{"id":4244,"date":"2026-04-09T20:54:36","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T20:54:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/?p=4244"},"modified":"2026-09-10T19:16:59","modified_gmt":"2026-09-10T19:16:59","slug":"understanding-veteran-homelessness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/understanding-veteran-homelessness\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Veteran Homelessness"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull va-page-title-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-179 size-large\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/academic-affiliations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/05\/Hero2.png?w=1024\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#085795\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide has-text-align-left\">Featured Article<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"va-body-wrapper wp-block-create-block-body-wrapper va-body-wrapper wp-block-create-block-body-wrapper\"><div class=\"va-body-wrapper__inner\">\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<form role=\"search\" method=\"get\" action=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/\" class=\"wp-block-search__button-outside wp-block-search__text-button wp-block-search\"    ><label class=\"wp-block-search__label\" for=\"wp-block-search__input-1\" >Search Articles<\/label><div class=\"wp-block-search__inside-wrapper\" ><input class=\"wp-block-search__input\" id=\"wp-block-search__input-1\" placeholder=\"\" value=\"\" type=\"search\" name=\"s\" required \/><button aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"wp-block-search__button wp-element-button\" type=\"submit\" >Search<\/button><\/div><\/form>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide va-intro-page va-intro-page-1 is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding Veteran Homelessness<\/h2>\n\n\n<div style=\"background-color: #0073aa;\" class=\"wp-block-create-block-colored-spacer has-0073-aa-background-color has-background wp-block-create-block-colored-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>By Shawn Liu, National Homeless Program Manager, Homeless Programs Office<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Thursday, April 9, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-c00f5982\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Among the many myths surrounding Veteran homelessness and its causes, the idea that \u201chomelessness is a choice\u201d remains a common\u2014and harmful\u2014misconception. In reality, there is no single cause of Veteran homelessness, and housing instability is often a result of overlapping personal, social, and systemic factors. The infographic below examines these contributing factors and encourages a more compassionate understanding of Veteran homelessness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone can play a role in challenging stigmas associated with Veteran homelessness and supporting Veterans on their journey toward stability. Start by understanding the risk factors that may contribute to homelessness by reviewing the information below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2160\" height=\"7895\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/04\/Understanding-Veteran-Homelessness-Infographic-2160.jpg\" alt=\"Understanding Veteran Homelessness Infographic \u2013 Featured Article Content\" class=\"wp-image-4242\" style=\"width:900px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/04\/Understanding-Veteran-Homelessness-Infographic-2160.jpg 2160w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/04\/Understanding-Veteran-Homelessness-Infographic-2160.jpg?resize=82,300 82w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/04\/Understanding-Veteran-Homelessness-Infographic-2160.jpg?resize=768,2807 768w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/04\/Understanding-Veteran-Homelessness-Infographic-2160.jpg?resize=280,1024 280w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/04\/Understanding-Veteran-Homelessness-Infographic-2160.jpg?resize=420,1536 420w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/04\/Understanding-Veteran-Homelessness-Infographic-2160.jpg?resize=560,2048 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2160px) 100vw, 2160px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/03\/Understanding-Veteran-Homelessness-Infographic_508c.pdf\">Download the PDF<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide va-intro-page va-intro-page-1 is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Find more resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/144187\/breaking-myth-veteran-homelessness\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/144187\/breaking-myth-veteran-homelessness\/\" rel=\"noopener\">common stigmas related to homelessness and how you can be part of the solution to help homeless Veterans<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recognize the <a href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/144072\/veteran-homelessness-isnt-always-visible\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/144072\/veteran-homelessness-isnt-always-visible\/\" rel=\"noopener\">different ways Veteran homelessness presents and learn how VA services offer pathways to stability<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Discover how <a href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/145323\/va-homeless-programs-more-than-just-housing\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/145323\/va-homeless-programs-more-than-just-housing\/\" rel=\"noopener\">VA helps Veterans experiencing homelessness with more than just housing services<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learn about the <a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/7-essential-elements-to-end-veteran-homelessness\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5178\">seven essential elements for ending Veteran homelessness<\/a>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"va-body-wrapper wp-block-create-block-body-wrapper\"><div class=\"va-body-wrapper__inner\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group va-section-title va-section-title-1 is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contact VA for help<\/h2>\n\n\n<div style=\"background-color: #005EA2;\" class=\"wp-block-create-block-colored-spacer has-ff-5500-background-color has-background wp-block-create-block-colored-spacer\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>If you are a Veteran who is homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, we strongly encourage you to contact the <strong>National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at <a href=\"tel:+18774243838\">877-424-3838<\/a><\/strong> for assistance.<br><br>The call is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trained professionals are standing by to connect you to your nearest VA for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-blue-icon-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.va.gov\/homeless\/nationalcallcenter.asp\" rel=\"noopener\">Chat with a live professional now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.va.gov\/homeless\/nationalcallcenter.asp\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1385\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png\" alt=\"National Call Center for Homeless Veterans logo. 877-424-3838\" class=\"wp-image-5628\" srcset=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png 1385w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png?resize=300,130 300w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png?resize=768,333 768w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png?resize=1024,444 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1385px) 100vw, 1385px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer is-style-spacer-75\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Among the many myths surrounding Veteran homelessness and its causes, the idea that<br \/>\n\u201chomelessness is a choice\u201d remains a common\u2014and harmful\u2014misconception. I<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":263,"featured_media":4243,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"priority":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[52,3],"tags":[8],"class_list":["post-4244","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-infographics","category-featured-articles","tag-unsheltered"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/understanding-veteran-homelessness\/","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Understanding Veteran Homelessness","url":"http:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/understanding-veteran-homelessness\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/understanding-veteran-homelessness\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/04\/Understanding-Veteran-Homelessness-Infographic_Thumbnail_Graphic.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/04\/Understanding-Veteran-Homelessness-Infographic_Thumbnail_Graphic.jpg"},"articleSection":"Infographics","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"deansmith"}],"creator":["deansmith"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"VA Homeless Programs","logo":""},"keywords":["unsheltered"],"dateCreated":"2026-04-09T20:54:36Z","datePublished":"2026-04-09T20:54:36Z","dateModified":"2026-09-10T19:16:59Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"Understanding Veteran Homelessness\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/department.va.gov\\\/homeless\\\/understanding-veteran-homelessness\\\/\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/department.va.gov\\\/homeless\\\/understanding-veteran-homelessness\\\/\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/department.va.gov\\\/homeless\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/72\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/Understanding-Veteran-Homelessness-Infographic_Thumbnail_Graphic.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/department.va.gov\\\/homeless\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/72\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/Understanding-Veteran-Homelessness-Infographic_Thumbnail_Graphic.jpg\"},\"articleSection\":\"Infographics\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"deansmith\"}],\"creator\":[\"deansmith\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"VA Homeless Programs\",\"logo\":\"\"},\"keywords\":[\"unsheltered\"],\"dateCreated\":\"2026-04-09T20:54:36Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-04-09T20:54:36Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-09-10T19:16:59Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/department.va.gov\/p.js"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4244","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/263"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4244"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4244\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5225,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4244\/revisions\/5225"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4243"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4244"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4244"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4244"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}