Veterans and Homelessness

Dr. Elena KlawPsych 190: Warriors at Home

Goals for Today Risk factors for homelessness in vets Rates of homelessness Addressing risk factors

Based on what you have learned so far…

Why might veterans be at particular risk for homelessness?

Risk Factors for Veterans Unemployment upon return Higher rates of divorce, family

conflict Trauma related mental illness Substance abuse Intimate violence Need to complete education Need to translate military experience

and skills (MOS) to civilian resume Low social support

CDCP Research ReportFargo et al. (2012) Homelessness

Among US Veterans Veterans are overrepresented as homeless

in the US. Vets are at greater risk than nonveterans

of becoming homeless. Among the 136,000 homeless veterans in

2009, 53% had a chronic health condition. Chronic health conditions can be causes

or consequences of homelessness. Public health: Need to understand risk

factors for homelessness and the health needs of homeless vets to design effective prevention and intervention.

Addressing Risk Factors Men aged 45-to 54-year-old appeared to be at the

highest risk of homelessness whereas for women, homeless risk declined with age.

Women are most likely to be homeless when they are heading families with young children.

Seems recent tour women vets are more likely to be homeless than older women vets and are in need of reintegration efforts.

Being African American increases homelessness risk. Being a vet increases homelessness risk above and

beyond effects of poverty. Poverty alleviation efforts for vets in poverty such as

utilities and housing payments are essential. Other ideas?