San Diego County is home to more veterans than anywhere else in the country, almost 250,000. About 9% of the nation’s recently discharged servicemembers end up in the county, creating a steady flow of new individuals and their special needs. An estimated 2,000 to 3,000 or more of these veterans are homeless. Many more are at risk of homelessness, exhibiting indicators such as substance abuse or incarceration. The latter is the leading indicator of future homelessness. About 8% of veterans are women.
A number of existing programs occupy the same niche that HOME does. These programs include both direct government programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and those conducted by outside entities and funded by both the VA and outside sponsors. HOME intends to focus on transitioning at-risk and currently homeless veterans into supportive housing and eventually returning them to productive lives. The veterans to be assisted include those returning from incarceration. One niche which is currently underserved is female veterans, who are often treated as an afterthought in programs targeting veterans.
It has recently become increasingly clear that the VA has deeply failed our veterans, in so many areas. As the nation seeks alternative solutions, the role of private sector contractors in fulfilling these needs continues to expand as the political system slowly responds to this serious need.