San Diego remains a military town, with more recently returned veterans living here than in any other city. Most veterans are successfully integrated back into civilian life and become our neighbors and co-workers. But for far too many, coming home means a sleeping bag and a shopping cart beneath an overpass or nights spent in a homeless shelter.
Countywide, homelessness has increased almost 20 percent since 2008. Job loss and home foreclosure resulting from the nation’s financial crisis has clearly taken its toll. But homelessness was shockingly high even before the economic meltdown. Untreated mental health issues, often combined with substance abuse, are a leading reason why someone ends up homeless. Family breakups, devastating medical bills, unemployment and a lack of affordable housing can tip the scales for a person living on the margin.
