VA Programs for Homeless Veterans
Description:
One-third of adult homeless men and nearly one-quarter of all homeless adults have served in the armed forces. While there is no true measure of the number of homeless veterans, it has been estimated that fewer than 200,000 veterans may be homeless on any given night and that twice as many veterans experience homelessness during a year. Many other veterans are considered at risk because of poverty, lack of support from family and friends and precarious living conditions in overcrowded or substandard housing. Ninety-six percent of homeless veterans are male and the vast majority are single. About half of all homeless veterans suffer from mental illness and more than two-thirds suffer from alcohol or drug use problems. Nearly 40 percent have both psychiatric and substance abuse disorders. (VA)
Type of Resource:
Fact Sheet
Publication Date:
2006
Location:
Washington, D.C.
Phone:
202-273-6000