Veteran homelessness in the U.S. showed a small decline from 2024 to 2025, as per the January 2025 point-in-time count. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported 32,495 veterans experiencing homelessness, marking a 1.2% decrease from the previous year. The count included 18,877 sheltered veterans and 13,518 unsheltered, living in unsuitable environments.
Despite the overall improvement, 25 states saw an increase in veteran homelessness, while 23 states reported a decrease. Alaska and Massachusetts reported no change. Oregon experienced the largest increase, with 228 more homeless veterans, a 16% rise. Pennsylvania’s veteran homelessness grew by 14% with 98 additional veterans, whereas New York saw nearly an 8% increase.
Mississippi had an 88% surge, from 40 to 75 homeless veterans. Utah and Wyoming also reported increases of 36% and 30%, respectively. Conversely, California experienced the largest decline, with 624 fewer homeless veterans, a 7% decrease. Other states like Florida, Indiana, and Illinois also saw reductions. North Dakota’s numbers dropped significantly by 36%.
Veteran homelessness has decreased over 56% since 2010, reaching its lowest in 2025. This long-term decline is attributed to sustained federal investments in housing and mental health services since 2009. States have actively contributed by incentivizing landlords and offering coordinated services.
New Jersey’s Bringing Veterans Home initiative, launched in November 2024, successfully housed more veterans than those entering homelessness, supported by over $30 million in funding. Minnesota’s by-name registry has improved service coordination, reducing homelessness by 25% in a year.
Florida’s pilot program encourages landlords to participate in federal housing vouchers, while Maine offers incentives to nonprofits for landlord and housing provider grants. California funded $109.6 million for supportive homes, including units for veterans. Pennsylvania allocated $805,000 from its Veterans’ Trust Fund for emergency housing assistance.
Since the 2024 U.S. Supreme Court ruling on public camping, many states and cities have implemented stricter laws against unsheltered homelessness. Indiana, Georgia, and Oklahoma have passed laws addressing public camping and related activities.
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