According to the results of the 2022 point-in-time (PIT) count, veteran homelessness steadily declined over the last two years. The count shows the homeless vet population declined by 11% from 2020. The Department of Housing & Urban Development confirms it is the steepest decline in more than five years. The decline comes after billions were set aside to specifically address homelessness across America.

The PIT Count data reveals on a single night in January 2022 33,136 Veterans experienced homelessness in the United States. While that number is steep, it is actually down from 37,252 from the same time in 2020. Further, the data points to a 55% decline in veterans experiencing homelessness since 2010.

HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge says “All Vets deserve to have what they need to lead healthy, safe, and successful lives – that starts with a place to call home. Fudge also says the 2022 PIT count shows “we are closer to ensuring every Veteran in America has a home.”

More Federal Leaders also praise the 2022 PIT Count Data. VA Secretary Denis McDonough says “One Vet… experiencing homelessness will always be one too many, but the 2022 PIT Count shows that we are making real progress in the fight to end Vet… homelessness.”

One notable exception of the 2022 PIT Count is the Department of Veterans Affairs effort to re-house 38,000 veterans by the end of the year. Through September, nearly 31,000 veterans have been moved into permanent housing. Federal leaders credit the success to data to the “housing first” approach.

Resources for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness

Housing First priorities getting veterans into housing. More information is available here on Housing First. Finally, if you know a vet experiencing homelessness, or at risk of becoming homeless, there are resources available to help. You can call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838) or click here to find online resources.