The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s recently released study showed that homeless veterans rose more than seven percent from 2022 to 2023, the largest yearly jump since tracking began over a decade ago.
This increased 2,400 individuals without stable housing, bringing the total to 35,574.
Advocates for homeless veterans believe the number is likely higher due to the limitations of the survey.
Homeless Veteran statistics rose in 2023, but not as much as overall homelessness. Actions by VA in 2022 appear to have reduced the risk of a greater increase. https://t.co/6w0B2yxNYr
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) December 18, 2023
In a statement, Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough announced that the White House intends to increase grant programs aimed at preventing homelessness among veterans.
“One veteran experiencing homelessness will always be one too many, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that veterans get the safe, stable housing that they deserve,” he said in the statement.
The VA statement acknowledged that the cost of housing and the cessation of pandemic-era support could be potential factors in the escalating rate of homelessness among veterans.
“VA will investigate these barriers and do everything in its power to help Veterans overcome them,” the statement said.
ICYMI: Ten Separate Brawls Break Out at a Maryland High School in Just One Day
