Feel free to check with the VA. 70% of homeless veterans have substance abuse and/or mental health problems. That said, the rate of mental illness among veterans is no higher than the incidence of mental problems in the general population. So the statistics on veterans actually tracks the fact that most chronic homeless are drunks, druggies, or loonies. As far as runaway youth, I'd advise all minors thinking of running away to consider that they might have to accept a definite reduction in their standard of living. They have to weigh all options, then make their choice. Either way, it's THEIR choice, and has nothing to do with me. I'm not Superman, but I am a vet. 99% of us came back, picked up life where we left it off, and went on to live reponsible, productive lives. If I can manage my life and raise two kids that now manage their lives quite well, why can't you? BTW, I give away more money every year than many people even make. What you don't understand is that I give it to people who truly ARE in need, not people who simply screw-up their life constantly.