Veterans back in society deserve support

Connecticut long has been a leader in its commitment to veterans, though budget cuts in recent years make maintaining the same level of services a challenge.

The state was the first in the country — in 1864 — to establish a home for veterans, the Connecticut Veterans Home now in Rocky Hill. And in 2016 Connecticut became the second in the country to essentially end homelessness of veterans, thanks to a committed drive by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy with groups such as Partnership for Strong Communities, the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness and the Veterans Administration.

Support for those who give of themselves to serve our country is a moral obligation.

Welcome news came Wednesday that the federal Department of Veterans Affairs will provide $1.4 million for upgrades to the Connecticut Veterans Home, primarily to make them compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The funding comes through the State Veterans’ Home Construction Grant Program, which provides up to 65 percent of the cost to build or renovate buildings, and has averaged $94 million over the last five years.

The present Connecticut Veterans Home and Hospital is nearly 80 years old. It is a sanctuary for veterans who need help returning to independent living. They can stay for free up to four months, then are billed through rates determined by the veterans affairs department. They receive help in developing a rehabilitative plan that could include vocational training, recovery support and medical services.

The state also has temporary housing in Rocky Hill for veterans with families. Patriots’ Landing, created four years ago, features five completely furnished three-bedroom homes. Qualified veterans and their families pay a monthly fee, work with case managers and can stay a maximum of 24 months.

For the approximately 180,000 veterans in the state, the possibility of temporary housing can be a life-saving bridge to reintegrating into society.

State Veterans Affairs Department Commissioner Thomas Saadi, meeting recently with the Hearst Connecticut Media Editorial Board, said one of the biggest changes in recent years is the increasing number of female veterans. About 8 to 10 percent of the state’s veterans are women, some of whom may be returning from war zones, such as Afghanistan. They are more likely than male veterans to have dependent children and to need housing, he said.

Another change affecting veterans’ care is the opioid crisis. An overreliance on prescription painkillers for severe injuries leads to a higher level of the problem reflected in the overall community.

Addressing the needs of veterans is a challenge with continual budget reductions. The most recent Veterans Affairs annual budget of $23 million is a substantial reduction from $32 million earlier in the decade. The department has had to suspend Saturday burial ceremonies, at least temporarily, and rely more on internships and partnerships with community-based groups for services.

Every state agency has had to deal with cutbacks in recent years, but we ask legislators in adjusting next year’s budget to be mindful of the state’s commitment to veterans.

One of the biggest changes in recent years is the increasing number of female veterans.