One of Newsom’s biggest recent homelessness initiatives sets aside special funds for homeless veterans. But how prevalent are vets in California’s homeless population?

Military veterans, at higher risk of mental illness and substance abuse issues, make up a disproportionate share of the country’s homeless population. Nearly 11,000 veterans experience homelessness in California on any given night, about 6% of the state’s total homeless population. Most vets experiencing homelessness are over age 50, and often have significant disabilities and medical conditions that are exacerbated by precarious housing situations. Military members who experienced an episode of sexual trauma during their service are at especially high risk.

While the number of vets living on the streets is down significantly from 2011, thanks in part to the Obama administration’s “housing first” approach targeting vets, it has plateaued in recent years – even increasing slightly last year. 

New homelessness initiatives continue to target this population. Newsom’s Proposition 1, narrowly approved by voters, promises to create 6,800 beds in mental health facilities, plus 4,350 new homes – 2,350 of which would be reserved for veterans.