Quick Facts
(Source: NM DVS and 2000 & 2006 Census Data)
The numbers caught our attention and drove us into action!
The numbers paint a clear picture of why we should care about the homeless veterans. Because there is such a disproportionate number of homeless Black vets, the BAVNM need not target this particular ethnic group. Simply focusing on helping all homeless veterans will naturally provide critical assistant to vets of all races. BVANM is passionate about taking on an advocacy, awareness and fund raising role for all veterans.
- In the United States there are over 24.7 million veterans
- In the United States there are over 200,000 homeless veterans
- In New Mexico there are over 183,000 veterans
- In New Mexico there are over 7000 homeless veterans
- In New Mexico there are about 4000 Black veteransNational average is .8% (almost 1%) of the nation’s vets are homelessState Average is 3.8% of New Mexican vest are homelessEthnic Group average is 23% of Black New Mexican vets are homeless
Surg Seen in Number of Homeless Vets
WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 — More than 400 veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have turned up homeless, and the Veterans Affairs Department and aid groups say they are bracing for a new surge in homeless veterans in the years ahead.
Link to full NY TIMES Article
Who are homeless veterans?
The U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) says the nation's homeless veterans are mostly males (4 % are females). The vast majority are single, most come from poor, disadvantaged communities, 45% suffer from mental illness, and half have substance abuse problems.
Link to full National Coalition for Homeless Veterans Article
