INDICATORS OF CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANS

Objective: This study sought to develop a set of indicators of chronic homelessness as a basis for better understanding and treatment of the homeless veteran population. Methods: Chi square analysis and the t t est or Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare characteristics of vet erans who reported long-term homelessness (more than 12 months total s ince age 18) with those of veterans who reported short-term homelessne ss (12 months or less). Subjects were 343 homeless male veterans recei ving treatment for physical, mental, or substance abuse disorders at t he West Los Angeles site of the Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans Program. Variables included history of homelessness, employment histo ry, physical and mental health, substance abuse history, social and fi nancial support, criminal history, age, ethnic group, education, milit ary service, and program discharge status. Results: Veterans experienc ing long-term homelessness were more likely to be white, to have had a longer period of recent homelessness and a greater number of homeless episodes, to have a poor employment history, to have symptoms of ment al and substance abuse disorders, and to have weaker social support. C onclusions: Results show that variables besides duration of lifetime h omelessness are important indicators of chronic homelessness.