Providing vital resources to homeless women veterans is a priority for the Women's Bureau U.S. Department of Labor. "Women in the Military: Resources for Benefits and Trauma-Informed Care" roundtable hosted by the bureau last week brought together 50 representatives from homeless shelters, medical centers, community-based organizations, and State and federal organizations. The bureau's Angela Rizzolo, who organized the roundtable with the Massachusetts Women's Veterans' Network, gave an in-depth presentation on how to use the "Trauma-Informed Care Guide." The bureau will continue to host a series of roundtables to educate service providers on the resources available to help homeless women veterans find a path to good jobs and financial security.

Through the U.S. Department of Labor's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, the Department awarded 90 grants totaling more than $20 million to fund job training and support services. The services will support the training of more than 11,000 veterans for civilian careers. The Program provides occupational, classroom and on-the-job training, as well as job search and placement assistance, including follow-up services.

The U.S. Department Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced awards of $201 million to 731 homeless programs across the United States, which provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent support for individuals and families. HUD also awarded $1.47 billion to renew funding to 7,100 existing local homeless programs. Between 2010 and 2011, homelessness declined 2.1 percent and 12 percent among Veterans.

On November 29, 2011 the TANF Faith-Based and Community Organizations Initiative, sponsored by the Office of Family Assistance, hosted a Webinar that featured an innovative community-based homeless shelter, a TANF agency that successfully uses volunteering and a presentation from the Corporation for National and Community Service on ways to strategically integrate volunteers in your own community.

From 2008 to 2009, the nation’s rate of homelessness rose by 20,000 people, or 3 percent. About four out of every 10 of these individuals live on the street, in a car, or another location not intended for human habitation. The National Alliance to End Homelessness released a report on the morning of Wednesday, January 12 analyzing the impact of the recent economic recession on homelessness in America. The report breaks its analysis into four main sections: (1) changes in rates of homelessness, (2) economic risk factors that have shifted due to the recession, (3) subpopulations that have been especially affected by the economic recession and trends within the given populations, and (4) specific States with increased risk factors for worsening rates of homelessness. The State of Homelessness in America is an effective evaluation of the most recent data related to homelessness and presents its findings using maps, tables, graphs and interactive online tools.

In 2007, around one-third of the homeless population in the United States were members of families with children. This Fragile Families Research Brief highlights research on homelessness and at-risk families. Authors offer predictors of homelessness and protective factors, which include a strong support network of family and friends, access to public assistance programs, and having a resident father in the home.

The Urban Institute authored a report that outlines how the housing crisis and economic recession puts millions of Americans at risk of homelessness, especially more vulnerable populations including the elderly, those living with disabilities, low-income children, and youth. Authors outline how the economic crisis is making it difficult for communities to keep up with the increased demand for homeless services and examine how community responses are changing, what is working, and policy recommendations.

This report is a feasibility assessment, which is an analysis of alternative datasets and analytic approaches that might be used to assess the effects of Hurricane Katrina on populations served by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This report shows the continuing needs and programs needed to serve the population. Additionally, authors identify lessons learned that can help improve service delivery in future disasters.

This report was completed through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, and the Office of Human Services Policy. Researchers reviewed data on homeless families with children, and identified knowledge gaps on homeless families among existing research. The report provides a wide range of data, which includes information on receipt of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

This is the Second Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress completed through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This resource provides characteristics and patterns of shelter use as well as data on unsheltered homeless people on a given night. Additionally, authors provide information on the capacity of the United States to house the homeless and information on where the homeless are most likely to receive shelter.