NATIONWIDE — Since last year, 793 more veterans now have a roof over their heads, according to a new national estimate.
- Veteran homelessness down 2.1% in 2019
- Total of 2472 homeless vets living in Florida
U.S. Housing and Urban Development's annual homeless assessment report indicated that veterans experiencing homelessness in 2019 has decreased by 2.1 percent.
The estimates are gathered from communities around the country that conduct one-night "Point-in-time" estimates on the number of homeless veterans in emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, and in unsheltered locations.
The 2019 report found that 37,085 veterans experienced homelessness in January 2019 compared to 37,878 reported in January 2018. Of the number of veterans experiencing homelessness in 2019, HUD estimates that 22,740 veterans were found in shelters and 14,345 were found living in places not meant for human habitation.
In Florida, 1,576 veterans were found living in shelters and 896 vets were found living in unsheltered areas.
HUD credits, in part, their VA Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH) for the declines in veteran homelessness. The program combines permanent HUD rental assistance with case management and clinical services provided by the VA. According to officials, more than 11,000 homeless veterans found permanent housing and support services through the HUD-VASH program.
To date, 78 local communities, including Volusia and Flagler Counties, and three states have declared an effective end to veteran homelessness.