Talking about poverty isn’t easy. It’s personal, emotional, and often invisible, mainly when it affects those who once wore the uniform. For America’s veterans, poverty is more than a statistic. It’s a daily reality that shapes access to housing, health care, employment, and dignity.
At National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS), we see the ripple effects of poverty every day on the streets, in the homes of low-income veterans, and across our communities. To effectively fight veteran homelessness, we must also understand and address the underlying causes of veteran poverty.
If you or someone you know is a veteran struggling in Brevard County, whether it’s with housing, food, bills, or mental health, we are here to help.
Common Root Causes of Veteran Poverty:
- Disabilities from service (physical or mental) that limit employability
- Delays or gaps in accessing VA benefits and care
- Lack of affordable housing and rising rent costs
- Barriers to civilian employment (skills mismatch, bias, lack of certification)
- Limited support networks after discharge
- Mental health conditions like PTSD or depression
- Substance use disorders are often tied to trauma
Veteran Poverty: What the Numbers Reveal
Although veterans experience poverty at a lower rate than the general U.S. population, the consequences can be especially severe. According to the latest U.S. Census data:
- About 7.6% of veterans live below the poverty line (compared to 11.5% of nonveterans).
- That amounts to over 1.2 million veterans nationwide struggling to afford necessities.
- Veterans of color, women veterans, and younger veterans (ages 18–34) are more likely to live in poverty.
This means that while veterans statistically face poverty less often, those who do are more likely to deal with overlapping risks like homelessness, disability, and limited access to health care.
Veteran Unemployment in 2025
One of the strongest indicators of poverty risk is unemployment, and here’s what the most recent numbers tell us:
- In June 2025, the veteran unemployment rate was 3.7%, slightly down from 3.8% in May but up from 2.9% in June 2024.
- For comparison, the nonveteran unemployment rate was 4.0% in June 2025.
- Male veterans had an unemployment rate of 3.5%, while female veterans faced a higher rate at 4.4%.
- Veterans with a service-connected disability faced a 5.9% unemployment rate, higher than their nondisabled counterparts (3.0%).
While veterans as a group maintain a lower unemployment rate than the civilian population, these averages mask more profound disparities. Veterans with disabilities, women veterans, and younger veterans still face barriers to consistent employment, career advancement, and fair wages.
The Link Between Poverty, Employment, and Homelessness
When a veteran loses a job or cannot work due to injury or mental illness, the effects ripple through every part of their life. Housing becomes unaffordable. Access to care and transportation becomes limited. And if support systems fail, homelessness becomes a real risk.
In January 2024, the Department of Housing and Urban Development reported that 32,882 veterans were experiencing homelessness, a 7.5% decrease over the previous year, but still a troubling indicator of poverty’s long reach.
Affordable Housing Shortages
Housing remains one of the most significant financial burdens for low-income veterans. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, more than 460,000 veterans spend over half their income on rent. Many live on fixed incomes or disability checks that don’t keep up with rising housing costs, especially in Florida’s growing communities.
Disabilities and Service-Connected Conditions
Roughly 30% of veterans report having a disability. Physical injuries, mental health conditions like PTSD, and chronic pain all impact employability and increase reliance on public support systems. These issues also contribute to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment.
Mental Health and PTSD
Veterans are disproportionately affected by depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. These conditions often go untreated, leading to job loss, substance use, or family breakdown, all of which contribute to financial instability.
Food Insecurity
Food insecurity is another hidden form of poverty. A 2023 RAND study found that nearly 1 in 4 post-9/11 veterans reported food insecurity. Barriers to accessing food assistance programs and the stigma of asking for help often leave veterans to go without.
Poverty Among Younger Veterans
Veterans aged 18 to 34 experience higher poverty rates than their older counterparts. Many leave service without a clear path to employment, housing, or education, and often lack awareness of or access to available benefits.
Where NVHS Steps In: Fighting Poverty with Action
At NVHS, we believe that poverty isn’t just a personal failure; it’s a systemic problem with community-based solutions.
Our mission is simple: to eliminate homelessness among veterans in Central Florida. But we know the solution starts long before someone ends up on the street. That’s why our programs take a proactive approach, meeting veterans where they are and helping them stabilize their lives.
Search & Rescue
Our street-level Search & Rescue teams go directly to homeless encampments, wooded areas, and public spaces to connect with veterans living outdoors. We provide:
- Survival essentials (clothing, water, hygiene)
- Case management
- Referrals to housing and benefits
Transitional Housing
For those in crisis, we offer drug- and alcohol-free transitional housing, giving veterans a safe place to live while they:
- Look for work
- Apply for benefits
- Rebuild their financial stability
PTSA Program
PTSD is a major contributor to poverty and homelessness. The NVHS PTSA program is a beacon of hope, providing education, emotional support, and connection to mental health services. It helps veterans break the silence around PTSD and find community in their healing journey.
A Proven Track Record of Impact
Our work is about more than short-term help; it’s about long-term change. In the past year alone:
- We helped over 400 veterans and families through outreach, prevention, and housing programs.
- We reduced the homeless veteran population in Brevard County by 90% since 2008, from 1,800 to under 200.
- We’ve earned top ratings for transparency and financial stewardship, including:
- Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid
- 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator
What You Can Do: Be Part of the Solution
Veteran poverty won’t end overnight, but it can end for one person at a time, with your help.
Here’s how you can support:
- Donate: Your gift helps us provide emergency support, housing assistance, and long-term solutions.
- Volunteer: Whether it’s handing out meals, helping at events, or sharing your expertise, we need people like you.
- Sponsor: Businesses and individuals can sponsor an event or an outreach mission.
- Educate: Share what you’ve learned about veteran poverty. Awareness is the first step to change. (Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube)
Explore ways to give and discover how you can take action today, whether it’s donating goods or sponsoring an upcoming event. Every contribution moves a veteran closer to stability, dignity, and hope.
