WHEREAS, Approximately one-third of the adult homeless population is comprised of military veterans; and
WHEREAS, Many homeless veterans come from urban areas and suffer from mental illness, alcohol and other substance addictions or abuse which interfere with job retention and family life; and
WHEREAS, Those homeless veterans who are suffering from addictions live in poverty and lack access to the care and support systems necessary to reintegrate into society; and
WHEREAS, A large number of veterans suffer from the lingering effects of post-traumatic stress are at a greater risk for becoming homeless and are twice as likely as other Americans to become and remain chronically homeless; and
WHEREAS, On any given night in Philadelphia approximately 350 homeless veterans are living in shelters or on the streets; and
WHEREAS, It is important to remember the countless men and women who have served our country with honor and selflessness, putting themselves in harms way to protect the freedoms we cherish only to come home to live a life of poverty and homelessness; and
WHEREAS, It is necessary to draw attention to the health, social and economic issues faced by veterans when they return home and find a solution and end the national tragedy of veteran homelessness so as not to condemn our military veterans to a life living on the streets; and
WHEREAS, This day will be dedicated to remembering and reflecting upon the struggles faced by our veterans; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Recognizes the sacrifices made by our homeless veterans and the struggles they face to return to civilian life and declares November as Homeless Veterans Month.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented as evidence of the strong support and sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End