What is Unsheltered Homelessness?

By Shawn Liu, National Homeless Program Manager, Homeless Programs Office

February 26, 2026

The term “unsheltered homeless” is commonly used when talking about services for homeless and at-risk Veterans.

As a concept, it may feel redundant, like saying PIN number, ATM machine, or chai tea. Aren’t “unsheltered” and “homeless” the same things?

Getting more specific about the homeless experience

When we look at data on the number of Veterans experiencing homeless, we often break it down into sheltered and unsheltered homelessness.

• Veterans who experience sheltered homelessness often live in places such as emergency shelters, transitional housing programs or other supportive settings.
• In contrast, Veterans who experience unsheltered homelessness live in places not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, sidewalks, abandoned buildings, and literally on the street.

Why should we focus on unsheltered homelessness?

Unsheltered homelessness is one of the most dangerous situations a person can face. It can severely harm one’s whole health: mind, body, and soul. When a Veteran is unsheltered, there’s no time to delay getting them to a safe place and quickly on a path to permanent, stable housing.

How do unsheltered Veterans get help from VA?

Unsheltered Veterans have unique barriers to accessing care: no telephones, transportation, internet access, or mailing addresses. Overcoming these barriers often requires VA staff going out into homeless encampments and other areas where unsheltered Veterans live to enroll them into VA homeless programs.

And, when Veterans get enrolled, we do everything we can to make sure they access all of the treatment, health care, and benefits they’re entitled to under the law.

How do homeless Veterans (sheltered, unsheltered, and at risk) get connected to these programs?

The fastest way for Veterans to connect to these programs is to call our National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838. This service is free, confidential, and is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors who can talk with them right now and connect them with their nearest VA for assistance.

If phone calls are difficult, you can also use our Call Center’s live online chat.