Dr Janice Clark advocates for veteran housing and mental health resources in Washington

Dr. Janice Clark, a homeless veteran since January 2025, made a powerful plea at the Federal Way City Council meeting, spotlighting the urgent needs of disabled veterans facing homelessness. Living in her car and relying on friends for basic necessities, Dr. Clark emphasized the struggles veterans encounter during their transition to civilian life, including mental health issues and a severe lack of affordable housing.

During her address, she called for increased funding for the HUD-VASH program, which provides housing vouchers for veterans, and highlighted her nonprofit, Safe Homes, which she founded 30 years ago to support veterans in need. Dr. Clark's advocacy aims to push for legislation that addresses the unique challenges faced by veterans, particularly those who are 100% service-connected disabled and currently unemployed.

In a heartfelt conclusion, she expressed her determination to represent the approximately 100,000 disabled veterans in Washington State, stating, "My homelessness was not a choice, but a consequence of a system that failed me and many others." Dr. Clark plans to submit a petition to the federal government, advocating for better resources and support for veterans experiencing homelessness, and she urged collaboration among stakeholders to create lasting change. Her passionate call to action underscores the critical need for systemic reform to support those who have served the nation.