The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness have announced a significant decrease in veteran homelessness based on the 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. The data indicates a record low in veteran homelessness since measurement began in 2009, with a 7.5% decrease since 2023.
The PIT Count is an annual assessment conducted each January to determine the number of sheltered and unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness on a single night. In January 2024, there were 32,882 veterans experiencing homelessness across the United States, with 13,851 being unsheltered. This marks a decline from the previous year's figures of 35,574 total homeless veterans and 15,507 unsheltered veterans, representing a nationwide reduction of 10.7% in unsheltered veteran homelessness over the past year.
In fiscal year 2024 alone, nearly 48,000 homeless veterans found permanent housing through efforts by VA and its partners within the Biden-Harris Administration. Since 2022, approximately 134,000 veterans have been housed as part of these ongoing initiatives.
VA Secretary Denis McDonough emphasized the commitment to ending veteran homelessness: "No Veteran should experience homelessness in this country they swore to defend," he stated. "This year’s PIT Count shows that VA and the entire Biden-Harris Administration are making real progress in the fight to end Veteran homelessness."
HUD Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman echoed this sentiment: “Far too many of our nation’s veterans experience homelessness each year,” she said. “Today...we are proud to announce a significant decline in Veteran homelessness this year.”
USICH Director Jeff Olivet highlighted that effective investments can make homelessness solvable: “This data show that with the right investments in housing and health care...homelessness is solvable,” he noted.
The VA has invested over $800 million in grants to assist homeless veterans nationwide this year alone. Furthermore, new policy changes under HUD-VA Supportive Housing aim to enhance access to housing assistance for more veterans.
A notable achievement was recorded in Greater Los Angeles where VA permanently housed 1,854 homeless veterans this fiscal year—the highest number among U.S cities for three consecutive years—surpassing regional goals by 15.5%. The Point-in-Time count revealed a significant reduction of 22.9% in veteran homelessness between 2023 and 2024 within Los Angeles.
Veterans facing or at risk of homelessness are encouraged to contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838) or visit VA.gov/homeless for information on available programs.
