Homeless News

Over the last 12 years, the number of homeless veterans declined by 83% due to the increase in federal funding to expand housing subsidies for service members. From 5587 homeless veterans in 2010 to 990 homeless veterans in 2022, there was a decline in the number of homeless veterans. 

Nearly 1% of the homeless New York residents served in the military. The greatest reduction took place between 2011 to 2016 as the number declined by 78% due to federal investments in housing subsidies. 

The leading reason for the reduction in the number of homeless veterans was an increase in federal funding for housing subsidies. 

The analysis revealed, “Robust federal funding has supported the successful implementation of programs to help veterans, primarily through rental assistance funds from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program, the VA’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families and Grant and Per Diem program. These programs provide HUD rental assistance vouchers and supportive case management services from the VA to help veterans find and sustain housing in their community.”

Nearly $2.7 Billion has been spent by the Department of Veterans Affairs to address veteran homelessness. 

In 2021, New York had 665,257 veterans, constituting 4.2% of the state’s population, as per U.S. Census Bureau data. 

While New York City has the largest number of veterans in the state, Jefferson County, located in the North Country, boasts the highest percentage of veterans within its population at 13%, as highlighted in the report