November 15, 2024

Veteran homelessness hits record low

Homeless Veterans
News
Photo by Schelly Stone/The American Legion.
Photo by Schelly Stone/The American Legion.

2024 Point-in-Time Count showed a 7.5% decrease since 2023 and a 55.6% decrease since 2010.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has permanently housed nearly 48,000 homeless veterans and awarded more than $800 million in grants in fiscal year 2024 to help veterans experiencing homelessness. And since 2022, the VA has housed 134,000 homeless veterans. As a result, it was announced that the 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count showed a record low in veteran homelessness since measurement began in 2009 and a 7.5% decrease since 2023.

“No veteran should experience homelessness in this country they swore to defend,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “This year’s PIT Count shows that VA and the entire Biden-Harris Administration are making real progress in the fight to end veteran homelessness. We still have a long way to go, but we will not stop until every veteran has a safe, stable place to call home.”

VA has also made progress in combating veteran homelessness in the Greater Los Angeles area. So far this year, 1,854 veterans have been permanently housed. This exceeds VA’s FY 2024 goals for this region by 15.5%. The Point-in Time count revealed a 22.9% reduction in veterans experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles between 2023 and 2024.

Overall, the PIT Count data shows a 11.7% decrease in veterans experiencing homelessness since 2020 and a 55.6% since 2010.  

“This data shows that with the right investments in housing and health care, and with strong leadership and coordination across government, homelessness is solvable,” said U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness Director Jeff Olivet. “The challenge now is to end veteran homelessness and use the lessons we learn to help all people without a home.”

VA’s efforts to combat veteran homelessness is built on the evidence-based “Housing First” approach, which prioritizes getting a veteran into housing, then providing or connecting them with the services and supports they need to stay housed. This includes health care, job training, educational assistance and more.  

If you are a veteran who is experiencing homelessness or at risk for homelessness, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838. You can also visit VA.gov/homeless to learn about housing initiatives and other programs for veterans experiencing homelessness.


  • Homeless Veterans