Detroit, Michigan, received the worst overall ranking in WalletHub’s list of the most veteran-friendly cities in the United States in terms of standard of living. The consumer finance site compared 100 of the nation’s most populated cities against 18 criteria including housing affordability, employment growth, health facilities and the number of homeless veterans.
Irvine, California, topped the list as the most livable city for veterans. It earned an economic wellness rank of 1 and an environment, education and health (EEH) ranking of 23. EEH evaluates the size of the veteran population and the effectiveness of Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals.
Detroit ranked 100 for economic wellness and 98 for EEH. The city’s low ranking was attributed to an overall high level of unemployment in the state for both veterans and the general population of nearly 10 million. Michigan is home to around 700,000 veterans. According to University of Michigan professor Joshua Kay, the large number of veterans makes it difficult for them to access resources.
Michigan is working to reduce unemployment among veterans. In November, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency recognized the state’s 37 veteran-friendly employers. The companies have offered around 1,000 well-paying jobs that allow veterans to utilize their military skills and experience. In addition, a bill has been proposed to provide Michigan veterans with grants to help them earn a science, technology, engineering or math degree at one of the state’s public universities or community colleges.
The WalletHub report highlights the overall need to focus on improving employment opportunities, housing and health care for veterans across the country. Upon return from military service, veterans often face challenges adapting to civilian life due to issues such as unemployment, homelessness and lack of mental health care.
Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC fights for veterans rights. We fight to make sure you get the benefits you deserve from the Department of Veterans Affairs. To learn more or contact an attorney about your Post Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury, Mental Health, Sexual Assault, Hearing Loss and Tinnitus, Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability, Medical Malpractice, or Aid and Attendance claim, visit http://www.legalhelpforveterans.com/ or call 800.693.4800
