Veterans Aid CEO Dr Hugh Milroy (far left) is to co-author a groundbreaking book on the causes and consequences of homelessness among ex-Service personnel. The research aspect of this work is funded by the Dean’s Research Fellowship Award from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech University, Blacksburg, USA.

The publication, a collaboration with Virginia Tech’s Professor Jay A. Mancini (also pictured), will examine the relevance of childhood and family connections among homeless veterans. Of particular note is the book’s integration of research information with information on interventions that make positive differences. This past summer Milroy and Mancini planned the book while in residence at Virginia Tech’s Centre for European Studies, in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland.

Dr Milroy said “Understanding the causes of homelessness can help us deal with the effects. This is exciting work and should illuminate areas concerning pathways to vulnerability and homelessness among the veteran population in a way that has not previously been considered.”

Professor Mancini added “Dimensions of vulnerability and of resilience are important pivot points in our analyses of homelessness. We seek to disentangle the multitude of reasons that lead to homelessness, and chart how resilience can win out over vulnerability when there are important interpersonal connections in a person’s life.”

The two men, who have been working together on military and veteran well-being projects for over 10 years, have appeared in print together before, in Pathways of Human Development: Explorations of Change - co-edited by Mancini and Virginia Tech University colleague Professor Karen Roberto.

‘Pathways’ uses theoretical perspectives from developmental, social, and behavioural sciences to examine the ways that individuals, families, and communities intersect and interface. Focusing on the impact of change on human development, including its antecedents, processes, and consequences, the chapters examine a range of topics such as health and adaptation; social anxiety disorder; protective factors and risk behaviours; parent-child relationships; adolescent sexuality; intergenerational relationships; family stress and adaptation; and community resilience.

Dr Milroy said “It was an honour to be included among such a high-powered group of international academics. The overall project came under the watchful eye of the director of The Institute for Society, Culture and Environment http://www.isce.vt.edu/ , Professor Karen Roberto, and by Jay Mancini who both went out of their way to include my work. My chapter examined sustained change among homeless veterans and the concept of moving from welfare to well-being for those in crisis. The theoretical model and case study material provide a roadmap for those involved in intervention research and professional practice.
“The next book, which is already underway, will take our understanding of the issues involved a step further.

This is vital as the subject of homelessness among veterans is fraught with myth and misrepresentation.”

“I am grateful for their support and was delighted to find out that any royalties from the book will be donated to Veterans Aid.”

Back to News