Veteran Homelessness Facts

The vast majority of homeless veterans are single and come from poor, disadvantaged communities. 45% suffer from mental illness, 70% suffer from substance abuse problems, and many from dual diagnosis (which is defined as a person struggling with both mental illness and a substance abuse problem). They have served in World War II, Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam War, Grenada, Panama, Lebanon, Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Operation Iraqi Freedom, or the military's anti-drug cultivation efforts in South America. 47% of them served during the Vietnam Era, more than 67% served our country for at least three years, and 33% were stationed in a war zone.

How many homeless individuals are veterans? What is the proportion for homeless men?

26% of the U.S. homeless population is veterans. In 2007, the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) estimated that on any given night there were 154,000 homeless veterans in the United States. Many more veterans–an estimated 336,627 experience homelessness over the course of the year.

96% of homeless veterans are men and 33% of the male homeless population are veterans

What is the primary cause of veteran homelessness?

Lack of affordable housing is the primary driver of homelessness. Nearly half a million (467,877) veterans were severely rent burdened and paying more than 50% of their income for rent. More than half (55%) of veterans with severe housing cost burden fell below the poverty level and 43 % were receiving food stamps.

In 2007, an estimated 467,877 veterans were at risk of homelessness. At risk is defined as being below the poverty level and paying more than 50 percent of household income on rent. It also includes households with a member who has a disability, a person living alone, and those who are not in the labor force.
Research shows that the greatest risk factors for homelessness are lack of support and social isolation after discharge. Veterans have low marriage rates and high divorce rates; and, currently, 1 in 5 veterans is living alone. Social networks are particularly important for those who have a crisis or need temporary help. Without this assistance, they are at high risk for homelessness.
467,877 veterans have a severe housing cost burden and 10% of these individuals are unemployed and 61% are not in the labor force
- Of those severely cost burdened veterans, 263,923 of them also live below the poverty level - with 15.6% of these individuals unemployed and 55% not in the labor force
- Of those severely cost burdened veterans, 89,553 of them also live below the poverty level, live with a disability, and live alone. 8% of these individuals are unemployed and 79% are not in the labor force

Why are veterans homeless?

In addition to the complex set of factors affecting all homelessness - extreme shortage of affordable housing, livable income, and access to health care - a large number of displaced and at-risk veterans live with lingering effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and substance abuse, compounded by a lack of family and social support networks. A top priority for at risk veterans is secure, safe, clean housing that offers a supportive environment which is free of drugs and alcohol.

Doesn't the Department of Veterans Affairs take care of homeless veterans?

With an estimated 500,000 veterans homeless at some time during the year, the VA reaches 20% of those in need ... leaving 400,000 veterans without supportive services.

Since 1987, the VA's programs for homeless veterans have emphasized collaboration with community service providers to help expand services to more homeless veterans. For more information about VA homeless veteran programs, go to www.va.gov/homeless.

References

"Vital Mission: Ending Homelessness Among Veterans," The Homelessness Research Institute at the National Alliance to End Homelessness, Nov. 2007.
"Community Homelessness Assessment, Local Education And Networking Group (CHALENG) For Veterans. The Fourteenth Annual Progress Report On Public Law 105-114. Services For Homeless Veterans Assessment And Coordination." February 28, 2008.
http://www1.va.gov/homeless/docs/CHALENG_14th_annual_Rpt_7-7-08.pdf
"Is Homelessness a Housing Problem?" Understanding Homelessness: New Policy and Research Perspectives. Fannie Mae Foundation, 1997.