Supporting Veteran Homelessness and Housing Needs in Florida  

Like so many states today, the skyrocketing cost of housing in Florida is contributing to a growing homeless population. In fact, from 2022-2023, Florida was one of five states to see the largest increase in homelessness, at 18.5%, according to the 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report.  
 
Specific to veterans, Florida also has the third largest population in the nation, approximately 1.4 million. With 7% of the nation’s homeless veteran population, Florida is also ranked one of the five worst states for veteran homelessness.  

Our 2024 Summit in Fort Lauderdale was underwritten by Craig Newmark Philanthropies, and supported by CSX and Pendleton Whisky. We brought together local experts to discuss the housing issues in Florida. Panelists included Ashley Lowery, president and CEO of Homeless Empowerment Project (HEP); Janet Stringfellow, president and CEO of Volunteers of America of Florida; and Pye Young, managing attorney with Bay Area Legal Services. They spoke of the housing challenges veterans face, and how their organizations are working to address these challenges.  

Lowery, Young, and Stringfellow spoke of their different efforts to help veterans find housing. Bay Area Legal Services connects veterans to landlords who accept HUD VASH vouchers. Volunteers of America Florida offers affordable housing and support services that include behavioral health training, education, and employment assistance. Similarly, HEP provides affordable housing combined with on-site services such as mental health counseling, dental care, transportation, and employment support.  

For those who were unable to attend the Summit, read the highlights. 

For more about the gap between the demand for and supply of services, including housing, visit our “Got Your 6 Network: Quantifying and Addressing Veterans’ Needs in 2023”  

If you’re interested in being a Got Your 6 Network partner, apply today.