On a single night in 2024, more than 32,800 veterans experienced homelessness across the United States. Closer to home, 92 veterans in the Omaha metro area faced the same reality.
These are more than statistics. They are individuals who served our country and now face the uncertainty of not knowing where they will sleep tonight.
For many veterans, housing instability doesn't happen overnight. A job loss, rising rent, a health challenge, an unexpected expense, or the loss of a support system can quickly create a crisis. More often, it is several challenges colliding at once.
The good news is that homelessness is not inevitable, and it is not unsolvable.
Collaborative Solutions Work
Over the last decade, communities across the country have shown that meaningful progress is possible when housing providers, healthcare systems, veteran service organizations, government agencies, and nonprofits work together.
Since 2010, veteran homelessness has declined by more than 55% nationwide.
That progress reflects investments in proven solutions, including:
Rental assistance that helps prevent evictions
Affordable housing opportunities
Supportive services that help veterans maintain housing
Coordinated systems that connect people to resources before a crisis escalates
This progress demonstrates an important truth: when communities commit to practical, people-centered solutions, homelessness can be prevented, reduced, and resolved.
Why This Matters to All of Us
It's easy to view homelessness as someone else's problem.
But housing stability creates a foundation for everything else. Employment, healthcare, recovery, family connections, and long-term well-being become far more attainable when people have a safe place to call home.
The benefits extend beyond the individual. Stronger housing outcomes contribute to stronger neighborhoods, healthier communities, and more resilient local economies.
Progress Is Worth Sustaining
While significant progress has been made, the work is far from finished. In 2024, Point-in-Time Count data identified 129 veterans experiencing homelessness across Nebraska and 135 across Iowa. Each number represents a person whose service deserves more than our gratitude.
They deserve the opportunity to live with stability, security, and dignity.
The progress achieved over the past decade show what is possible when communities invest in prevention, housing, and supportive services. Continued advances will require ongoing collaboration, funding, and public support.
Honoring Service Through Action
We often honor veterans with words of appreciation.
Meaningful gratitude also requires action. That means supporting affordable housing, strengthening local partnerships, investing in prevention efforts, and ensuring veterans can access help before a housing crisis occurs.
Because no one who served our country should have to fight for a place to call home.
If you or a neighbor is facing housing instability, please connect with one of our Access Points. If you are able, please support our work to help prevent homelessness and support people as they connect with the resources to gain housing stability.