[mac9]

Originally Posted by sunnyatlast

Sadly, many of the homeless choose to live in the forest or worse conditions. See this article in the newer online newspaper (can't link it here):

"Legion auxiliary member rounds up bags for mats for homeless veterans"

....and this reader comment by:

Carol Pirone-Udell says:
August 29, 2014 at 11:07 AM
I am the president of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 347. We have been working with various organizations to help these people. Most of the Vets in the forest are from the Vietnam Era and cannot or should I say choose not to come into society after being scarred by the war.

We work with a group from Eustis who is able to go in the forest and bring food, clothes and what ever else they need. They are funded by organizations and donations. This group brings out a few at a time giving them housing and working with them to get a job and become self sufficient. There is over 18,000 people living in the forest including women and children. Our organization is working with a group to bring in food, and clothing especially for the children. these mats are one thing that we felt was needed to keep them dry. There is not enough money or places to put these vets after bringing them out.

Be assured, they are living there because they want to,. The VA is available to help our vets and they just have to go and ask. However being married to a Vietnam Vet who is now deceased I know when he came back he shunned society and it took him 16 years to get himself help and then he passed away with cancer from agent orange. All we can do is try to help with their needs until they want to come out and live in society.

Maybe they already are on a VA list somewhere for medical care!