The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has reported a 7.4% increase in the number of homeless veterans in the United States during 2023. The findings were derived from the 2023 Point-in-Time count, a statistical measurement that examines the number of Americans without permanent housing at the time of the count.
The Point-in-Time count also focuses on the number of homeless veterans within the country. According to a news release by the Department of Veteran Affairs, there were 35,574 veterans found to be homeless in January 2023. This figure represents a 7.4% increase compared to 2022. However, despite this rise, there has been an overall downward trend in veteran homelessness since 2010, with rates declining by over 50%.
The HUD's count revealed that out of all homeless veterans, 20,067 experienced sheltered homelessness while 15,507 lived under unsheltered conditions. Sheltered veterans resided in supportive settings that provided them with opportunities to regain their footing and achieve financial stability. Unsheltered homelessness is characterized by living in areas not intended for human habitation such as parks, public streets, cars, and abandoned buildings across America. Veterans living under these conditions were found to have more severe mental and physical health issues than those who had sheltered housing.
Dr. Tsai, research director for the National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans clarified some misconceptions about unsheltered veterans' access to medical help and medication: "Many Veterans face both legitimate and perceived barriers that can prevent them from engaging in certain types of care," he said. "Previous negative interactions with VA or other social service organizations may keep some Veterans from seeking support."
In response to these challenges, the Department of Veterans Affairs aims to significantly reduce veteran homelessness across America. Despite an overall increase in homelessness for 2023, more veterans have been provided proper housing than ever before, with over 38,847 veterans being housed by October 31, 2023. The department has also expanded healthcare access and provided legal assistance to homeless veterans. This support has helped more than 145,000 veterans avoid foreclosure and has awarded over $1 billion in grant funding.
