Sufficient uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine is key to slowing the spread of the coronavirus among the most vulnerable in society, including individuals experiencing homelessness. However, COVID-19 vaccination rates among the Veteran homeless population are currently unknown. This study examines the COVID-19 vaccination rate among homeless Veterans who receive care at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the factors that are associated with vaccine uptake. Using VA administrative and clinical data, bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify the sociodemographic, health-related, and healthcare and housing services utilization factors that influenced COVID-19 vaccine uptake during the first eight months of the vaccine rollout (December 2020–August 2021). Of the 83,528 Veterans experiencing homelessness included in the study, 45.8% were vaccinated for COVID-19. Non-white, older Veterans (65+), females, those who received the seasonal flu vaccine, and Veterans with multiple comorbidities and mental health conditions were more likely to be vaccinated. There was a strong association between COVID-19 vaccination and Veterans who utilized VA healthcare and housing services. VA healthcare and homeless service providers are particularly well-positioned to provide trusted information and overcome access barriers for homeless Veterans to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Community-based organizations (CBOs) are essential to supporting homeless populations during disasters, yet little is known about their preparedness and ability to support their vulnerable clients. This qualitative study evaluated the perceptions of Los Angeles nonprofit homeless residential service providers regarding the likely impacts of a disaster on their clients and operations, the barriers they face in disaster planning, and their suggested solutions to facilitate preparedness within their sector. Twelve semistructured interviews were conducted with executive staff and emergency planners from six organizations serving people experiencing homelessness. Respondents reported significant barriers to both postdisaster services and collaboration with emergency management. They indicated both a need for and interest in technical assistance and training to develop their disaster capabilities. These concerns suggest that a multisector effort, including homeless-service organizations, their funders, and emergency managers, is needed to strengthen the resilience of safety-net CBOs serving homeless populations.

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