Author: Dale Mullin
An uninviting trend has been unfolding across the country – the rapid increase of older Americans experiencing homelessness. This trend is overwhelmingly affecting those who came of age during the late 1970s and early 1980s, born between 1955 and 1965, right after the peak of the post-World War II baby boom. As these individuals entered the job market, they faced stiff competition from earlier baby boomers, who were more experienced job seekers.
Veterans have not been spared from the negative impacts of this issue. According to a study by the National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, the number of homeless veterans aged 55 or older increased by 150% from 2010 to 2023.
Why the increase in older homeless veterans?
Many factors come into play when talking about homelessness – extreme shortage of affordable housing, livable income, natural disasters and access to health care. For older veterans, there are larger factors that put them at risk of displacement.
Many live with lingering effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use. They deal with invisible injuries from their service, trauma that affects their sleep, relationships and ability to work. This is compounded by a lack of family and social support networks. Additionally, many studies have shown that homelessness can worsen pre-existing challenges among aging veterans. For instance, aging homeless veterans face higher rates of mortality and morbidity, including conditions like cardiovascular disease, dementia, orthopedic issues and dental problems.
Solving homelessness of aging veterans
Solving the “silver tsunami” of aging veterans experiencing homelessness is not an easy task. It requires dedicated efforts at the community level on the part of many people and organizations.
Striving for immediate permanent housing is an excellent first step to eradicating the homelessness issue, but it’s not the only step. Without support services, like those offered in the Warrior Homes of Collier program, within two years up to 25% of homeless veterans relapse and end up on the streets again.
A “housing first” approach is essential to addressing homelessness among aging veterans by prioritizing immediate access to stable housing paired with supportive services. Expanding HUD–Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers allows veterans to secure affordable, private housing while connecting them to essential health care, mental health and substance-use services. Strengthening the VA’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families rapid re-housing program further helps prevent and end homelessness by providing short-term financial assistance, case management and legal support to stabilize housing.
Success also requires strong partnerships across communities. Working with developers, landlords and realtors can increase the availability of affordable rental units while highlighting the benefits of renting to veterans. Targeted outreach through VA events, collaboration with nonprofit organizations and the engagement of community volunteers help identify veterans at risk before homelessness occurs. Employment assistance, combined with access to mental health care and legal services, strengthens long-term stability and reduces the risk of housing insecurity. Soliciting the financial assistance of local philanthropic organizations, clubs and faith-based entities are critical to achieving financial needs.
What’s next?
The United States continues to face a widespread housing and homelessness challenge, with growing implications for aging veterans. As this population gets older, effective responses increasingly require housing solutions that are coordinated with health care access, supportive services and respect for an individual’s independence and well-being.
Warrior Homes of Collier is an organization that provides transitional housing, health care coordination and employment support for homeless veterans as part of a broader community-based response to this issue.
Because government money for homeless veterans is limited and the VA serves a small portion of this population, it is critical that community groups reach out to help provide the support, resources and opportunities most Americans take for granted – housing, health care and employment. Advocating is a must… to help give a voice to those who cannot be heard or seen.
About the Author
Dale Mullin, a Naples, Florida resident, is the founder and president of Warrior Homes of Collier and a retired Vietnam veteran.
