The number of Veterans experiencing homelessness dropped from 35,574 to 32,882 from 2023 to 2024—a nearly 8% decrease.
In our nation’s military and Veteran communities, awareness of homelessness among those who have served is an issue that is particularly compelling and concerning. As traditional holidays like Thanksgiving approach, the fight to end Veteran homelessness is especially close to heart even as there are positive signs it is trending downward.
The most recent annual counts show the number of Veterans experiencing homelessness dropped from 35,574 to 32,882 from 2023 to 2024—a nearly 8% decrease. This represents the lowest number of Veterans experiencing homelessness since the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) began reporting in 2009.
While the decrease is an encouraging sign, no Veteran should be without a place to call home, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), along with several partners, is committed to ending homelessness for all Veterans.
Learn more about the factors that contribute to Veteran homelessness, and what VA and other organizations are doing to end it.
What Factors Contribute to Veteran Homelessness?
VA research shows that Veterans are at a greater risk for homelessness compared to non-Veterans.
Whether it’s a job loss, an untreated behavioral health condition, or a medical bill erasing years of savings, homelessness is often caused by a complex set of factors that disrupt a person’s life and stability.
VA released a report outlining several key risk factors that may lead to Veteran homelessness. Some factors mirror those of the general population, and others are unique to the Veteran population. Risk factors for homelessness can include:
- A lack of affordable housing
- Rising costs of living
- Income-related factors, such as service in lower military pay grades or extended unemployment
- Mental health challenges, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression
- Traumatic brain injury
- Substance use disorders, including opioid addiction and alcohol use
- Lack of social support networks or social isolation
- Incarceration or detention
- Adverse childhood experiences like family instability, foster care, childhood abuse, or trauma
- Traumatic experiences during military service such as combat or extreme distress exposure, or military sexual trauma
Experts advise these risk factors highlight the need for a broad-based solution to ending Veteran homelessness. A comprehensive solution would include timely mental health care, substance use recovery resources, health care benefits, and other support services to protect our nation’s Veterans from homelessness.
What Programs Are Available to Combat Homelessness Among Veterans?
There are resources available to support you or someone in your life through access to VA’s Homeless Programs page. You can learn more about different program areas, like housing solutions, health care, and employment services You can also find additional community resources, get updates on new grants and funding geared toward ending Veteran homelessness. Some of the programs found on VA’s site are outlined below.
VA Homeless Programs
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans – Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, or family members, friends, or supporters, can call 877-4AID VET or 877-424-3838 to talk to trained VA counselors 24/7. It’s free and confidential, and you’ll get information about VA homeless programs, health care, options for immediate assistance, and other services in your area. Enrollment in VA health care is not required to call.
Health Care and Mental Health Care Services
The Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans Program – This is VA’s oldest health care program and is designed to provide state-of-the-art, high-quality residential rehabilitation and treatment services for Veterans. It serves Veterans with multiple and severe medical conditions, mental illness, addiction, or psychosocial deficits.
Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program – HCHV offers outreach, exams, treatment, referrals, and case management to homeless Veterans at more than 135 sites. The program features trained VA specialists who provide the tools and support necessary to get Veterans’ lives back on track.
Veterans Crisis Line – The crisis line offers 24/7, confidential crisis support to Veterans and their loved ones, regardless of VA benefit status. Dial 988, then press 1 to reach the crisis line. Or text 838255 to immediately connect with a qualified responder.
Employment
Homeless Veterans Community Employment Services (HVCES) – This service provides vocational assistance, job development and placement, and ongoing support to improve employment among homeless Veterans and Veterans at-risk of homelessness.
Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) Program – This national vocational program is comprised of three unique programs that assist homeless Veterans with mental illness or physical impairments in returning to competitive employment. The program offers sheltered Workshop, Transitional Work, and Supported Employment. Veterans in the program are paid at least the federal or state minimum wage, whichever is higher.
Housing
HUD-VA Supportive Housing – This is a collaborative program that pairs HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance with VA case management and supportive services. These services are designed to help homeless Veterans and their families obtain permanent housing and access the health care, mental health treatment, and other support. These essential services help improve quality of life and maintain housing over time.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) – SSVF provides case management and supportive services to very low-income Veterans. This VA resource is designed to prevent the imminent loss of a Veteran’s home, or to identify a new, more suitable housing situation, or to rapidly re-house Veterans who are homeless.
Additional Resources
Community Resource and Referral Centers (CRRCs) – CRRCs provide Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with one-stop access to community-based, multiagency services. The services promote permanent housing, health and mental health care, career development, and access to VA and non-VA benefits.
VA Vet Centers – Vet Centers are community-based outlets that provide a broad range of counseling, outreach, and referral services to Veterans and their families. Services may include individual and group counseling in areas such as PTSD, alcohol and drug assessment, and suicide prevention referrals. All services are free and strictly confidential.
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) – NCHV provides emergency and supportive housing along with food, health services, job training, and placement assistance. Their website also offers a searchable database to find local organizations that provide services.
Operation Homefront – This financial assistance program helps Veterans with service-connected disabilities who are in critical need of financial support with overdue bills, home repairs, rent, and food.
Coalition to Support America’s Heroes – This program provides post-9/11 disabled Veterans with emergency financial aid and support services to cover living expenses, housing, and auto repairs.
As we approach the holidays, it is an important reminder that every Veteran deserves a safe, stable, and affordable place to live. By understanding the factors that can contribute to homelessness and accessing the resources designed to support Veterans in need, we can continue to reduce Veteran homelessness. It is essential to get connected to the many services and resources you or a family member needs to thrive.