In recent years, we have celebrated significant strides in reducing homelessness among our nation’s veterans. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the number of veterans experiencing homelessness saw a commendable drop of 55.3% between 2010 and 2022, a testament to the dedicated efforts of organizations like Endeavors and collaborative initiatives across the country. However, the VA’s latest reports brought forth a disheartening reality – a 7% increase in veteran homelessness from 2022 to 2023, with Texas witnessing a staggering 19% surge, painting a concerning picture for our heroes in the Lone Star State.
On a single night in January 2023, 35,574 veterans found themselves grappling with homelessness, according to a report by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Among them, 20,076 were fortunate to be sheltered, while a troubling 15,507 remained unsheltered. These figures underscore the urgency of the situation and demand a concerted response from our communities, government, and service organizations like Endeavors.