportive services by the United States government; the need for collaboration between the Veterans Administration and community organizations; the need for affordable housing development and community development; and the need for job training and technical assistance to aid in the transitioning of homeless veterans.

WHEREAS, America’s veterans deserve this nation’s gratitude for their service and deserve our assistance; and

WHEREAS, veterans are twice as likely to be among the chronically homeless; and

WHEREAS, one study revealed that eighty-one percent (81%) of America’s homeless veterans suffer from serious psychiatric or substance abuse disorders, and thirty-three percent (33%) suffer from both; and

WHEREAS, this same study also revealed that forty-six percent (46%) of homeless veterans assessed in 2001 were African Americans, in contrast to eleven percent (11%) in the general veterans population, which indicates that African American veterans are over four times more likely to be homeless than other veterans; and

WHEREAS, America’s homeless veterans face many challenges; and

WHEREAS, veterans are disproportionately represented among homeless men and existing programs, and resources to provide assistance to such veterans are disproportionate; and

WHEREAS, the National Survey of Homeless Service Providers and Clients reports that fifty-seven percent (57%) of homeless veterans have sought needed health care from the Veterans Administration; and

WHEREAS, the Veterans Administration is shifting from inpatient to outpatient services, and such shift does not appear to be in the best interest of America’s homeless veterans; and

WHEREAS, minority community based providers may welcome the opportunity to provide services to homeless veterans, but there is a need for collaboration between these providers and the Veterans Administration.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as declaring the need for greater funding for homeless healthcare and supportive services by the United States government; the need for collaboration between the Veterans Administration and community organizations; the need for affordable housing development and community development; and the need for job training and technical assistance to aid in the transitioning of homeless veterans.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to President George W. Bush and to each member of the Tennessee Congressional Delegation.

Section 3. That this resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Ludye Wallace