Screening for Homelessness in the Veterans Health Administration: Monitoring Housing Stability through Repeat...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Veterans Affairs
• Social Determinants of Health

Background:

• Homelessness and risk of homelessness pose significant challenges for veterans.
• The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) implemented a universal screening tool to identify at-risk individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the initial 12-month implementation of the VHA's universal homelessness screen.
• To analyze veterans' responses and housing status changes following screening.

Main Methods:

• Calculated baseline frequency of homelessness risk among screened veterans.
• Assessed housing status changes in veterans who screened positive and completed follow-up.
• Identified factors associated with housing stability and distinct risk profiles.

Main Results:

• Over 4 million veterans screened; 1.8% screened positive for homelessness or risk.
• 85% of those initially positive resolved housing instability before follow-up.
• Demographic factors and screening location influenced housing stability.

Conclusions:

• Targeted engagement is crucial for veterans with persistent housing instability.
• The VHA screening tool identified a significant population needing support.