From Service to Stability: Continuing the Fight Against Veterans’ Homelessness

In honor of Veterans Day, we want to take a moment to focus on the ongoing issue of veterans’ homelessness, both the progress we’ve made and the work that remains.

Across the country, homelessness among veterans has dropped significantly. On a single night in January 2024, an estimated 32,882 veterans were experiencing homelessness, a record low since reporting began. That number reflects about a 7.5% decrease from 2023 and roughly a 55% reduction since 2010. These numbers are an important testament to what happens when federal, state, and local systems align, invest, and persist.

Here at home in southeast Michigan, we’re part of that story. We continuously partner with veteran service providers, from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and its local outreach teams to county veteran services (Oakland County Veterans’ Services, Macomb County Veterans Services), to make sure those who’ve served are connected to the housing and supports they need to live dignified lives.

And yet, the job is far from done. While veterans’ homelessness has fallen, veterans are still experiencing homelessness. That means someone who defended our freedoms is still without stable housing. That means we as a community must stay committed, invest in the right infrastructure, build strong partnerships, and maintain momentum. In short: yes, we are making progress but no, this isn’t a time to relax.

As we honor veterans, let’s remember that honoring the folks who served our country means more than recognition, it means acting. Housing + supportive services = a meaningful way to say “thank you” in real, lasting terms. Let’s continue working together to make sure no veteran is left living on our streets. Make a donation to help continue our work.