The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has disclosed data indicating that the number of homeless veterans in the United States has reached a historic low, with a decrease of over 55% over the past 14 years. The most recent census from the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) annual point-in-time survey 2024 revealed that 32,882 veterans were without stable housing, a decrease of nearly 2,700 from the previous year.
The VA's concerted effort to address homelessness among veterans, which includes initiatives that concentrate on providing permanent housing for those experiencing economic and mental health challenges, is responsible for this dramatic improvement. The placement of nearly 48,000 veterans into stable housing in fiscal 2024 alone contributed to over 133,000 veterans being placed in permanent homes over the prior three years.
The decrease in homelessness is also attributed to the collaboration of federal agencies, local governments, and non-profit organizations to provide housing and support services to veterans.
The ongoing emphasis on veteran homelessness underscores the progress achieved through collaborative endeavors. However, experts emphasize that additional resources are still required to maintain and further reduce homelessness in this vulnerable population. The primary objective of the Department of Veterans Affairs is to ensure that veterans throughout the country receive the necessary support and secure housing.
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