Unmet Needs of Homeless US Veterans by Gender and Race/Ethnicity: Data From Five Annual Surveys

There has been insufficient research on gender, race, and ethnic differences in unmet needs of homeless populations. This study analyzed 5 years of data collected by Project Community Homelessness Assessment, Local Education, and Networking Groups (CHALENG) surveys from 2012 to 2016 to examine gender, race, and ethnic differences in literally homeless veterans (i.e., veterans living in the streets, shelters, vehicles, or any other place not meant for habitation). Of 7,040 participants, there were 6,335 male and 705 female literally homeless veterans from 4 self-identified racial/ethnic categories (White, Black, Hispanic, and Other). The results showed that homeless female veterans were significantly more likely to report unmet needs related to emergency shelter, transitional housing, and dental care than male veterans. Among men, White veterans reported greater unmet needs in housing, healthcare, basic needs, and specialized needs than racial/ethnic minority veterans. Among women, veterans who were racial/ethnic minorities reported greater unmet needs than their White counterparts. These findings suggest programmatic attention to gender, race, and ethnicity is important in addressing diverse needs of homeless veterans and specialized services may be needed to address their specific and consistent unmet needs. Impact Statement The needs of homeless veterans are influenced by gender, race, and ethnicity. This study found unmet needs among homeless veterans differed between White and racial/minorities as well as males and females. Programs serving homeless veterans should seek to understand specific needs of subgroups and how best to address them by incorporating veteran-centered care and culturally sensitive interventions.

Automated summary

Insufficient research has been conducted on the unmet needs of homeless populations with regards to gender, race, and ethnicity. This study analyzes data from 2012 to 2016 and finds that homeless female veterans are more likely to report unmet needs related to emergency shelter, transitional housing, and dental care compared to male veterans. Additionally, white veterans have greater unmet needs in housing, healthcare, basic needs, and specialized needs compared to racial/ethnic minority veterans. These findings highlight the importance of addressing the diverse needs of homeless veterans based on their gender, race, and ethnicity.