Characteristics Associated With Unsheltered Status Among Veterans

Area of Science:

• Veterans Affairs
• Public Health
• Social Epidemiology

Background:

• Unsheltered homelessness is a significant public health and policy concern.
• Understanding the factors contributing to unsheltered homelessness among veterans is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify personal and community characteristics associated with unsheltered homelessness in U.S. veterans.
• To examine the interaction between individual risk factors and community characteristics in predicting unsheltered status.

Main Methods:

• A 2018 national survey of U.S. veterans with experiences of homelessness was analyzed.
• Data included unsheltered duration, psychosocial factors, and community measures (shelter access, weather, rental affordability).
• Statistical analyses tested associations and interactions between risk factors and unsheltered status.

Main Results:

• Among 5,406 veterans, 8.9% reported prolonged unsheltered homelessness.
• Individual factors like criminal justice history, substance use, and financial hardship were associated with unsheltered status.
• Community factors such as limited shelter access and warmer weather were also linked to higher rates of unsheltered homelessness.
• The number of personal risk factors significantly increased the likelihood of unsheltered experience, especially in communities with warmer weather and higher rents.

Conclusions:

• Unsheltered homelessness in veterans is associated with a combination of individual vulnerabilities and adverse community conditions.
• Interventions must address both personal risk factors and systemic community-level issues to effectively combat veteran homelessness.