It matters because homeless vets are symptomatic of a broken VA,it matters because there are programd that specifically target vets that are proven to work, but finding and outreaching to vets remains a challenge, it matters because far from being someone who "doesn't take steps to stop being a public burden" many homeless vets suffer from PTSD and related disorders which inhibit their ability to care. For themselves and directly contribute to their homelessness, substance abuse, and mental illness.  Yes for vets the help is here, but many disabled vets have a hard time accessing help, and many more are outside of the VA system.