Veteran Homelessness is a National Crisis

Despite increased awareness and investment in veteran services, these underlying drivers of homelessness have proven stubborn and persistent. Without addressing these core issues through comprehensive, wraparound support, veterans remain at risk of cycling in and out of homelessness. Effective prevention requires tackling both immediate housing needs and the deeper social and economic factors that push veterans into crisis.

Top risk factors—identified in studies before 2015—remain consistent today:

• Substance abuse
• Mental health challenges (excluding PTS as a primary cause)
• Poverty, unemployment, and lack of financial literacy
• Social isolation

Veteran homelessness is a national issue, but some states carry a disproportionate share of the burden. Factors like high housing costs, limited affordable housing stock, and gaps in local support services contribute to these regional disparities.

The highest numbers of homeless veterans are concentrated in:

• California (9,310)
• Florida (2,333)
• Texas (1,837)
• Washington (1,780)
• Oregon (1,407)

Women now make up more than 10% of the veteran homeless population—rising significantly since pre-COVID levels. In 2024, 3,329 women veterans were homeless, down slightly from a high of nearly 4,000 the previous year.

Many face unique challenges, including military sexual trauma, domestic violence, and caregiving responsibilities, making targeted support essential to preventing and ending homelessness among women veterans.

The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is an annual, nationwide effort to estimate the number of people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. Conducted by local communities with support from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the PIT Count provides a snapshot of homelessness—including veterans—by collecting data on individuals living in shelters, transitional housing, or in unsheltered locations like streets, parks, and abandoned buildings. This data helps inform policy, allocate resources, and track progress toward ending homelessness.

THE PIT COUNT MISSES MANY WHO ARE:

• Hidden or in remote areas
• Temporarily staying with friends or in motels
• Unwilling to disclose veteran status
• Parents (especially women) avoiding visibility to protect their children from child welfare systems

Native American and Indigenous veterans are the least likely to be sheltered and are often overlooked in resource allocation and program design. They face some of the highest rates of homelessness among veterans, driven by systemic barriers, historical trauma, and limited access to culturally competent services. Addressing these disparities requires intentional outreach, inclusion, and tailored support.

In FY2024, the federal government allocated $3.2 billion to veteran homelessness programs—four times more than in 2011. The largest share goes to HUD-VASH ($1 billion+), followed by Prevention Services (29%) and Transitional Housing (19%).

This significant investment reflects the nation’s growing commitment to addressing veteran homelessness through a combination of housing, supportive services, and prevention efforts. While funding levels have increased, challenges remain in ensuring these resources reach veterans in need, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Continued research, outreach, and collaboration are essential to make sure no veteran falls through the cracks.

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The “Housing First” model—prioritizing stable housing before requiring sobriety or employment—has demonstrated reduced care costs and stabilization rates as high as 90%. By addressing housing as the first step, this approach creates a foundation for veterans to engage in treatment, employment, and community reintegration. States that have fully embraced Housing First strategies, especially through HUD-VASH, have seen the largest declines in veteran homelessness. These successes highlight the importance of scaling evidence-based solutions nationwide.