Why Veterans Are at a Higher Risk of Homelessness

As a nation, we’re deeply in debt to our veterans who have spent years putting their lives on the line & protecting their country. But it’s really tough to stomach the fact that a lot of these veterans struggle to make the transition back into civilian life without hitting some major bumps along the way – not least of all the terrifying prospect of homelessness.

Homelessness, as we all know, isn’t just a lack of a place to sleep; it’s not having a safe, stable, and genuinely decent place to crash for the night. In fact, homelessness is defined as lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, which highlights the importance of having a secure and stable place to live.

The path from serving in the military to finding a place in the civilian world is far from easy, and the factors that can trip up veterans include both the kinds of problems that might affect anyone and the specific ones tied to their military experience. For example, if you can’t find a place to live that’s within your means, if you’ve got mental health issues, or if you’re struggling to get the support you need as you transition, it’s a recipe for disaster.

Being a vet is a pretty key piece of the puzzle when you’re trying to understand why they face some struggles that other people don’t. In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at the reasons why vets are more likely to end up homeless than your average Joe, and some of the other challenges they face, as well as the crucial role that support services for vets can play in fixing this.

Why Do Many Veterans Experience Homelessness?

The Impact of Military Service and PTSD

Military service is a noble thing, but it can leave some serious scars and, in particular, have a lasting impact on a person’s mental health. We’re talking about mental illness here – it’s a huge issue among veterans, making life even harder once they’re back in civilian life.

Mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and traumatic brain injuries can impair daily functioning, relationships, and employment for veterans. Bad luck, they’re much more likely to end up homeless if they’ve also got substance abuse problems on top of a mental health disorder.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is just one of the big mental health problems we see a lot in veterans – often it’s down to what they went through in combat, or to traumatic events during their time in the military.

Being in operations like Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom comes with a big emotional and psychological cost, and when you add in other mental health problems, you get a really tough time making the transition back to civilian life and the chances of homelessness really start to rise. However, PTSD is not a stronger risk factor for homelessness than other mental health disorders; a range of mental health disorders can contribute to housing instability.

About 70% of homeless veterans struggle with substance use disorders, which is a significant risk factor for housing instability. Veterans with mental health diagnoses are roughly twice as likely to experience homelessness as those without. Veterans who have serious mental health problems, including mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, have an even harder time keeping a roof over their heads and getting the help they need.

Teens with mental illness face all sorts of extra challenges when it comes to staying in a place and getting the support they need, and the trauma they went through in the military can also lead to things like brain injuries, making them even more vulnerable.

Traumatic brain injury is associated with an increased risk of homelessness among veterans. While combat and trauma are significant factors, combat exposure does not appear to be a strong, direct predictor of homelessness, possibly due to veterans’ access to VA services.

Unique Challenges Faced by Veterans

Veterans are dealing with a whole slew of challenges that can really stack the deck against them when it comes to keeping a roof over their heads. Things like being priced out of the affordable housing market, struggling with poverty, losing their job, limited income, and being paid an income that barely covers the basics are all factors that can really make it tough for vets to feel financially secure and less vulnerable.

A lack of economic resources, such as low income and unemployment, significantly contributes to homelessness among veterans. Many veterans are severely rent-burdened, spending more than 50% of their income on housing. Low income and poverty are consistent risk factors for homelessness among veterans.

Low military pay grade is associated with a higher risk of homelessness, as it reflects limited economic stability post-discharge. Rising rental costs and low vacancy rates are major obstacles for veterans in securing housing.

On top of all those individual challenges, you’ve also got structural stuff – like big picture societal and economic issues that are outside a vet’s control – like problems in the housing market and systemic barriers – that are all contributing to the risk of homelessness.

Structural factors, such as the lack of affordable housing and broader economic conditions, are major risk factors for homelessness among veterans. Add on top of that substance abuse problems and substance use disorders, which all too often come with mental health issues and that just makes it even easier for a vet to end up on the streets.

Major risk factors for homelessness among veterans include substance use disorders, mental illness, low income, problematic military discharges, and social isolation. Not to mention health problems, social isolation and a weak social support network, which just adds to the difficulty of staying in a stable home.

A lack of social support networks from family, friends, and community can significantly increase the risk of homelessness. Problematic discharges from the military can also make it hard for vets to get the support they need and the benefits they’re entitled to. Problematic military discharges increase the likelihood of veterans experiencing homelessness.

Lots of veterans grow up in tough neighbourhoods, with backgrounds that include adverse childhood experiences and trauma, which just makes it even harder for them to avoid homelessness on the streets. A significant majority of homeless veterans come from disadvantaged communities.

