Veteran testimony highlights homelessness, transportation and suicide prevention needs; urges pilot hyperbaric therapy

Doug Brinker, who identified himself as a disabled Iraq veteran, told the House Families and Veterans Committee about his personal experience with homelessness and urged lawmakers to expand local services, transportation and suicide prevention efforts.

His testimony focused on three themes: housing for homeless veterans, transportation and outreach through veteran navigators, and expanded access to hyperbaric oxygen treatment as a pilot program to address post‑traumatic stress and related conditions. Brinker described living in his vehicle for several months and urged state and local officials to consider refurbishing unused buildings into veteran housing and to increase funding for regional transportation programs.

Brinker described existing programs he said were effective but underfunded, including the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program and local organizations such as the Paquette House and Phoenix Mobility Rising. He urged the committee to consider providing larger transportation grants so organizations can serve rural counties; he suggested a $250,000 award for Phoenix Mobility Rising to expand service across five counties, saying last year the group received about $100,000 and that Jackson and Hillsdale counties received only about $14,000 each.

On suicide prevention and mental health, Brinker urged more funding and community coordination for veteran navigators and peer gatherings that provide social connection. He described his own attempts to take his life years earlier and said that recovery and community programs gave him purpose. "Do not give in to the war within," Brinker said, referencing a bracelet he wears from a veterans suicide‑prevention fundraising group.

Brinker also urged the committee to consider hyperbaric oxygen therapy for veterans exposed to burn pits and other hazards. Chair Schmaltz and Rep. Young noted ongoing work on a bill to start a hyperbaric pilot; Rep. Young said she is working with colleagues on a bill to launch a pilot program.

Discussion points - Veteran described personal homelessness experience and urged rehabilitating vacant buildings as veteran housing. - Requested larger transportation funding for Phoenix Mobility Rising (presenter suggested $250,000) to expand service in rural counties. - Asked for more funding and support for veteran navigators and community breakfasts that connect veterans. - Raised hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a potential pilot treatment for post‑traumatic stress and burn‑pit related respiratory injury.

Directions - Committee members expressed appreciation and signaled interest in reviewing ideas; no specific appropriations or pilot authorizations were made during the hearing.

Decisions - No formal committee decision or vote on Brinker's proposals was taken during the session.

Speakers:[{"name":"Doug Brinker","role_title":"Disabled Iraq veteran","affiliation_type":"citizen","affiliation_name":"not specified","first_reference":{"timecode":"2950.34","transcript_line_range":[1,1]}},{"name":"Chair Schmaltz","role_title":"Committee chair","affiliation_type":"government","affiliation_name":"House Families and Veterans Committee","first_reference":{"timecode":"215.73","transcript_line_range":[1,1]}},{"name":"Rep. Young","role_title":"State representative","affiliation_type":"government","affiliation_name":"House Families and Veterans Committee","first_reference":{"timecode":"235.16","transcript_line_range":[1,2]}},{"name":"Rep. Thompson","role_title":"State representative","affiliation_type":"government","affiliation_name":"House Families and Veterans Committee","first_reference":{"timecode":"2619.68","transcript_line_range":[1,2]}},{"name":"Rep. Johnson","role_title":"State representative","affiliation_type":"government","affiliation_name":"House Families and Veterans Committee","first_reference":{"timecode":"2416.89","transcript_line_range":[1,2]}}],"authorities":[{"type":"other","name":"Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)","citation":"SSVF program referenced by witness","referenced_by":["Doug Brinker"]},{"type":"other","name":"HUD‑VASH vouchers","citation":"HUD‑VASH vouchers referenced by witness","referenced_by":["Doug Brinker"]}],"actions":[],"discussion_decision":{"discussion_points":["Refurbishing vacant buildings for veteran housing; local SSVF work cited","Need for rural veteran transportation funding; Phoenix Mobility Rising referenced","Peer‑led veteran navigators and monthly breakfasts provide outreach and connection","Interest in hyperbaric oxygen therapy pilot to address PTSD and burn‑pit damage"],"directions":[],"decisions":[]},"clarifying_details":[{"category":"homeless_veterans_count","detail":"Presenter cited over 3,000 homeless veterans in the state in the last two years","value":3000,"units":"count","approximate":true,"source_speaker":"Doug Brinker"},{"category":"transportation_funding_request","detail":"Presenter recommended a $250,000 grant to Phoenix Mobility Rising to cover five counties; reported last year Phoenix received $100,000","value":250000,"units":"USD","approximate":true,"source_speaker":"Doug Brinker"},{"category":"paquette_house_usage","detail":"Presenter said the Paquette House houses over 900 homeless veterans and provides services","value":900,"units":"count","approximate":true,"source_speaker":"Doug Brinker"}],"proper_names":[{"name":"Paquette House","type":"organization"},{"name":"Phoenix Mobility Rising","type":"organization"},{"name":"Supportive Services for Veteran Families","type":"program"},{"name":"HUD‑VASH","type":"program"},{"name":"Till Valhalla Project","type":"organization"},{"name":"Charles M. Kettles Memorial Hospital","type":"facility"},{"name":"Walking with Warriors","type":"organization"}],"community_relevance":{"geographies":["Jackson","Hillsdale","Lenawaee?","Downriver","Ann Arbor"],"funding_sources":["state grants","local nonprofit grants","federal HUD‑VASH and SSVF programs"],"impact_groups":["homeless veterans","rural veterans","veterans with PTSD","veterans exposed to burn pits"]},"meeting_context":{"engagement_level":{"speakers_count":5,"duration_minutes":83,"items_count":1},"implementation_risk":"high","history":[{