As we observe National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (November 17-23, 2024), it’s crucial to remember the thousands of U.S. military veterans and their families who face hunger and homelessness every day. Despite their service and sacrifices, too many veterans are falling through the cracks, facing financial instability, food insecurity, and homelessness. 

Veteran homelessness continues to be a significant issue, and recent data paints a troubling picture. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, on a single night in January 2023, 35,574 veterans were experiencing homelessness — marking a 7.4% increase from the previous year. This surge represents the largest increase in veteran homelessness in over a decade. Veterans now account for 7% of the homeless population, despite making up only 5% of the general U.S. population. 

A Crisis of Food Insecurity and Financial Instability 

Homelessness is only part of the problem. Many active-duty military personnel and veterans are also grappling with food insecurity and low wages that make financial stability difficult. In fact, 11.1% of veterans between the ages of 18 and 64 live in households reporting food insecurity. Even more alarming, a RAND Foundation study found that 1.4 million U.S. military veterans struggle to get the food they need for a healthy life — yet more than one-third of those veterans are not covered by government food assistance programs like SNAP. 

Food insecurity among military families is a growing concern, as enlisted servicemembers often rely on food stamps due to low base pay. For example, an E-1 servicemember earns a starting salary of $2,017.20 per month, or under $25,000 per year. This is significantly lower than the national average salary of $59,428, bringing many military families close to the federal poverty line. 

As Jim Whaley, CEO of Mission Roll Call, emphasized in an op-ed this year, “It’s no wonder that in 2023, about one-quarter of active-duty servicemember households experienced food insecurity.”  

The perception of how well active-duty members are compensated influences recruitment, as potential enlistees see these financial struggles and question the viability of military service as a stable career path. 

The Veterans’ Voice on Homelessness and Hunger 

At Mission Roll Call, we believe that veterans and their families deserve better. In March 2024, we conducted a national poll asking our members, “In your opinion, is enough being done to address veteran homelessness?” A resounding 91% said no. This response reflects the frustration and urgency veterans feel as they navigate a system that isn’t doing enough to support them after their service. 

Our community’s voice is crucial in driving awareness and change. Through polling, direct engagement with lawmakers, and advocacy at the highest levels, Mission Roll Call has been working tirelessly to bring these issues to the forefront of the national conversation. But the fight is far from over. 

What Can Be Done? 

The federal government has made efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, but the 2023 data clearly shows that these measures have not been enough. We need comprehensive solutions that address both housing and food insecurity for veterans and active-duty servicemembers. Increasing access to affordable housing, improving wages and benefits for military personnel, and expanding food assistance programs to cover more veterans and their families are steps in the right direction. 

Public support and awareness are also key. As we observe National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, we encourage everyone to take action. Whether it’s advocating for policies that support veterans, volunteering with local veteran service organizations, or donating to initiatives that help veterans in need, your involvement can make a real difference. 

Join Mission Roll Call in Making a Change 

At Mission Roll Call, we’re committed to ensuring veterans have a voice in the policies that affect their lives. But we can’t do it without your help. Join Mission Roll Call today and lend your voice to the movement. When you share your insights and perspectives, we can push for the changes that will ensure every veteran has access to housing, food, and the financial stability they deserve.