Each night in the United States, approximately 107,000 veterans sleep on the streets because they have no
place to call "home". They are this nation's forgotten heroes – the men and women who once proudly served in
a military uniform. Only eight percent of the U.S. population have served in the armed forces, yet almost one-fifth
of the homeless population are veterans.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that about 214,000 veterans will experience homelessness at some point this year. Almost five percent of this population are homeless women veterans, and this proportion will likely increase as currently 15 percent of all U.S. troops are women.

There are many factors that contribute to the disproportionately large percentage of veterans who suffer from homelessness. Most of these veterans struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse issues or other psychosocial problems. These factors are often related to their military service or difficulty transitioning to civilian life.

Most homeless veterans require – as much as affordable housing – physical and mental health care, employment training and placement assistance, and other supportive services. According to the Department’s own estimates, VA programs will reach slightly more than 40 percent of the homeless veterans who need assistance.

Source for 'A National Tragedy': National Coalition for Homeless Veterans [ NCHV.org ] - A Report on Veteran Homelessness (pdf): [ National Ingratitude ]