We'd all like to think the Flathead Valley is immune to homelessness, but Jack Prier's death, detailed in Sunday's Inter Lake, shows otherwise.

We'd all like to think the Flathead Valley is immune to homelessness

Prier, 56, was a sick, homeless veteran who died Nov. 8 when his car rolled off Whitefish Stage Road. His dog, Ziggy, also died in the crash. He lived alone in a slide-in pickup camper set on the ground in the middle of a field. Friends were worried about how he was going to survive the winter.

His death puts a face on a very real problem. According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, about 23 percent of the country's homeless population are veterans. Each year, 2.3 million to 3.5 million people reportedly experience homelessness in America. By taking 23 percent of that range for veterans, that would indicate there are between 529,000 and 840,000 veterans who are homeless at some time during the year.

In Montana, the homeless veteran population is estimated at 360, said Bonnie Parrett, case manager for Montana's homeless veterans program.

The thought of homeless veterans living in tents or other modest dwellings any time of year is appalling. These are men and women who have served their country; they deserve better.

As winter descends on the Flathead Valley, there is an increased urgency to help those in need.

Parrett pointed out the problems that surround homeless veterans in particular. Many "just aren't ready to come off the streets," she said. And many of them have mental-health issues coupled with substance abuse.

The Department of Veterans Affairs responds to the special needs of homeless veterans through treatment and an assistance network. But the grim statistic is the VA, by its own admission, reaches less than 20 percent of those in need. That leaves about 400,000 veterans without support services this year.

The good news is that there are ways local citizens can help.

Linda and Allen Erickson have gone above and beyond the call of duty in establishing the Northwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry in Kalispell. Volunteers work for free, but it costs $1,000 a month in rent to keep the doors open. Donations can be sent to the pantry at 1527 Montana 35 East, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Many of United Way's member agencies touch the lives of veterans, and with United Way's annual fund drive now under way, a donation to their cause is worthwhile.

The Ray of Hope is another nonprofit organization that survives on donations of cash, food and household goods for its thrift store on Appleway Drive. Ray of Hope coordinators Bob and Peggy Christensen have been on the front line of helping the homeless for many years.

In addition, anyone who knows of a veteran in need can contact Parrett at (406) 447-7309.

As we head into the holiday season, giving is on our minds more than any other time of the year. Your donation could make a difference in a veteran's life. By anyone's measure, that's a worthy cause.