Unmet needs of homeless U.S. veterans by gender and race/ethnicity: Data from five annual surveys.

Abstract

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 StatementThe 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.

Systematic review of access to healthcare and social services among US women Veterans experiencing homelessness

“…For example, Hispanic female Veterans experiencing homelessness were more likely to report needs around domestic violence (aOR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.02–5.02), food and transportation (aOR = 3.96, 95% CI: 1.82–8.63), and Black female Veterans had higher substance use treatment needs (aOR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.23–6.64) compared to other racial categories. 53 Stigma was also noted to be a barrier to accessing healthcare and social services. Female Veterans discussed the stigma attached to PTSD and MST in the military 25 and the stigma around housing insecurity 54 prevented them from disclosing their need for additional services.…”

“…44 Female Veterans experiencing homelessness also reported increased unmet needs, particularly around emergency shelter (aOR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.16-1.69) transitional housing (aOR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.22-1.88)), and dental care (aOR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.17-1.71). 53 When examining specific VA housing programs, although women were more likely to be admitted to HUD-VASH housing, they were less likely to be in Grant Per Diem (GPD) transitional housing (32.9% versus 41.5%, χ 2 = 116.8, p < 0.001) suggesting that there may be less available transitional housing for female Veterans to live in while they await the more permanent HUD-VASH housing. 10 This finding was supported by another study, which found female Veterans experiencing homelessness were less likely to be part of a group of VA homeless program users whose pattern of VA homeless program use over time was comprised heavily of transitional housing programs (7% in transitional programs versus 13%-18% in other programs).…”