In Northeast Louisiana, we have enough housing and services specifically for homeless Veterans that NO Vet and/or his family should remain homeless. If you are a Vet/Vet family facing homelessness, call United Way of Northeast Louisiana’s 211 resource line or call The Wellspring at (318) 807-6200. We are ready to help!

Selected excepts from the NAEH report:

How many homeless veterans are in America?
In January 2016, communities across America identified 39,471 homeless veterans during point-in-time counts. This represents a substantial decrease (56 percent) in the number of homeless veterans counted in 2010. Though veterans continue to remain over represented in the homeless population in America, these recent decreases demonstrate the marked progress that has been made in ending veteran homelessness.

What are the typical demographics of homeless veterans?
Homeless veterans tend to be male (91 percent), single (98 percent), live in a city (76 percent), and have a mental and/or physical disability (54 percent). Black veterans are substantially overrepresented among homeless veterans, comprising 39 percent of the total homeless veteran population but only 11 percent of the total veteran population.

Why do veterans experience homelessness?
Veterans are more likely than civilians to experience homelessness. Like the general homeless population, veterans are at a significantly increased risk of homelessness if they have low socioeconomic status, a mental health disorder, and/or a history of substance abuse. Yet, because of veterans’ military service, this population is at higher risk of experiencing traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), both of which have been found to be among the most substantial risk factors for homelessness. A 2015 study of veterans initiating medication-administered treatment screened each of these patients for risk of homelessness and found that the prevalence of homelessness in veterans with opioid use disorder is 10 times more than the general veteran population.

In January 2015, New Orleans became the first major city to announce that it had ended veteran homelessness. Since then, a total of 2 states and 29 communities have effectively ended veteran homelessness, and many others are on track to join them. The success of SSVF, HUD-VASH, and other programs targeted to veterans, combined with the dedication and commitment of America’s communities prove that ending veteran homelessness is possible.

Read more about Veteran Homelessness and the national movement to end it from this great resources by the National Alliance to End Homelessness