It is sad to hear that statistics on veterans experiencing homelessness have increased in the past year. In fact, 35,574 veterans were homeless in 2023, a huge 7.4% increase over 2022, based on the US Veterans Affairs data. And that number will continue to rise if we don’t acknowledge and take action on these reasons.
Today, we’ll talk about why there are homeless veterans as well as some ways to help them.
Top 3 Reasons for Homeless Veterans
It may be hard to relate to the challenges veterans face for those who didn’t serve in the military. However, understanding the reasons why homeless veterans exist is crucial in solving this crisis.
1. Lack of Mental Health Support
Sometimes we forget that veterans are humans too. And, like the vast majority of the population, veterans also face challenges in their mental health. Life is hard in the military, they serve thousands of miles away from their families and work unpredictable hours and are assigned to places which are new and unfamiliar to them. Sometimes working 24/7 and sleeping in shifts.
As they face these unending changes without a support network, it becomes clear why soldiers experience mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. And veterans who underwent extreme combat conditions are at high risk of developing other mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
An added caveat to consider with this issue is the number of mental health providers is not enough to fulfill all required mental health services across the board and veterans are no exception. Did you know nearly half of the U.S. population is living in an area where there is a shortage of mental health providers. This means for many individuals, including veterans, it is not possible for them to see a provider in any reasonable amount of time.
2. Lack of Clear Career Path
Only 1 out of 4 veterans will transition to another job after leaving the military and finishing their service. There’s a lack of a clear career path to take after gaining military skills. Most of the skills they learned in the military do not translate to the typical jobs available in the community. This leaves a large percentage of veterans isolated from the workplace, as well as the bonds which are built with coworkers, and dependent on the government for financial support.
3. Lack of Affordable Housing Options
The world has experienced global economic challenges during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, it was reported that U.S. homelessness rose up to 12%. This is the highest reported level in recent history.This is in large part due to rents skyrocketing over the past decade, with no end in sight.
With over 650,000 homeless Americans every night, affordable housing options are a must. However, experts say that there just aren’t enough homes in the country.
As veterans adjust to their lives as civilians, they require and deserve affordable housing options. We, at Resilient Home Living, recognize this need and have stepped up to this challenge.
Resilient Home Living offers affordable, fully-furnished, shared housing for individuals in Wichita, KS as they transition to a better tomorrow. We provide a safe, quality all-inclusive living environment. So, if you or someone you know is a veteran or in need of affordable housing, do not hesitate to reach out to us, so we can see how we can be of service.