Are there homeless veterans

The number of veterans experiencing homelessness increased in even before the effects of the coronavirus pandemic damaged employment prospects and financial resources for the community, according to a new report released by the Department of Housing and Urban Development on Thursday.

The increase is a concerning backslide from improvements in the last decade, since then President Barack Obama announced a federal effort to address the issue. From to , the number of veterans without stable housing decreased by more than 50 percent. The totals mean that of every 10, veterans in the United States, 21 were experiencing homelessness at the start of last year. The estimate released Thursday is based on surveys conducted in January , about two months before business closures and other financial impacts of the coronavirus pandemic began.

In a statement, Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough said the newly-released numbers indicate that more needs to be done to help veterans facing crisis that could lead to homelessness. Across all groups, the number of Americans experiencing homelessness increased about 2. Veterans have low marriage rates and high divorce rates; and, currently, 1 in 5 veterans is living alone. Social networks are particularly important for those who have a crisis or need temporary help.

Without this assistance, they are at high risk for homelessness. The average wait to get a disability claim processed is now eight months. Doesn't the Department of Veterans Affairs take care of homeless veterans? Data from the NCHV report on homeless vet race and ethnicity showed great social disparity.

White vets make up Hispanics are represented even less, accounting for only 5. A large section of homeless people in the US includes veterans. Growing veteran poverty is the main reason for this high percentage. This could very well be because of the many medical, mental, and social issues faced by veterans once they return from service. These disabilities range from physical, mental, intellectual, and sensory disabilities to any combination of multiple factors.

Much of these mental illnesses stem from their service experience and are exacerbated by the financial and social issues they face after returning. Substance abuse can be the result of any number of financial, mental, or social issues gripping homeless veterans.

This statistic indicates that being a white male veteran puts a person at higher risk of becoming homeless compared to being a white male from any other walk of life. This means that older veterans have a much higher chance of becoming homeless compared to older non-veterans.

Sunny California is sitting at the top of the list with nearly 11, veterans currently living without any shelter. The exact number in was 10, , which is nearly 5 times more than the second state on the list. California also has the highest number of homeless people in the US per state. The number of homeless veterans in Florida is significantly smaller than in California.

In , a total of 2, vets were counted by the authorities experiencing homelessness. The number of vets experiencing homelessness is highest in California and Florida, with Texas coming right below them on the list. In , a total of 1, veterans were homeless in Texas, with Washington and Oregon close behind 1, and 1,, respectively.

Surprisingly, New York and Colorado are the only other states with a count of over 1, homeless people who have served in the Army.

Just how many veterans are homeless in these two states, you may ask? Well, the numbers are drastically lower than the above-mentioned states. North Dakota had 49 in , whereas in Wyoming, only 51 vets without shelter were officially accounted for.

Unlike North Dakota and Wyoming, homeless veterans statistics show that Mississippi had the greatest increase in veterans experiencing homelessness at a staggering One of the recent measures on homelessness, rapid re-housing, was created by the Supportive Services for Veteran Families.

Implemented by the VA, the program has already taken shape and is providing outstanding results thus far. It aims to provide housing to vets who are currently homeless, with tens of thousands of vets already seeing the benefits. The HUD has a long-standing commitment to helping vets in need.

Charities such as DAV Disabled American Veterans help vets live a life with dignity by ensuring that they can access a full range of benefits at their disposal. It assesses over 40, homeless veterans per year and helps prevent mental disorders and a slew of other health problems among vets such as depression. The Salvation Army has joined the fight to end homelessness among the general population, including veterans.

Food and lodging for varying amounts of time are provided to those in need. Since Housing First and government investments have helped to produce such results, the combination can likely help any veterans driven into homelessness by COVID — and all other people experiencing homelessness. Homelessness in America What Causes Homelessness? Who Experiences Homelessness? Archive Select This website uses cookies to improve your experience.

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