Catalina Espinosa
Research expert covering society, economy, and politics for Europe and the EU
Veteran homelessness in the U.S. - statistics & facts
A homeless veteran is a person who has served in the armed forces who is also experiencing homelessness, or living without access to secure accommodation. In the wealthiest country on earth, homelessness rates have been on the rise over the last few years. Despite this, homelessness within the veteran population has dramatically reduced over the last decade. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) attributes this success to the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, rolled out in 2011. The program provides targeted housing assistance, paired with access to various services such as mental health counselling, and job training.
As with many other societal issues in the United States, such as wages and health, racial disparities persist in the case of veteran homelessness as well. Around 32 percent of homeless veterans were Black or African American in 2020, despite making up around 11.5 percent of the total number of veterans.
A survey of men over the age of 25 found that those who have served in the armed forces are more likely to have chronic health conditions than those who have not served. Additionally, some of the most commonly reported health problems reported by veterans are not physical at all. Mental illnesses including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression have impacted more than three quarters of all veterans over the last few years.
Demographics
Accurate statistics on homelessness can be difficult to procure, given that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - the government agency responsible for producing an annual report on homelessness - collects data on one night per year. Of the 16.5 million veterans in the United States, there was an estimated 37,000 homeless veterans in 2020, with around 15,000 living completely unsheltered. Almost 91 percent of homeless veterans are men, and more than 56 percent are white. The highest concentration of homeless veterans live in California, a state that struggles with chronically high levels of homelessness more broadly.As with many other societal issues in the United States, such as wages and health, racial disparities persist in the case of veteran homelessness as well. Around 32 percent of homeless veterans were Black or African American in 2020, despite making up around 11.5 percent of the total number of veterans.
Risk factors
The nature of military service can often create conditions that make veterans more vulnerable to homelessness. Without access to quality care, the daily realities of living with mental and physical disability can quickly compound and lead to substance abuse, unemployment, poverty, and the break down of familial support networks. In the past, the VA has been criticized for not providing adequate care and services that effectively alleviate these risks.A survey of men over the age of 25 found that those who have served in the armed forces are more likely to have chronic health conditions than those who have not served. Additionally, some of the most commonly reported health problems reported by veterans are not physical at all. Mental illnesses including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression have impacted more than three quarters of all veterans over the last few years.
