Q: How many homeless veterans are there?
A: Project Phoenix House has not attempted a statewide estimate using the same methodology with which we did the city estimate. Although accurate numbers are impossible to come by -- no one keeps national records on homeless veterans -- the VA estimates that nearly 200,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. And nearly 400,000 experience homelessness over the course of a year. Conservatively, one out of every three homeless men who is sleeping in a doorway, alley or box in our cities and rural communities has put on a uniform and served this country. According to the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients (U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness and the Urban Institute, 1999), veterans account for 23% of all homeless people in America.

Each year, 2.3 million to 3.5 million people experience homelessness in America. By taking 23% of that range for veterans, that would indicate there are between 529,000 and 840,000 veterans who are homeless at some time during the year.

Q: What percentage of people experiencing homelessness are single adults, families, men, women and youth?
A: According to the 2008, Project Phoenix House estimate, 36 percent were children, 16 percent were adults in families, 43 percent were single adults and 10 percent were unaccompanied homeless youth. (The percentages add up to more than 100 percent because there is some overlap between homeless youth and the other categories). According to the 2007 Point in Time Count, 65 percent of homeless people were single individuals and 35 percent were individuals in families. Less than 1 percent were unaccompanied homeless youth, but it's important to note that homeless youth were likely undercounted. There are very few shelter beds available for homeless minors and they are hard to locate unsheltered.

Q:  What is the racial breakdown of homeless veterans?
A: According to the City of Maryland 2007 Point in Time Count, the racial demographics of the homeless population were:

African American: 75 percent
White: 16 percent
Latino: 6 percent

Q: How many homeless veterans are survivors of domestic violence?
A: 56 percent of women in homeless shelters reported that they had experienced domestic violence. Children kept out of school. "Not-in-my-backyard" opposition to housing and services. Laws punishing homeless veterans, women and children for living in public places -- when there is nowhere else to go. Homeless people unable to prove their identity -- and therefore unable to get the aid they need and to which they are entitled. Domestic violence survivors losing their homes through no fault of their own.