Homeless Statistics
The number of veterans in the USA is estimated to be around 16.2 million according to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2022 [statista veterans in US].
Homeless Veterans
(877) 424-3838
VA Combat Call Center
(877) 927-8387
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services (SAMHSA)
(800) 985-5990
Call or Text 988
Los Angeles County Department Mental Health
Crisis Response Team
(800) 854-7771
National Association
of Mental Illness (NAMI)
24/7 Helpline
(800) 950-6264
Triage Nurse Hotline
24/7 Access to Nurses
833-TELE-URGENT
or (833) 835-3874
Tele-Urgent Care
(317) 554-0000 Press 3
Tele-Emergency Care
(800) 985-5999
Women Veterans Hotline
(855) 829-6636
VA Caregiver Support Line
(855) 260-3274
24/7 VET Call Center
(877) 927-8387
24/7 MyVA411 Info Line
(800) 698-2411
A NEW 2024 CHANGE TO FINALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Current Statistics in USA / California / Los Angeles County / San Fernando Valley
01
California
US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Note: Estimates as of January 2023. California counted 186,399 people experiencing homelessness in January.
The 2023 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count results were released today, showing a 9% rise in homelessness on any given night in Los Angeles County to an estimated 75,518 people and a 10% rise in the City of Los Angeles to an estimated 46,260 people.
Along with an unprecedented $15.3 billion investment, Governor Newsom has demanded more accountability at the local level when it comes to addressing housing and homelessness.
On the local level, that is www..sangernandovalleyveteransmagazine.com - We can expand this magazine state wide.
02
Los Angeles
HUD released on December 15 the 2023 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR), Part 1, which provides estimates of homelessness in the U.S.
The 2023 report estimates that approximately 653,100 people were experiencing homelessness on a single night in 2023 – a 12% increase (or about 70,650 more people) from 2022.
The 2023 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count results were released today, showing a 9% rise in homelessness on any given night in Los Angeles County to an estimated 75,518 people and a 10% rise in the City of Los Angeles to an estimated 46,260 people.
03
San Fernando Valley
Homeless in San Fernando Valley (SPA 2) - Count of 10,443
23 percent of all homeless persons and 33 percent of all homeless men in the USA are veterans. By taking 23 percent of the total range, that would indicate there are between 529,000 and 840,000 veterans in the USA who are homeless at some time during the year. The highest concentration of homeless veterans live in California, a state that struggles with chronically high levels of homelessness more broadly.
04
Homeless Veterans
Veterans in California represented 31% of the national homeless veteran population.
California also had the highest rate of unsheltered veterans at 70.1% (7,996 were unsheltered). California experienced an increase in veteran homelessness from 2019-2020, which was 421 people (3.8%).
Los Angeles has the largest number of homeless veterans, nearly 4,000 according to the annual count. LA also has a unique asset to help them: A 387-acre facility on some of the country's most expensive real estate: Brentwood, in West Los Angeles.
Los Angeles County
Unfortunately, there isn't a single, definitive source for the exact number of homeless veterans in Los Angeles. It's important to consider a couple of things:
Point-in-time counts: These one-night snapshots try to capture a comprehensive picture of homelessness, but they may not reach everyone.
Constant change: The homeless population fluctuates, so a recent count might not reflect the current situation.
However, here's some helpful information:
Estimates: Los Angeles has the largest number of homeless veterans in the nation, with estimates around 4,000 according to a report by LAist [Veteran Homelessness - LAist].
Positive developments: The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System housed 1,790 homeless veterans in 2023, the most of any VA facility in the US [Greater LA VA Houses 1790 Veterans In 2023, The Most Of Any City In The U.S.].
Here are some resources for further information:
Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA): They conduct the point-in-time homeless counts [Los Angeles County Veteran Homelessness - LAHSA]
VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care: Provides services and resources for homeless veterans https://www.va.gov/homeless/
There are a number of resources available to veterans in the San Fernando Valley, California.
Here are a couple of organizations specifically dedicated to San Fernando Valley veterans:
San Fernando Valley Veterans (SFVV):
This non-profit focuses on helping veterans with hunger, homelessness, and suicide. They have a resource center open weekdays from 9 AM to 2 PM and their phone number is (818) 850-2602.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3834:
This veterans organization located in San Fernando offers camaraderie and support for veterans. Their hours vary throughout the week, so it's best to check their website or call them at (818) 361-9003.
Nationwide
This number is constantly changing as veterans pass away and new veterans serve in the military.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)'s 2023 Point-in-Time count, there were an estimated 35,574 veterans experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2023. This represents a 7.4% increase from 2022. Here's a summary of the issue of homeless veterans in the US:
The Scope of the Problem:
There's no single, definitive count, but estimates suggest tens of thousands of veterans experience homelessness on any given night.
Why Veterans Face Homelessness:
Reintegration challenges: Transitioning back to civilian life can be difficult, especially for veterans with physical or mental health issues.
Mental health struggles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety are common among veterans and can make it hard to find and maintain housing and employment.
Addiction: Substance abuse can be a coping mechanism for veterans struggling with trauma, but it can also lead to homelessness.
Lack of affordable housing: The high cost of housing, particularly in major cities, makes it difficult for veterans on fixed incomes to find stable housing.
Efforts to Help:
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV): A leading organization advocating to end veteran homelessness [National Coalition for Homeless Veterans – Until No Veteran Is Homeless]
VA (Veterans Affairs): Provides programs and services like Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) to help veterans experiencing homelessness.
How You Can Help:
Donate to charities: Support organizations that assist homeless veterans.
Volunteer your time: Shelters and veteran centers often need volunteers.
Raise awareness: Talk to friends, family, and elected officials about the issue.