Homeless Veterans... A Hypothesis.

[caerbannogbunny]

One of the anti-recruitment kicking points is the high percentage of homeless people who are veterans. I am of the opinion, they are drawing the wrong conclusion from this correlation. Let me tell you why and ask your opinions on the issue

Comments

[caerbannogbunny]

Not at all. I'm saying that--if you decided to be homeless--it would be easier for you than Joe Schmoe working at McDonald's and getting laid off. Therefore, if you are in a situation where your choices are: 1) Live in a bad situation in a home, dependent on the government, or stay in a bad situation OR 2) Grab a ruck and go live off the land in an urban environment, you just might choose the street more than the situation you don't want.

Essentially, that a vet is more able to survive in those conditions successfully than the average non-vet.

So, essentially the opposite of what you said: Not a propensity, a capability if you choose to.

The follow on question--if the hypothesis is true--would be "Why do some veterans choose homelessness over compliance with social expectations?".

[lometa]

My hypothesis--given the fact many veterans have endured similar or worse than the homeless lifestyle--is that homeless veterans are more likely homeless out of personal choice than the utter desperation most people assume. This choice may be desperate, but the decision is not easily forced on many. For example, they may be deciding to stay out of a social environment they feel alienated from or they feel better equipped for life out of doors than trying to manage bills-rent-taxes-etc.

What do you think?

I think you need to do more data and factual research to support your hypothesis. A quote off of the VA website ain't gonna cut it. The best you'll get here is anecdotal evidence unless you are interested in stuffing a straw man at our expense.

[caerbannogbunny]

Actually, I'm trying to sound out other people's experience before coming up with an actual candidate research project.

I have a friend in a Masters of Social Work program who's considering a change in project for a thesis and I'm hoping to go to grad school and research things like this.

All I'm after is whether it sounds sane and makes sense along with what other factors would be good to consider.

[lometa]

This choice may be desperate, but the decision is not easily forced on many.
If it's forced, how can it be a decision? You may want to try the DoD. I'm sure they keep stats on the Vietnam War Vets. All you are going to get here is anecdotal evidence.

[caerbannogbunny]

Not looking for data, just whether the concept makes sense to someone else too. I mean, no point wasting the time when there's an obvious, blatant flaw I just haven't noticed, eh?

[lometa]

The basic flaw is that if it is forced how can it be a decision?

[caerbannogbunny]

That would have to be part of the research then:

Hypotheses:

1. Veterans are more likely to be homeless than non-veterans.

2. Homeless people have other options.

2A. Veterans have other options.

2B. Homeless people are aware of other options.

3. Veterans elect homelessness more than non-veterans.

Investigative questions:

1. Do veterans see living on the street differently than non-veterans?

2. Do homeless people feel like they have other options?

3. Do homeless people have other options?

4. Are people (especially veterans) living homeless as a choice?

As part of the demographic background:

-Mental illness diagnosis
-Veteran
--Discharge characterization
--Combat Veteran
--MOS/Rate/AFSC
--Years of Service

It would require a pretty decent sample size and likely some form of interview.

[lometa]

It would require a pretty decent sample size and likely some form of interview.Agreed, research and stats are required, and again, you would have to define what is meant by "forced" as well as "choice". The scope and sequence in the hypotheses is too broad. What is needed is a defined sample pool. For example, would they be all vets or limited to Vietnam veterans or would you mix in the Korean and Middle Eastern Vets. What about the generational differences

[caerbannogbunny]

That could be part of a study: "What alternatives do you have?"

I think you would also have to differentiate different forms of mental illness. I mean, to some, choosing to be homeless would be seen as a mental illness as well as not wanting to comply with the rules necessary to not live outside. This might be a "diagnosable illness" but it wouldn't be informative. I mean, if someone was, I don't know, depressed or claustrophobic or something and became homeless because of it...

Besides, there are many, many cultures who live outside in "temporary" housing and aren't considered mentally ill. The context may also be important.

Good points.