By DOUG WILSON

Herald-Whig Senior Writer

U.S. Rep. Phil Hare believes it will take an awareness blitz to make sure veterans know what programs they have at their disposal.

"It's a national disgrace when the (Veterans Affairs Department) estimates that 154,000 veterans are homeless on any given night," Hare said Thursday during a news conference at the Illinois Veterans Home.

As part of legislation to help homeless veterans, Hare wants to make sure returning veterans hear about housing programs. He also wants the veterans' family members to see media reports about programs for veterans.

"In many cases, access to the simplest information can be the difference between life and death for a homeless veteran," Hare said.

Shelters across the country are ready to house veterans who would otherwise be without a place to stay.

Hare also is looking for more federal support for veterans suicide hotlines. An average of 1,000 veterans attempt suicide each month. He said hotlines have been understaffed, and he wants to put distressed veterans on the phone with fellow veterans who understand their problems.

Dan Grant, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, said there are about 1.2 million veterans in the state and about 800,000 are receiving benefits now.

Grant agrees that informing veterans or their families about programs is important.

Hare told a group of veterans that other legislation could help the cause of veterans. The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 passed in the U.S. House last week. If signed into law, it would require that Veterans Affairs budgets be approved one year in advance so that care efforts will not be hampered.

Other lawmakers have joined the campaign to assure faster disability claims procedures for veterans.

"There should not be a four- to six-month wait for benefits. They should start the payments immediately," Hare said.

--dwilson@whig.com/221-3372