Serving Those Who Served: Veterans Face Unique Mental Health Challenges and Homelessness
Veterans face unique behavioral health challenges as a result of the intense demands of military service. Exposure to combat, trauma, and prolonged stress can result in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, which further complicate what can already be a challenging transition to civilian life. Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated, culturally competent approach that recognizes the distinct
experiences of veterans and prioritizes timely, comprehensive care—including housing support and access to behavioral health services.
For nearly 40 years, Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) has been improving health and human service systems of care for public and private partners to help organizations and individuals reach their full potential. Our consulting, technical assistance, research and evaluation, and administrative services are tailored to support our clients’ vision.
Expert Support for Veterans
The need is clear for defined, bold strategies and solutions to solve complex issues. AHP provides comprehensive support to communities through
- Professional consulting,
- Data-driven research, and
- Training and technical assistance.
Our services include
- Strategic planning and organizational development,
- Leadership coaching,
- Governance training,
- Grants management,
- Standard operating procedures and policy development, and
- Business opportunity partnership support.
Our Approach
AHP has been addressing homelessness with a comprehensive, compassionate approach that goes
beyond simply talking about temporary shelter. It involves creating long-term solutions that focus on
stability, health, and empowerment. Key to this approach is supporting communities and organizations that provide individuals with safe, permanent housing, while also ensuring access to
health care, mental health support, and substance use treatment. AHP demonstrates that services should be tailored to meet the unique needs of each person, with an emphasis on trauma-informed care
that acknowledges and responds to the challenges and hardships faced by individuals experiencing homelessness.
Collaborative Solutions for Homelessness and Mental Health Care
Moreover, effective solutions require collaboration across sectors, including healthcare providers,
community organizations, and social services, to create a seamless support system that fosters lasting change. By addressing the root causes of homelessness—such as mental health treatment and
lack of affordable housing—we can help individuals regain stability, dignity, and a path to self-sufficiency.
Often, veterans do not disclose their military service. Unless intake processes include a question for all
consumers—such as “Have you or a loved one ever served in the military?”—opportunities to connect
individuals and families to available services and resources may be missed.
Trauma-Informed Care
As homelessness continues to rise and public encampments become more visible communities, trauma-informed care is being called upon to play a central role in how we address unsheltered homelessness.
AHP has demonstrated a trauma-informed approach using cross-sector collaboration that includes homeless outreach and law enforcement and crisis services. Compassionate, coordinated responses to
encampments emphasize housing, health, and human dignity. These system-level partnerships bridge the
gap between crisis response and long-term housing stability.
The Urgency to Act is Clear
Without immediate and coordinated intervention, systemic problems facing veterans such as complex
behavioral health challenges, high rates of trauma, PTSD, substance use, and homelessness will continue to escalate, placing further strain on individuals, loved ones, and communities.
AHP offers comprehensive, data-driven solutions to support transformational change. Through
professional consulting, research-informed strategies, and expert training and technical assistance, we equip communities with the tools they need to effectively serve veterans: strategic planning and organizational development, full-service grants management, SOP and policy development, and business opportunity partnership support. By partnering with providers, state and local governments, and community stakeholders, AHP helps build sustainable systems of trauma-informed care that are responsive, equitable, and effective—because it’s our turn to serve those who served us.
About Us
Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) creates powerful solutions to improve health and human services systems. By partnering with the federal government, states, municipalities, healthcare systems, and nonprofits, we help people experiencing the greatest disadvantages lead full and productive lives. We are national leaders in training and technical assistance, research and evaluation, publishing, and dedicated consulting. On issues from workforce development to mental health, substance use disorders to housing and homelessness, we help our clients enhance behavioral health care through systems change. AHP was founded nearly 40 years ago to develop solutions for some of the biggest social infrastructure challenges across the nation. Our company has offices in metro Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Tampa. Find out more at www.ahpnet.com.
For press inquiries, please contact newsroom@ahpnet.com.