Childhood trauma is a significant risk factor for veteran homelessness, as early-life adversity can set a pathway toward poverty and social isolation. And to top it all off, the skills and training they got in the military may not always transfer over to the civilian world, which puts them at a disadvantage when looking for a job.

Approximately 53% of homeless veterans have a disability, compared to 41% of the non-veteran homeless population. Veterans often struggle with low wages and poverty, particularly those with low pay grades or disabilities, making housing unaffordable.

Disproportionate Representation and Disparities

The statistics on veteran homelessness are just mind-boggling – it’s a pretty astonishing picture. Studies are showing just how many vets are ending up on the streets, and what’s really striking is the disproportionate share of homeless veterans in the overall homeless population.

Veterans constitute 12.3% of all homeless adults in the United States but only 9.7% of the total US population. Homelessness among veterans is a multifaceted issue affecting various subgroups, including those with different service eras, genders, and backgrounds. Veteran status is associated with a greater risk of homelessness, as research shows that veterans are overrepresented among the homeless.

According to recent data, on a given night, there are around 37,000 veterans experiencing homelessness across the United States, a number that has decreased by about 50 percent since 2009. In 2017, just over 40,000 veterans were experiencing homelessness in the United States, with 91 percent being men and 9 percent women.

The number of homeless veterans has seen a 45 percent decline between the years 2009 and 2017. Homeless veterans reported in various studies highlight the ongoing need for targeted interventions. In 2010, the Department of Veterans Affairs estimated that on any given night, there were 76,000 homeless veterans sleeping on American streets. These numbers show how many veterans are affected and underscore the scale of the problem. Homelessness among veterans remains a significant public health concern, given its prevalence and the complex needs of this population.

A recent national survey found that vets are more likely to end up homeless than anyone else in the general population. Veterans, compared to non-veterans, face higher rates of homelessness, with unique risk factors and outcomes. When homelessness is compared between veterans and non-veterans, the data show that veterans are disproportionately affected.

Veterans are at greater risk for homelessness than non-veterans, with studies indicating that veterans are 50% more likely to become homeless than other Americans due to poverty, lack of support networks, and dismal living conditions. Military service introduces additional risk factors that increase the likelihood of homelessness.

There’s a pretty noticeable split in terms of gender, too. Male veterans and male homeless veterans have gotten a lot more attention in studies, but the number of female veterans and homeless female veterans is actually on the rise—and they’re facing some pretty unique challenges, like military sexual trauma and trying to raise kids while they’re homeless. That’s really different from what male veterans are going through.

Homeless veterans are mostly male, with 96% being single males from poor, disadvantaged communities. Many homeless veterans struggle with mental health issues, substance use, and social isolation, making it difficult to access stable housing. US veterans face specific risks and characteristics related to their military service, which can contribute to housing instability. Veterans experience homelessness at higher rates than the general population, highlighting the need for targeted support and intervention.

African American and Hispanic vets are also facing some serious homelessness disparities, which makes it pretty clear that there are some deeper, systemic issues of racial inequality that are still plaguing our society.

Looking back, you can see that vets from different eras have had different levels of risk for homelessness – people who served in World War II are one thing, while those from the all volunteer force era are another, and post-draft vets often seem to be at higher risk, largely because of how the recruitment process and the social and economic background of recruits have changed over time.

The Role of Veteran Services in Addressing Homelessness

The importance of transitional housing and resources

Stopping veterans from slipping into homelessness starts with having a comprehensive and accessible support system that’s easy to find. Unfortunately, many service members aren’t given the training or support they need to navigate the weird world of transitioning from the military to civilian life. This lack of prep makes it hard for them to get affordable housing or find a job.

Identifying and supporting at risk veterans is crucial, as early intervention guided by homelessness policy can prevent homelessness before it starts. The goal of many programs is to help veterans obtain secure housing, ensuring they have stable and safe accommodations. The Department of Veterans Affairs has made significant investments in housing programs specifically for veterans experiencing homelessness.

The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans provides support and resources to veterans and their families who lack secure housing. The Supportive Services for Veteran Families program offers competitive grants to community-based organizations to help prevent homelessness among veterans. The VA’s National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans (NCHAV) promotes recovery-oriented care for veterans who are homeless or at risk for homelessness. The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program was created to prevent homelessness among veterans at imminent risk.

Homeless shelters do their part by providing a temporary place to stay and support services for veterans who are struggling. These places often serve as a stepping stone to something more stable. Supportive services play a key role in helping veterans secure housing and access resources such as mental health care, employment assistance, and social services.

The VA’s Health Care for Homeless Veterans program offers examinations, treatment, referrals, and case management services to homeless veterans. The Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans program has been providing medical services to disadvantaged veterans since the close of the Civil War. The VA has implemented a 2-item homeless screening instrument at all facilities to identify veterans who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.

Transitional housing is another resource that helps veterans move from homelessness to independent living. However, permanent housing solutions, such as those provided by the VA’s HUD-VASH program, are essential for long-term stability. The HUD-VASH program provides permanent supportive housing for homeless veterans and includes case management services. The VA’s focus includes developing and disseminating evidence-based policies, programs, and best practices to combat veteran homelessness.

To get a better handle on what’s working (and what’s not) for veteran transition resources, future research should involve taking a hard look at the programs that are already in place. We should be following the established guidelines to figure out the strategies that actually make a difference and where things are falling short.

Making pre-separation training work better

To fix the problems that are coming up, we need to take a closer look at the pre-separation training that service members get. Take the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program (TAP) for example – it needs to be overhauled to be more comprehensive and interactive, with more time to absorb the information being given out. That way, service members actually have a chance to make a smooth transition to civilian life.

Making sure everyone has access to benefits

Another thing we need to get right is making sure all service members, no matter what their discharge status, can get the federal benefits they need. Right now, people who got less-than-honorable or dishonorable discharges are up against a whole lot of obstacles trying to get help from the VA. Having access to VA healthcare, which includes things like mental health, dental and primary care, is incredibly important for all veterans. VA health care services are especially vital, as they provide targeted support for issues like mental health, homelessness, and reintegration. Comprehensive health care, including integrated medical and supportive services, plays a crucial role in addressing veteran homelessness and improving health outcomes.

The VA & the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are working together to address the veteran homelessness problem with programs like the HUD–VASH Supportive Housing initiative. The Department of Veterans Affairs and veterans affairs agencies play a key role in supporting homeless veterans, funding research, and providing housing and healthcare services. These sorts of programs focus on giving people a permanent place to live and helping them get on their feet.

By making sure all veterans have access to healthcare, housing, financial help, education and job training, we can really cut down the risk of homelessness for this vulnerable group of people. As of late 2023, 61% of veterans reported being underemployed three years after leaving service.

Working together with veteran service organizations (VSOs)

To make a real dent in addressing veteran homelessness we need to be able to work effectively with government agencies, community groups and the Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs). Its the collaborative relationships between all these different parties that allows us to get down to the root of the problem.

Initiatives like supportive housing projects that get pushed out as part of urban development plans are a huge help in getting us closer to tackling veteran homelessness. By building up stable housing and improving community infrastructure, we can reduce the number of veterans who end up on the streets.

VSOs have a great potential to act as a ‘one stop shop’ for veterans in need, offering up a whole range of transitional support and assistance. By making it easier for people to get the help they need and by giving them access to all the resources available, the idea is that veterans should get the support they need to overcome the really tough stuff they’re going through.

Resolving Homelessness Among Veterans

Getting to grips with veteran homelessness is something we all need to be a part of. It’s a fact that vets are at a higher risk of becoming homeless compared to other groups, and that really does make it a matter of some urgency. So what can we all do to make a difference?

1. Get Behind Policy Changes: We need to be pushing for policy changes that give priority to affordable housing, mental health support & comprehensive services for veterans. Get on the phone with your local rep & give them an earful about why this issue matters to you.

2. Back Veteran Support Groups: Lend a hand to & support credible veteran support groups who do invaluable work helping homeless vets get back on their feet with stable housing & jobs.

3. Spread the Word: Share the stories of homeless veterans on social media, at community events or just by word of mouth – whatever works for you. Just by sharing their stories and struggles, we can get more people talking about this issue.

4. Make It Happen Together: Get the local government, community orgs & veteran service providers together, and make sure they’re all working to the same goal. That way, you can make the most of every resource & make the biggest impact possible.

5. Give Veterans A Chance To Work: Support businesses & orgs that really want to hire veterans help them get a foot on the employment ladder. Having a steady job is a huge step towards keeping a roof over their heads & getting back on track in civilian life.

In the end, the risk of homelessness facing veterans is an imperative issue that really needs a lot of focus and effort from us. Chronic homelessness is a tough nut to crack for many veterans – we’re talking long-term solutions and help that’s specifically tailored to their needs. If we can get a handle on the things that are driving veteran homelessness – things like feeling pretty disconnected from the world, PTSD, and problems with getting discharged from the military – then we can start building some real solutions.

Getting a handle on what drives veteran homelessness, and just how important it is to have services in place to help them, is a huge part of putting together a strategy that really works. And when we’re really clear about what we’re up against, and how much of a difference we can make by stepping up to the plate and supporting our veterans, then we can start to build a society that actually does look out for the guys who put it all on the line for us.

Let’s face it – we owe it to the people who have served our country to make sure they’re not stuck on the streets without a home to call their own. So let’s join forces now and make sure no veteran ever has to go without a safe and stable place to live.

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