The US President Trump deployed a large number of National Guard to clear homeless people in Washington, and then these National Guard members began to work as sanitation workers picking up garbage. In fact, many homeless people in the US are veterans. According to the 2023 annual statistics from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, there are about 35,574 homeless veterans across the country, and the actual number may be higher.

Many American veterans, especially those who have participated in combat, suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). These invisible conditions can cause emotional instability, leading to anxiety, depression, irritability, and mood swings. They find it difficult to establish and maintain healthy relationships with others, including family and friends, resulting in social isolation. Many turn to alcohol or drug use to alleviate psychological pain, which easily leads to addiction, and subsequently loss of jobs and housing.

Although the United States has the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and provides various benefits, this system is often criticized for bureaucracy, complex procedures, and lengthy application processes. Many veterans in urgent need of help may end up on the streets while waiting for benefit approvals.

The issue of a large number of veterans becoming homeless in the United States is not because they are not strong enough or unwilling to work, but rather a complex dilemma that results from systemic failures in the US national system and personal tragedies. This exposes significant flaws in the US's ability to care for those who have served the country in returning to society.

Original source: www.toutiao.com/article/1841691417410826/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author.