Homelessness isn’t a choice—it’s a “perfect storm” of health, financial and systemic risks
When it comes to understanding why some Veterans experience homelessness, many people assume it is the result of one bad choice or a single stroke of bad luck. But the reality is much more complex. For many Veterans, homelessness is the result of a perfect storm where personal struggles collide with inadequate resources that haven’t provided the support needed.
By understanding the risk factors that homeless Veterans face, VA works to identify risks early and connect Veterans with the support and specific help they need to get back on their feet and find stability.
Understanding the risks
The transition from military to civilian life is rarely a straight line and can take years after leaving the military before Veterans become homeless. Many Veterans return home carrying invisible rucksacks filled with mental health challenges like PTSD or depression. When these challenges aren’t met with immediate support, they can lead to substance use to cope with the pain. These aren’t just “health issues,” they are heavy burdens that can make it harder to hold a job, maintain a home and stay connected to family and friends.
These struggles often intersect with social and economic challenges that can make civilian life even harder to navigate, and stability even harder to achieve. For Veterans, these challenges are often compounded by experiences long before they ever put on a uniform. For example, adverse childhood experiences can create a foundation of instability that continues to affect Veterans long after their service. When financial insecurity or a history of incarceration is added into the mix, the path to permanent housing becomes an even greater uphill climb. Justice-involved Veterans face unique barriers, often including stigmas that make landlords or employers look the other way.
But it isn’t just about what a Veteran is going through personally, it’s about the world around them. Even the most resilient Veteran can’t grind their way out of a housing market where affordable options are in short supply. Rising rents and limited availability can also make stable housing hard to secure—even for Veterans who work full time.
In some neighborhoods, the lack of reliable transportation or community support also becomes a barrier to the very services that are meant to help. These systemic factors—like a lack of economic opportunity or cultural barriers—can make a Veteran feel like they are fighting a war on their own home turf.
Why “one size fits all” doesn’t work
Because every Veteran’s journey is different, the solution must be just as unique. VA doesn’t just offer “homeless services”; we offer tailored interventions based on what a Veteran actually needs.
Some Veterans may still find themselves in a crisis despite experiencing few long-term health or legal issues. For this group, the barrier is often purely financial, like a sudden job loss. These Veterans may benefit most from rapid re-housing programs, which provide short-term subsidies to help them get back into an apartment quickly before a temporary setback becomes a permanent struggle.
Other Veterans deal with more complex, overlapping needs. They might be managing chronic health conditions while also navigating the aftermath of a history of incarceration. For these Veterans, a roof isn’t enough; they need a team. Programs like HUD-VASH pair housing vouchers with ongoing health care and case management to ensure they stay housed for good. This wraparound approach provides long-term support that meets Veterans where they are.
If you, or a Veteran you know, are homeless or at risk of homelessness, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838. You earned your benefits, and you’ve earned the right to a safe place to call home.
Learn about VA programs
- View our infographic on Understanding Veteran Homelessness.
- If you are a Veteran who is homeless or at risk for homelessness or need to connect with a Veterans justice outreach specialist, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838.
- Learn more about common stigmas related to homelessness and how you can be part of the solution to help homeless Veterans.
- Visit the VA Homeless Programs website to learn about housing initiatives and other programs for Veterans exiting homelessness.
- Get involved with housing homeless Veterans.
Author: Nikki Verbeck