Veteran in housing unit built for veterans by Utah nonprofit. National veteran homelessness hit record-low in 2025, but half the states reported increases during January 2025 count. (Photo Courtesy of USA Project Valor)
Veteran homelessness saw a slight drop from 2024 to 2025, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s January 2025 point-in-time count. The count revealed 32,495 veterans without homes, a decrease of 387 from the previous year. Of these, 18,877 were sheltered, while 13,518 lived unsheltered.
Despite the national decline, 25 states, including Oregon, Pennsylvania, and New York, reported increases in veteran homelessness. Oregon alone added 228 veterans to its homeless count, a 16% rise. Mississippi experienced the highest percentage increase at 88%, escalating from 40 to 75 homeless veterans. Conversely, California saw the largest decrease, reducing its homeless veteran population by 624, a 7% drop.
Since 2010, veteran homelessness has plummeted by over 56%, marking a record low in 2025. This sustained decline is attributed to ongoing federal investments in housing and mental health services. States have also stepped up, using various programs to address veteran homelessness, such as incentives for landlords and coordinated services.
In July, New Jersey’s Bringing Veterans Home initiative successfully housed more veterans than those entering homelessness, with over 2,500 veterans permanently housed since November 2024. Minnesota’s statewide by-name registry helped reduce veteran homelessness by 25% in a year. Efforts to engage landlords in housing programs are seen as crucial, with Florida and Maine implementing initiatives to incentivize landlord participation.
California allocated $109.6 million for 278 supportive homes, including 103 units for veterans. Pennsylvania invested around $805,000 from its Veterans’ Trust Fund into housing assistance programs. Erin Healy of Community Solutions emphasized the urgency around veteran homelessness, suggesting these solutions could benefit other homeless groups.
Following the 2024 Supreme Court ruling in Grants Pass v. Johnson, many states and cities have enacted stricter laws on public camping, affecting unsheltered homelessness. Indiana’s statewide public camping ban and similar laws in Georgia and Oklahoma are examples of these legislative measures.
