Much progress has been made in reducing homelessness among veterans. Veterans are woven into the arterial structure of community-based care. Specific needs vary, however, and the menu of transitional and permanent housing, eviction prevention and rapid rehousing, low-barrier and treatment-based models offer options to address individual need.  

That said, we know that more is needed, and that continued investment will be necessary to maintain stable housing options. This includes brick-and-mortar, increased support staff to ensure retention and allow older veterans to age in place safely, and opportunities for those veterans who are able to stabilize income sources and move on to independent living.  

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SOURCES:

Department of Veterans Affairs. “Native American Veteran Homeless Toolkit.” Department of Veterans Affairs, n.d.
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/communityproviders/docs/2018_Native_American_Veteran_Homelessness_Toolkit_v1.pdf.

‍Lily Casura, MSW. “Hidden Numbers: Why Far More Women Veterans May Be Homeless Than You Realize.” Medium. Medium, July 16, 2018.
https://lilygc.medium.com/hidden-numbers-more-women-veterans-may-be-homeless-than-you-realize-21c00f42179d.

‍Christensen, Don, and Yelena Tsilker. “Racial Disparities in Military Justice: Findings of Substantial and Persistent Racial Disparities Within the United States Military Justice System.” Protect Our Defenders, n.d.  

Joseph, David. “A Guide to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for Advocates: How to Effectively Address PTSD in Matters Involving Veterans and Others Affected by Trauma.” Practising Law Institute, 2020. Accessed: https://www.pli.edu/programs/guide-to-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd.  

Swords to Plowshares. “Veteran Cultural Competency for Supportive Housing Providers.” California Department of Veterans Affairs. California Transition Assistance Program. Accessed: https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/Documents/Supportive%20Housing%20Providers.pdf.  

“Underserved: How the VA Wrongfully Excludes Veterans with Bad Paper.” Swords to Plowshares and National Veterans Legal Services Program, n.d. https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5ddda3d7ad8b1151b5d16cff/5e67da6782e5f4e6b19760b0_Underserved.pdf.