By Milton Billingsley
After months of searching, applying and entering numerous vet programs, plus numerous private ones though the Salvation Army and Ocean Park Community Center, I find they are all set up for druggies and alcoholics. Why?
There are plenty of homeless people out on the street that do not practice substance abuse or use alcohol as a crutch to get by. For us that are free of such problems, there are no programs to house us and help us obtain permanent housing. Why?
Instead, when we go into existing programs we are treated like criminals. Be here on time. Don’t stay out after this time. Don’t spend all night somewhere. Go to treatment classes — or else. Pee here while I watch you.
You don’t have to believe me when I say, “Some of us have defended our country with honor, some have given our best years doing so, and some have even given parts of our bodies.” But one thing you can bet on, there will be more veterans coming to the streets in the future. Are you going to treat them like criminals for defending your country, your children and grandchildren, or are you going to step up like Americans and honor the Constitution and do the honorable thing?
On a personal note: I’m going to keep trying to find decent housing for me and the others that have done nothing wrong except fall between the cracks. At 63 years old, educated, of sound mind and body, I know in my Christian heart that someone out there likes me and will finally realize that all this money the government gives these program could be going to better use than giving shelter to crack heads over, over and over.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 6, 2006. Read the original PDF.