One veteran helping others now fighting homelessness
6.22.11

WTHR

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - When veterans come home, many face a whole host of problems, not the least of which is homelessness. We found one man who is on the brink and just hanging on, and another who has the answers that might help those in that situation.
Jack Finley lives in a small apartment that he could lose. The non-combat veteran suffers with depression and migraines. And his benefits were cut. He said he was told an appeal of that decision could take two to seven years. 
But he says he doesn't have that long. He barely has a plan for survival.
“As far as plans, the closest thing to a plan I got, since I do got the $300 a month, just get a storage unit to put my stuff in, and be homeless again,” he told 24-Hour News 8’s Debby Knox.
But we found a man with a lot of answers: Russ Eaglin, a Vietnam veteran who is this city's Veterans Services officer.
He said he couldn't talk about Finley’s case because of privacy rules, but he sees cases like it all the time.
“There are a number of guys that are on the edge of becoming homeless,” Eaglin said. “There are a number of guys that, whether they've got economic problems or psychological problems or abuse problems, are about ready to hit the streets.”
Already, about 300 homeless vets walk Indianapolis streets. Eaglin wants to help.

“I hook them up with the VA resources so they can get out and get the mental health … . I get out there and put them in touch with 211, connect the help for all the resources from the community,” he said.
For more Veterans Affairs information, check the Indianapolis VA Medical Center's website . 
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