It’s estimated about 40,000 veterans can be regarded as homeless on any given night in America. While that’s an astonishing number, the good news is that it has declined by 55.3 percent since 2010, according to the US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). The improvement can be attributed to concerted efforts by the department in collaboration with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The two agencies define homelessness as living in emergency shelters or transitional housing, homeless residential programs, or surviving in places not intended for habitation. So, these figures exclude veterans sleeping on the couches of friends or family or in similar unstable housing arrangements.
Historically, veterans have been at greater risk of homelessness than the average population and make up 13 percent of all homeless individuals. Furthermore, studies show that more recent veterans, those exposed to conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan, find themselves homeless sooner than their older counterparts. So, what makes them more susceptible to homelessness? Here are five reasons.
- Mental illness is a key contributing factor leading to homelessness, and veterans are more susceptible to mental health issues due to their exposure to combat conditions. Many veterans experience traumatic brain injuries that can produce lasting symptoms of mental illness. Others may experience posttraumatic stress disorder, which can leave them incapacitated and unable to adapt to civilian life.
- Opioid use disorders are not uncommon among veterans; they can develop as a result of receiving pain treatment for injuries received in service. The incidence of opioid use disorders is 10 times higher for veterans than the general population. It also increases the chance of veterans becoming homeless by more than 10 percent.
- Financial insecurity is another contributing factor to veteran homelessness. Almost 80 percent of those exiting military service do so without a job lined up. Often, the skills they acquired during active service aren’t easily transferable to civilian life. Additionally, studies have found a direct correlation between military pay grade and homelessness, with those on lower pay being more at risk of homelessness.
- Sexual trauma experienced while serving is also a homelessness risk factor for female veterans, who comprise an increasing percentage of veterans since the Iraq and Afghanistan engagements. Additionally, a quarter of all female veterans experiencing homelessness are victims of intimate partner violence.
- The affordable housing crisis doesn’t discriminate when it comes to veterans. Those living in principal cities where accommodation is scarcer are more at risk of homelessness than the quarter living in rural areas (although the latter face other challenges). California and Florida, between them, are host to a third of all homeless veterans. They are also among the worst-affected states when it comes to affordable housing.
It may also be the case that military personnel aren’t representative of the general American population to start with. Thomas Byrne, an associate professor at Boston University School of Social Work, says there is evidence of homelessness risk rising post the switch to an all-volunteer military force. He says if those entering the force have life experiences or characteristics that make them more likely to experience homelessness, the increased risk will remain with them on discharge.
Biden-Harris Administration Initiatives to Help Homeless Veterans
The VA, HUD, and the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness have all prioritized ending veteran homelessness. The VA and HUD have adopted a Housing First Approach, which regards housing as a primary solution. The emphasis is on providing veterans and their families with accommodation without preemptive conditions such as sobriety or employment.
They are also embarking on initiatives to reach underserved veterans, such as members of the LGBTQIA community, Indigenous peoples, those with legal or criminal issues, and those who may have exited the military in less-than-honorable circumstances.
All three agencies are working to increase the affordable housing supply and make it more accessible to veterans. They do this by engaging with philanthropic grantees, housing agencies, and housing developers to prioritize veterans for admission.
Finally, they are working with stakeholders to ensure veterans have high-quality access to physical health, mental health, legal, and housing services by the VA or community partners.
Homelessness Isn’t a Moral Issue
Byrne says veterans may escape some of the stigma associated with homelessness because of their service record. However, society needs to change its view of homelessness as a moral issue. He says the problem is one of affordable housing supply. He also says that, in most cases, homelessness is temporary. Once an individual experiencing homelessness is housed, they seldom return to homelessness.