Policy, Perception, and Prevalence of Veteran Homelessness

Abstract

Why is there homelessness amongst U.S. Veterans in America? On a single night in January 2018, approximately 37,800 Veterans were experiencing homelessness, and 23,300 Veterans were unsheltered or living on the street. Veterans experience a multitude of comorbidities such as chronic medical illness, substance abuse, and trauma which culminate exposes them to higher risk of becoming homeless. Identifying specific risk factors associated with military service is essential to understanding and creating effective treatment methods and providing relief. The homeless have continued to struggle due to common misconceptions and lack of education of the leading causes of homelessness which strain relations between the homeless population and citizens. Historical legal context and policy have also largely played a role on influencing the public and their attitudes toward the homeless. In the previous decade new and profound efforts have been made by various departments of the U.S. government to combat and end homelessness amongst veterans.