The hidden path to homelessness: Understanding where Veterans go

Why shelters aren’t always the next step

In many cases, homelessness doesn’t happen overnight. It often results from a series of overlapping challenges, many of which are beyond a Veteran’s control—such as rising housing costs, losing a job, experiencing health or mental health difficulties, facing unexpected expenses or exhausting savings—before they no longer have a stable place to stay.

When a Veteran loses their housing, the next step isn’t always a shelter or an encampment. Factors such as bed availability, medical needs and the resources available in the community can all influence where a Veteran goes as their housing options become more limited.

Homelessness can happen gradually

For many Veterans, the first place they turn after losing housing is family and friends. They may sleep on a couch or in a spare room while they work to get back on their feet. These arrangements can provide an important safety net, but they may not be sustainable. A Veteran may move from one friend or family member to another as each arrangement becomes difficult to maintain. Eventually, they may run out of people they can ask for help.

A Veteran may then sleep in their vehicle or camper, stay at a hotel or motel when they can afford it, or find a temporary place through a church or another community organization. As these options become unavailable, they may begin staying in places not meant for human habitation, such as parks, transit hubs, under bridges or other secluded areas. In rural communities, Veterans may stay in tents, storage sheds, campers or vehicles on a family member’s or friend’s land, often in locations far from services. This can make it harder for Veterans to access resources and for outreach teams to find them.

This movement between temporary living situations can make homelessness less visible. Not every Veteran experiencing homelessness will consider themselves homeless. Some may feel shame or embarrassment about losing their housing and go to great lengths to keep their situation private, moving between temporary places to stay or avoiding telling others about their circumstances.

Shelters aren’t always an option

It’s easy to assume that a Veteran who loses housing can simply go to a shelter. In reality, shelter availability and a Veteran’s individual circumstances can make that more complicated.

A shelter may be full or may not be able to accommodate a Veteran’s particular needs. A Veteran may have a spouse or children, a pet, medical or emotional needs, or other circumstances that make a communal living environment difficult. Some shelters also have eligibility requirements that affect who can stay there.

When a shelter isn’t available, where a Veteran goes will depend heavily on the resources available in their community. Public spaces, libraries, businesses that remain open late and transit hubs may become part of a Veteran’s routine, providing a place to charge a phone, use a restroom, wash clothes, access transportation or find food.

Safety, lighting, privacy, crowds and the presence of other people can also influence where a Veteran feels comfortable. Weather may be especially important, as Veterans may need to find places that offer protection from rain, snow and extreme heat or cold.

Understanding where Veterans go can improve the response

Understanding where Veterans go when they lose housing is an important part of understanding homelessness itself.

The places where Veterans stay are often shaped by practical considerations, including safety, privacy, access to services and the resources available in their communities. By understanding not only where homeless Veterans go, but also the factors that influence those decisions, communities can better recognize less visible forms of homelessness and help connect Veterans with assistance before a housing crisis becomes more severe.

This understanding can also help service providers identify gaps in existing resources and better tailor housing and supportive services to meet Veterans’ needs. When resources are accessible and responsive, they can provide more effective pathways to stability.

Learn about VA programs

• If you are a Veteran who is homeless or at risk for homelessness or need to connect with a Veterans Justice Outreach specialist, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838.
• Learn more about how VA’s One Team approach aims to end Veteran homelessness.
• Visit the VA Homeless Programs website to learn about housing initiatives and other programs for Veterans exiting homelessness.
• Get involved with housing homeless Veterans.