Darrell Irions: Homelessness

Continues to Plague Military Veteran

Population

About Darrell IrionsAs Chief Executive Officer of the St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA), Darrell Irions oversees a thriving organization that provides affordable housing options for families and individuals. Darrell Irions served in the United States Marine Corps and continues to support philanthropic initiatives benefiting veterans.

Homelessness Continues to Plague Military Veteran Population

Recent reports indicate that United States military veterans become homeless more often than other segments of the American population. Veterans account for less than 10 percent of the population, but make up more than 30 percent of the homeless. While most homeless veterans possess higher levels of education than the general homeless population, they also tend to suffer from significant mental health and substance abuse issues.

Homelessness Continues to Plague Military Veteran Population

Many experts maintain that substance abuse by veterans often stems from self-medication for such conditions as post-traumatic stress disorder caused by their responsibilities during active duty. Veterans’ advocacy groups emphasize the importance of accessible counseling, medical services, and affordable housing. Secure housing contributes to a sense of stability and purpose, and it also plays a critical role in fostering steady employment and overall well-being.

Homelessness Continues to Plague Military Veteran Population

In order to better serve local veterans, the SPHA Board of Commissioners made it a strategic priority to develop an affordable housing program specifically for them. In 2012, Darrell Irions spearheaded the Wounded Warrior Community Advisory Group to define local veterans’ needs, to discuss what unit designs best meets those needs, and to identify what financing options may be available to help make those designs a reality. The resulting development, offering permanent supportive housing to veterans and their families, will be the first of its kind for a local housing authority.