Is Veteran Homelessness a Hopeless Problem? No, Says Comic Creators

With most of the world focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, the world isn’t giving quite enough attention to the homeless veteran problem. This issue has become very troubling and it isn’t one that is getting managed properly or treated with enough respect by those in power.

Thankfully, Geoff Johns and his partner Gary Franks are looking to do something about this problem. Though their actions won’t solve the veteran homelessness pandemic, the release of a special edition comic can raise some much-needed money to help those in this situation get the help they need.

What is PTSD?

PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychological condition that can occur to anyone after a devastating personal problem. For example, people may develop PTSD after losing a loved one, such as a parent or child. Victims of violent assaults or survivors of murder attempts may also develop PTSD. However, veterans are the most likely victims of this complex condition.

PTSD causes many symptoms, such as depression, risk-seeking behaviors, self-destructive patterns of behaviors, and flashbacks that can be devastating for those who experience them. Veterans are particularly prone to this problem due to their careers. People who fight in and survive wars may have physical wounds that heal quickly but mental wounds that simply refuse to get better.

While it’s true that care for these veterans has improved in recent years and gotten much better than it was in the past, there’s still a long way to go to help those who need it the most. In fact, the connection between PTSD and homelessness is particularly misunderstood and underrepresented.

I was today years old when I purchased my first ever comic book. Am excited to dive in, & thankful to @geoffjohns & @1moreGaryFrank for supporting veterans who are homeless. Proceeds from the Black & White Veterans edition benefit @NCHVorg & @VeteransAidUK. Pre-order if you can! https://t.co/ODcFn0c8GH

— Kathryn Monet (@Kat_Monet) October 5, 2022

Why PTSD Causes Homelessness

The connection between homelessness, PTSD, and veterans is one that simply cannot be denied. Homeless veterans are often those who have suffered the most from PTSD and simply can’t get over the feelings that it causes. While it is understandable that they would struggle after combat, the severity of many cases of PTSD in veterans is so high that it can be hard for a civilian to understand. And it may cause homelessness by:

• Making Daily Life Hard: Veterans suffering from almost daily PTSD flashbacks are going to struggle to feel comfortable around others or themselves. They may end up suffering depression, anxiety, and other adverse emotions that make their life even more difficult.
• Causing Struggles at Work: Veterans already have a hard time transitioning to civilian work because not many careers may target their military training. However, those with PTSD may especially struggle because they may find little hope in their job and struggle to feel connected.
• Triggering Drug Abuse: Unfortunately, PTSD can often trigger homelessness by causing veterans to self-diagnose and treat themselves. Alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs can all temporarily seem to relieve their symptoms or numb their pain, driving them into abusive patterns of behavior.

All of these problems can push veterans into homelessness by making their life more challenging. For example, drug abuse and PTSD can often cause a spiral of self-destruction that leaves a person out on the street and unable to get back on their feet. Thankfully, people like Johns and Franks are stepping up to do what they can to help this struggling community help itself get better.

Ways Johns and Franks are Helping This Community Thrive

Johns and Franks, both grandchildren of World War II veterans, have known the scope of this pandemic for many years. And they decided to honor the memories of their loved ones by creating a special edition of the debut of their comic “Junkyard Joe.” This comic focuses on battle-hardened robotic soldier and their adventures in a post-apocalyptic world. All sales of the special edition will help with charity.

Primarily, Johns and Franks are working with the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and Veterans Aid to help veterans struggling with homelessness. They know that the money they raise will help people who need it the most because this charity is one of the most trusted and respected in its field. In this way, they can give back to those who need it the most and support a much-ignored community and problem.