Veterans face homelessness among other issues

GREEN BAY, WI–(WGBW&WISS)–Veterans outnumber “regular” citizens proportionally in the homeless population of Wisconsin. Tim Cody is a full-time volunteer with the Fox Valley Veterans Council. He said PTSD is one of the causes.

“Of course, we have the largest population that is going to have PTSD issues. More than any other organization,” Cody said. “What goes along with that, you’re going to have a connection of substance abuse to deal with those PTSD issues if they’re not getting help. So that’s a secondary to that.”

The Fox Valley Veterans Council provides emergency funding for basic needs to area veterans, those still serving, their dependents, and survivors. Cody has been volunteering for 4 years connecting veterans in need to resources and opportunities.

Cody calls it a financial assistance program for vets who are in need. 

“One, we hold them up while they’re having that problem, as long as we can,” Cody said. “And then we try to get them help for whatever that problem is.” 

Cody said you can’t help a veteran with PTSD if that same veteran is worried about homelessness.

“Let’s face it. Let’s say you have PTSD. But if you’re getting ready to get thrown out of your house, you think you’re going to your VA appointment? No. Your worried about trying to find a roof over your head,” Cody said. 

Cody said it is the goal of the Fox Valley Veterans Council to keep people in their homes as long as they can while the veterans continue to work on their issues, whether mental health, substance use or financial difficulties. 

“We find them, hopefully, before they’re homeless. Our real goal is to try to keep them in their place for two to three months so that they can straighten their life out. Get a direction to go and keep them where they are,” said Cody.

Veterans’ Day tribute

The Fox Valley Veterans Council is holding a Veterans Day tribute ceremony inside the Outagamie County Court House in front of the Veterans Memorial at 410 S. Walnut Street on Thursday, November 11th, at 11:00 a.m.

The keynote speaker is Aaron Hunnel. Aaron spent 20 years serving in the military, working to improve organizational culture. His work has been integrated on large scales across the Department of Defense, and he has learned some of his greatest life lessons while wearing the uniform. Aaron also rode 3,000 miles across the country to raise money for Veterans. He stays active in the veteran community, promoting purpose and connection through cycling and physical activity.

The Scarlet Guard and American Legion Post 38 will support this event as the honor guard and rifle squad, along with musical elements from Joseph Scala and the Fox Valleyaires.