(WNY News Now) – New York State has witnessed a groundbreaking 83% decrease in homelessness among veterans from 2010 to 2022, marking the most substantial decline nationwide, according to an analysis by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The success is attributed to robust federal support, with the number of homeless veterans dropping from 5,857 to 990 during the period.
New York – New York State has emerged as a beacon of progress in the battle against veteran homelessness, achieving an impressive 83% reduction between 2010 and 2022, as reported by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The decline, from 5,857 to 990 homeless veterans, stands as the most significant percentage drop in the nation. DiNapoli emphasized the crucial role of federal support in this success, acknowledging the dedication and sacrifice of veterans in defending the nation.
Comptroller DiNapoli commended the federal initiatives that catalyzed this positive trend, particularly highlighting the impact of the first Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness released by the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness in 2010. Federal funding directed towards addressing veterans’ homelessness through the Veteran’s Administration skyrocketed from $376 million in 2009 to an impressive $2.7 billion in 2022, marking a remarkable 635% increase.
The most substantial reduction in New York occurred between 2011 and 2016, witnessing a 78% decrease in homeless veterans from 5,765 to 1,248. This success underscores the effectiveness of federal policies and funding over the years.
New York City Leads the Way
New York City has been at the forefront of the battle against veteran homelessness, achieving a remarkable 90% reduction from 2011 to 2022. The total number of homeless veterans in the city dwindled from 4,677 to 482 individuals during this period. In 2011, New York City accounted for a staggering 81% of all homeless veterans in the state, but by 2022, this share had reduced to 49%. The city’s efforts account for a whopping 96% of the statewide reduction in veteran homelessness between 2011 and 2022.
The success of federally-funded programs coordinated by the Mayor’s Office of Veterans’ Affairs in New York City led to the federal government’s declaration in 2015 that the city had effectively ended chronic homelessness among veterans.
Analysis Highlights Disparities
While celebrating the overall success, Comptroller DiNapoli’s analysis shed light on persistent disparities within the veteran homeless population. In 2022, Black or African American veterans represented 53% of homeless veterans in the state, despite constituting only 11.1% of the overall veteran population. This underscores the need for targeted efforts to address the specific challenges faced by Black veterans.
In terms of demographics, New York is home to a diverse veteran population, with the largest shares being white males aged 65 or older who served during the Vietnam era. Notably, New York City boasts the largest veteran population in the state, with 144,558 veterans, followed by Suffolk County with 56,257. Jefferson County stands out with the highest percentage of veterans as a share of the county’s population, at 13%.
As New York continues its commendable strides in reducing veteran homelessness, Comptroller DiNapoli emphasizes the ongoing importance of housing and support programs to express gratitude and fulfill the duty of aiding these brave men and women who answered the call to serve.
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