130,000 Homeless Veterans

"Soldiers returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). In response, the military has provided extensive resources to address these issues. Because a highly developed network of ongoing supports is available for veterans with PTSD and TBI, these veterans are at substantially lower risk for becoming homeless. This clearly illustrates how support networks can mitigate the risk for homelessness.

Even though family, friends and caretakers are essential for supporting veterans in the community, resources provided by the military and the Department of Veterans Affairs may not extend beyond the veteran. Private and nonprofit organizations are trying to bridge this gap, but the unmet need is great."