On any given night, estimates show that more than 32,000 veterans are homeless. As of 2024, veterans were the only population to report continued declines in homelessness. Some states have higher rates of veteran homelessness than others. California, Florida, and Texas have some of the highest concentrations of homeless veterans.
While California houses roughly one-third of the nation’s homeless veterans, the state is also leading the way in progress. Los Angeles, a city with the highest count of homeless veterans, has seen success with coordinated efforts between local government, housing agencies, and community partners. Outreach efforts, unit matching, transportation support and expedited leasing helped get many veterans off the streets and into stable, safe homes.
Who are homeless veterans?
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development states the nation’s homeless veterans are 92 percent men and 8 percent women. Compared to the overall population experiencing homelessness, homeless veterans are older. More than half (52 percent) are white and 33 percent are Black.
As in other groups of homeless people (i.e., families, youth), people of color are over-represented in the veteran homeless population. While approximately 12 percent of all veterans identified as Black, 33 percent of homeless veterans were Black.
Many obstacles face veterans upon their return after serving for their country:
- Shortage of affordable housing
- Difficulty obtaining a livable income
- Inconsistent access to health care
These are the three biggest obstacles. Many veterans experience mental health and substance use issues. For these reasons among others, veterans represent a disproportionate number of people experiencing homelessness.
