A non-scientific survey conducted by The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) suggests that homeless veterans in America are changing. Random survey questionnaires were sent to 179 NCHV member orgnizations throughout the country requesting feedback concerning the number of veterans served, gender, age, employment status and period of service.

Thirty-seven organizations responded, which is about 20% of the NCHV's member organizations providing transitional housing and supportive services to homeless veterans. Respondents showed an 11 to 14 percent increase in the number of clients requesting assistance over 2004 levels.

The population receiving services appears to be aging and the percentage of women requesting services has grown. In 1999, women veterans accounted for only 2 percent of the homeless veteran population (source: 1999 National Survey of Homeless Service Providers and Clients(NSHSPC)). NCHV's survey found that number to be more than 6 percent. That number is expected to increase due to greater numbers of women in combat operations.

The 1999 NSHSPC survey also found that approximately 47 percent of homeless veterans served during the Vietnam Era. The NCHV survey shows that age group may now account for as many as 56 percent of the homeless veterans seeking assistance.

NCHV plans to conduct a more thorough survey of member organizations in 2006 which should present a clearer picture of the needs of the population and service providers. Learn more about NCHV at their website: www.nchv.org