Many thousands of veterans who defended our country's freedom have been unable to find their way in society. They live in a bleak, hopeless world without decent shelter, adequate nutrition, or medical care. Some of these people are true war heroes who received physical and psychological injuries during horrific combat that few could imagine.

The DAV helps homeless veterans make the transition from life on the streets to one of productivity and normalcy. Our motto, "We Don't Leave our Wounded Behind," is a heartfelt principle, a rule, and a promise that we, as a grateful nation, must keep. We must remain steadfast in our efforts to fulfill our promise to veterans by ensuring that no veteran who honorably served his or her country is ever left behind.

The DAV Homeless Veterans Initiative, which is supported by DAV's Charitable Service Trust and Columbia Trust, promotes the development of supportive housing and necessary services to assist homeless veterans become productive, self-sufficient members of society. Our goal is to establish a partnership between the DAV and Federal, state, county, and local governments to develop programs to assist homeless veterans in becoming self-sufficient.

Without question, proper VA assistance—including health care, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, education, and job training, etc.—will enable homeless veterans to improve their situations and begin the transition to once again become productive members of the society they served and defended.