There are approximately 2,000 homeless veterans in the San Diego region, or 40 percent of the urban adult homeless population. The strong military presence in San Diego County may account for these numbers, which are relatively high when compared to other regions. Many former enlisted personnel have either spent a portion of their service in the San Diego area, or have been separated from service in San Diego. Many remain in the area in search of jobs. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a large number of veterans are considered at-risk homeless due to poverty, lack of support from family and friends, and tenuous housing conditions.
Most homeless veterans are male.
The average age is 40. Eighty percent of homeless veterans are high school graduates, and studies indicate that 33 percent have gone to or graduated from college. Nationally, about 40 percent of homeless veterans are African American or Hispanic. The Monthly Labor Review reported in 1990 that African American and Hispanic Vietnam era veterans have at least twice the unemployment rate of white Vietnam era veterans. Special Characteristics Veterans deal with problems in addition to homelessness.