Universal screening for homelessness and risk for homelessness in the Veterans Health Administration

Am J Public Health. 2013 Dec;103 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):S210-1. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301398. Epub 2013 Oct 22.

Abstract

We examined data for all veterans who completed the Veterans Health Administration's national homelessness screening instrument between October 1, 2012, and January 10, 2013. Among veterans who were not engaged with the US Department of Veterans Affairs homeless system and presented for primary care services, the prevalence of recent housing instability or homelessness was 0.9% and homelessness risk was 1.2%. Future research will refine outreach strategies, targeting of prevention resources, and development of novel interventions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Housing / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Ill-Housed Persons / statistics & numerical data*
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / organization & administration*
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Public Assistance / statistics & numerical data
  • Risk Factors
  • United States / epidemiology
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs / organization & administration
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult