Facts about Homeless Veterans

This FAQ was compiled from information from the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.

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Why are veterans homeless?

In addition to the complex set of factors that affect most homeless individuals lack of

affordable housing, poverty, job or income loss, mental illness, substance abuse, health

problems, etc. many veterans live with the lingering effect of PTSD, often compounded by a

lack of family and social support networks. Military occupations and training are not always

transferable to the civilian workforce, placing some veterans at a disadvantage when

competing for employment.

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Doesn’t THE VA take care of homeless veterans?

To a certain extent, yes. The VA's specialized homeless programs served more than 92,000

veterans in 2009, which is highly commendable. This still leaves well over 100,000 more

veterans, however, who must seek assistance from local government agencies and

community- and faith-based service organizations.

Since 1987, VA's programs for homeless veterans have emphasized collaboration with such

community service providers to help expand services to more veterans in crisis. These

partnerships are credited with reducing the number of homeless veterans by more than half

over the past six years.

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What services do veterans need?

Veterans need a coordinated effort that provides secure housing, nutritional meals, basic

physical health care, substance abuse care and aftercare, mental health counseling, personal

development and empowerment. Additionally, veterans need job assessment, training and

placement assistance.

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Source: https://www.pinestreetinn.org/news_events/facts_about_homeless_veterans

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