In 2024, nearly 33,000 veterans experienced homelessness in the U.S. – the lowest number on federal record. There has been a 55 percent reduction since 2010, which is a striking shift from the 1980s, when veterans were widely overrepresented among people experiencing homelessness nationwide.
It reflects sustained investments in permanent housing, eviction prevention, legal advocacy, and wraparound care – the work Swords to Plowshares advances every day.
But even as we make progress, we’re facing serious challenges. Homelessness for all populations has reached its highest recorded level across the nation, increasing by 18 percent in a single year. Budget cuts have reduced access to VA healthcare, Medicaid, and SNAP - and HUD programs that house thousands of veterans are at risk. Too often, veterans come home to systems that are fragmented, under-resourced, and require them to prove again and again that they are worthy of care.
In a moment of rising need and shrinking resources, we have to double down on proven solutions that move veterans from crisis to stability. Each veteran’s path is different and requires more than housing alone. Our holistic model pairs stable housing — whether through supportive or independent living, or short-term rent assistance — with wraparound services so veterans can stay housed and thrive. The result is fewer emergency room visits, decreased isolation, and fewer returns to homelessness. When communities invest in this approach, veterans remain housed, healthier, and connected.
Our work in 2025 shows what’s possible when veterans get the care and respect they deserve. For over 50 years, we’ve built and refined a nationally respected model of veteran-centered care, shaped by what we learn every day from the people we serve. We know what works, and we’re committed to advancing solutions that move us toward a future where every veteran has a place to call home.
.png)