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What does it mean to help someone without taking away their right to decide what happens to their own life? The population of homeless veterans in this country are increasingly older, and also face the challenges of rising housing prices and addiction.

Vega Riverra, a social worker with over 30 years of experience aiding homeless veterans in Puerto Rico, sat down to discuss the challenges and successes in his industry – and how we all can help homeless veterans.

Ask us a question or suggest a topic on our show’s website.

Sources:

Despite Record Low In Veteran Homelessness, Half The States Saw Increases (Black Hills Pioneer)

Understanding The Real Risks Behind Veteran Homelessness (Veteran’s Association)

Understanding Mental Health Issues And Addiction Vital To Caring For Veterans (The Las Vegas Sun)

Annual Homeless Count Shows Progress In Suburbs And For Vets. But For Seniors, Results Are A ‘Flashing Red Light’ (Times Of San Diego)

Autonomy And Affordability: Solving Homelessness Without Coercion (The Cato Institute)

Autonomy: The Missing Piece In Too Many Homelessness Initiatives (InvisiblePeople)

Understanding Drug Use Patterns Among The Homeless Population: A Systematic Review Of Quantitative Studies (ScienceDirect)

This podcast is a production of the Bioethics Exploration Society at Stuyvesant High School. Host and lead producer: Theodore Zhan,

Theme Music: Moondots And Polkabeams by Podington Bear (Free Music Archive) (CC BY-NC)

Sound effects: City sounds bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2026 BBC. Other music: Ana provided by mobygratis.

Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.

Dr. Timothy Mainardi shares his perspective on the mysteries of the human body, vaccine hesitancy, alternative medicine, and what prospective medical students won’t understand until their first day of residency.

Ask us a question or suggest a topic on our show’s website.

This podcast is a production of the Bioethics Exploration Society at Stuyvesant High School. Host and lead producer: Theodore Zhan.

Music: Moondots And Polkabeams by Podington Bear (Free Music Archive) (CC BY-NC)