Introducing the TruBar Foundation

With nearly 50,000 veterans sleeping on the streets each night, it's clear we are failing to serve those who have served our country. But the solution isn't as obvious as it might seem. Veterans don't need simply more doctors and shelter beds; new research shows that veterans need lawyers to fight on their behalf as well.

According to a study from the Department of Veterans Affairs, at least five out of the top 10 problems leading to homelessness among veterans cannot be solved without legal help. The study surveyed more than 6,000 homeless veterans and service providers, asking them what services veterans need to become stably housed. The survey found that many veterans are able to secure food, medical services and substance-abuse treatment. But for problems that require legal assistance such as fighting evictions, upgrading military discharge status or restoring a driver's license, many veterans are not receiving the help they need. Legal assistance is often critical to ensure that veterans find justice and get the benefits they have earned and can keep a roof over their heads.

Securing benefits and services can involve a maze of procedures that many cannot navigate on their own. Even something that sounds simple, such as restoring a driver's license that expired during service, essential for applying for much-needed resources that can keep veterans off the streets, may require the help of a lawyer, particularly if the veteran has other unresolved legal issues.

It is with this knowledge that I have established the TruBar Foundation. Our Vision is to create a world where every Veteran has a decent place to live. Our mission is to put a Nation’s gratitude into action, bringing people together to provide help, homes and hope to those that have served our Nation. 

DEMOGRAPHICS OF HOMELESS VETERANS

• 11% of the homeless adult population are veterans
• 20% of the male homeless population are veterans
• 68% reside in principal cities
• 32% reside in suburban/rural areas
• 51% of individual homeless veterans have disabilities
• 50% have serious mental illness
• 70% have substance abuse problems
• 57% are white males, compared to 38% of non-veterans
• 50% are age 51 or older, compared to 19% non-veterans 

Veterans are 50% more likely to become homeless than other Americans due to poverty, lack of support networks, and dismal living conditions in overcrowded or substandard housing. About 1.5 million veterans are considered at-risk of homelessness. At risk is defined as being below the poverty level and paying more than 50% of household income on rent. It also includes households with a member who has a disability, a person living alone, and those who are not in the labor force. Research shows that the greatest risk factors for homelessness are lack of support and social isolation after discharge. Veterans have low marriage rates and high divorce rates; and, currently, 1 in 5 veterans is living alone. Social networks are particularly important for those who have a crisis or need temporary help. Without this assistance, they are at high risk for homelessness.

• Nearly half a million (467,877) veterans are severely rent burdened and paying more than 50% of their income for rent.
• More than half (55%) of veterans with severe housing cost burden fell below the poverty level and 43% receive food stamps.
• Approximately 45% of the 1.6 million veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan are seeking disability compensation. 
• The average wait to get a disability claim processed is now eight months.
• Payments range from $127/month for a 10% disability to $2,769 for a full disability