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Publication Date

4-1-2022

Document Type

Poster

Degree Type

Graduate

Department

Politics and Government

Mentor

Michael Hendricks

Mentor Department

Politics and Government

Co-Mentor

Carl Palmer

Abstract

On any given day, in the world’s richest country, 1 in 4 Americans who experience chronic homelessness and housing insecurities are Veterans. Unfortunately, government initiatives from previous administrations have not directly addressed the root causes of veteran homelessness and veteran unemployment, merely throwing money at the problem. However, homelessness in the veteran population is preventable. Yet, with the proper active duty job/career training and their wealth of knowledge and experience, America’s veterans can significantly contribute to the American GDP and workforce. If we can use their skills appropriately in the 21st Century civilian workplace, we would likely see a significant reduction in veteran homelessness. In this study, I examine how the types of transferrable job skills post 9-11 veterans received during training affect their housing insecurity and homelessness once they return stateside. For my research methods, I have chosen a multi-method approach. I will use deductive reasoning and specific research questions to learn about military job training and military jobs held by post 9-11 soldiers who rank E-1 to E-4 while on active duty. Finally, I rely on qualitative interviews of officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding any trends, patterns, and insights regarding veteran job insecurity and veteran housing insecurity. All of America’s displaced veterans deserve the opportunity to go from hopeless to homeless to hired to housing.

On any given day, in the world’s richest country, 1 in 4 Americans who experience chronic homelessness and housing insecurities are Veterans. Unfortunately, government initiatives from previous administrations have not directly addressed the root causes of veteran homelessness and veteran unemployment, merely throwing money at the problem. However, homelessness in the veteran population is preventable. Yet, with the proper active duty job/career training and their wealth of knowledge and experience, America’s veterans can significantly contribute to the American GDP and workforce. If we can use their skills appropriately in the 21st Century civilian workplace, we would likely see a significant reduction in veteran homelessness. In this study, I examine how the types of transferrable job skills post 9-11 veterans received during training affect their housing insecurity and homelessness once they return stateside. For my research methods, I have chosen a multi-method approach. I will use deductive reasoning and specific research questions to learn about military job training and military jobs held by post 9-11 soldiers who rank E-1 to E-4 while on active duty. Finally, I rely on qualitative interviews of officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding any trends, patterns, and insights regarding veteran job insecurity and veteran housing insecurity. All of America’s displaced veterans deserve the opportunity to go from hopeless to homeless to hired to housing.

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