Risk Factors, Service Delivery, and Prevention of Veteran Homelessness

Abstract

Homelessness among US veterans has been of public concern for over three decades. Although veterans have special access to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare, disability and education benefits, and home-loan guarantees, veterans are at greater risk for homelessness than other adults of the same age group, especially those who have served since the draft ended in 1975. A considerable body of research has been conducted on homeless veterans in recent years reflecting national efforts to address and end veteran homelessness. The first part of the chapter provides an introduction to the problem of veteran homelessness and a case study. Then, the chapter describes the prevalence of veteran homelessness in the USA and reviews the research literature on risk factors for veteran homelessness. The strongest risk factors identified in veteran homelessness have been substance abuse problems, mental illness, and low income. A few studies have also identified lack of social support, criminal history, and adverse childhood events as potential risk factors. Next, this chapter describes primary and secondary prevention of veteran homelessness and the various homeless programs provided by the VA, including transitional housing and residential programs, permanent supported housing, rapid rehousing programs, as well as several non-VA community-based programs. Finally, the last sections of the chapter suggest areas for future research and the conclusions that can currently be drawn from work in this area.