Friday Facts and Stats: US Veterans

First, let's take a quick look at the homeless US Veteran population:

• HUD esimates on any night between 130,000 and 200,000 veterans are homeless
• 92% of homeless vets are male;  there are an additional 1/4 million vets who are at risk of homelessness
• The majority suffer from alcohol/substance abuse/mental illness
• Homeless veterans are on average younger than the overall veteran population; nine percent are between the ages of 18 and 30, and 41% are between the ages of 31 and 50
• Nearly half of homeless vets served during the Vietnam War era

And here are a couple of numbers (because that is the point of statistics):

• 23% of homeless population are veterans 
• 67% served three or more years 
• 33% stationed in war zone 
• 25% have used VA Homeless Services 8
• 5% completed high school/GED, compared to 56% of non-veterans 
• 89% received Honorable Discharge 
• 79% reside in central cities 
• 76% experience alcohol, drug, or mental health problems

Why are Veterans homeless?

• There is a shortage of affordable housing and livable incomes
• It is hard for individuals to access health care; many need services to help with PTSD and substance abuse
• Military training and jobs do not necessarily prepare vets for civilian jobs 

Programs to help Veterans get affordable housing:

• HUD-VASH Vouchers: These vouchers are based on geography, need and how well the public housing agency is performing.  Some vets can learn about these services at VA medical centers and community based clinics
• Veteran run affordable housing programs
• Rental assistance programs 

Want to learn more?  Check out the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and the National Coalition for the Homeless (that's where I got all of the above information).