BRATTLEBORO -- For the men and women in the United States armed forces, every day is Veterans Day.

But for some former military personnel in Vermont, every day is also a struggle to find a warm bed or a roof over their heads. Too many veterans are shivering on cold New England nights, with nothing more than dirty blankets wrapped around their shoulders.

Twenty-five percent of all homeless in the United States are military veterans. In the Green Mountain State, there are an estimated 100 to 125 former servicemen and women on the streets, and that does not sit well with Robert "Bob" Miller, a Purple Heart World War II disabled veteran living in West Brattleboro.

"I am outraged at the situation. It's an obscenity," said Miller.

There has not been a politician to take up this troubling issue facing our country, or what life is like for someone who has served their country and now has nowhere to go, he added. "It's really hard to imagine what it must be like, what they're going through."

More than half a century after Miller returned from serving in Gen. George S. Patton's army in Northern Africa and Italy, he now dedicates his time to fighting another battle -- caring for homeless veterans in the region.

Recently, he helped establish Home at Last Inc., a nonprofit organization designed to provide permanent housing and support services to veterans in need.

With the assistance of the group's case manager, Home at Last supports homeless

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veterans with basic needs such as food, clothing and transportation while tailoring to the social, medical and psychological needs of each client personally.

Since the nonprofit was founded almost two years ago, the organization has provided long-term housing for three veterans -- two single men and a married couple. They are currently living in refurbished mobile homes in town with Home at Last covering most of the rent, fuel, insurance and utility costs.

Through the assistance of a private donor, the organization was able to purchase its first home in August 2008. They have purchased two other housing units since.

But like many non-profit groups around the county, Home at Last funding has fallen on hard times.

The group has had limited success obtaining support in the past. A number of local funding trusts have turned them down, and attempts to raise money through congressional earmarks fell flat.

Board members have reached out to the community, sending two mailings earlier this month around to supporters informing them about the heavy financial burden facing Home at Last.

"We thought this project would attract strong support -- enough to maintain three homes, maybe five. But we were wrong," according to the letter. "Foundation inquiries, a mail appeal, many phone calls and newspaper article and letters have raised $7,399 from 72 wonderful people. In addition, board members contributed their money to buy and refurbish the homes.

"It's not enough. What we've raised in 22 months will barely support one home for a year. And we're down to $2,600 in the bank."

Miller said it is often the case that people do not consider the realities of living on the streets, trying to find an abandoned building or the back seat of an empty car to sleep in.

"I don't think people make an effort to imagine what homelessness is like," said Miller. "I think a little imagination could be useful."

The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Administration hospital in White River Junction have helped many homeless Vermont veterans, but even they cannot keep up with the growing need in local towns and cities.

"I think that the VA medical system does excellent work, but I don't think that organization alone can provide what damaged vets need. It takes a whole community to provide what's necessary," he said.

To contribute to the tax-deductible project, interested donators may send a check to Home at Last, P.O. Box 2266, West Brattleboro, VT, 05303. For more information, contact Miller at 802-257-1358.