Homelessness is Solvable: USICH Points to Data on Veterans for Insights

Homelessness among veterans has dropped to its lowest level since 2009, when data began being captured on it, according to a November 11 announcement from the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH), HUD, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The agencies credit targeted resources to veterans experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness, including vouchers through the HUD-VA Supportive Housing Program.

"This data show that with the right investments in housing and health care, and with strong leadership and coordination across government, homelessness is solvable. The challenge now is to end veteran homelessness and use the lessons we learn to help all people without a home," USICH Director Jeff Olivet said in the announcement.

According to the agencies, homelessness among veterans in January 2024 decreased 55.6% since 2010, and 7.5% since January 2023. There are more than 16 million veterans in the U.S.; about 66% are 65 or older. LeadingAge congratulates the agencies and all the state and local partnership who work so diligently to prevent and end homelessness, including among veterans.

Meanwhile, older adults are the fastest growing population of people experiencing homelessness. LeadingAge supports the HUD-VASH program as well as other rental assistance programs, including mainstream programs like the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program, Housing Choice Vouchers, and others. The HUD-VASH program, which Congress has been funding regularly since 2008, provides a Housing Choice Voucher-type of assistance coordinated with VA health services and supports.

See LeadingAge's action alert in support of strong HUD funding here; read the agencies' announcement here.