March is National Social Work Month. "The Time Is Right For Social Work" is a campaign launched this month by the National Association of Social Workers. According to the NASW, there are nearly 720,000 social workers in America. That number is expected to grow by 12 percent by the end of the decade, making social work one of the fastest growing professions in the nation, states the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Other government sources report there are more clinically trained social workers providing mental health and behavioral health services than any other professional discipline in the nation.
The United States is also experiencing one of its worst economic downturns since the Great Depression. Social workers attempt help people overcome crises. They contribute to interdisciplinary care teams in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, nonprofits, corporations, the military—and in local, state, and federal government.
The Veterans Administration offers Homeless Programs to specifically assist the underserved Veteran community. A hotline has been established for Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans (877) 4AID-VET (877-424-3838) for assistance. If Veterans do not have access to a phone or the internet, then they may visit their closest VA medical center without calling in advance.
For more information, check out all the resources available through the Veterans Administration here www.va.gov/homeless/