- 12% of the homeless in the United States are military veterans• 12% of the homeless in the United States are military veterans
- 8% of homeless vets are women
- Two thirds of the homeless served 3 years or more and on average are younger than the general veteran population
- Over 50% of homeless vets suffer from mental illness, Post-Traumatic Stress, and or a physical disability
- 50% have substance abuse problems.
- Nearly 60,000 vets are homeless on any given night. These figures are difficult to determine given the transient nature of the homeless population. Another estimate states the figure of 200,000 homeless on any given night.
- 1.4 million vets are considered “at-risk” of homelessness
- The percentage of homeless vets in Vermont and New Hampshire exceed the national rates. Vermont’s is 9.1 % and New Hampshire’s is 9.5 %as compared to 8 % for the country
What are the causes of homelessness in veterans?
The effects of Post-Traumatic Stress combined with substance abuse issues. The weakening of the U.S. economy that limits job opportunities and causes serious cutbacks in social services. A shortage of affordable housing, livable incomes and access to health care. The lack of family and social service support systems. Military training and experience are not always transferable to the civilian job markets.
*The above data comes from the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, the Veterans Administration, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Friends of Veterans. Learn the facts and help us advocate for our homeless veterans.