Reflections on Service and Sacrifice

Saturday, November 11 is Veterans Day. Originally celebrated as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I, it was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all who have served in all conflicts. It is a day to celebrate and honor America's veterans for their unwavering readiness to serve for the greater good of the nation.

On this day, we honor those in the Health Care for the Homeless community who have served in the armed forces. This includes many staff members who have chosen to continue acting in service through your work to end homelessness, including…

La Keesha Arrington-Vega

Rosita Harris

Cheryl Hunter

Pat Scott

Ryan Burrows

David Ramsey

Please let REI Program Manager Adedoyin Eisape know if you have served to be added to this list.

We also honor countless clients who should never have had to live without a home in the country they served.

Key Facts related to disparities among veterans :

• Since 2010, following a noted shift to “housing-first” policies, we’ve seen nationally a 55% decline in veteran homelessness. The 33,000 veterans who continue to experience homelessness on any given night are proof that there’s still much work yet ahead.
• Veterans of color have the highest likelihood of homelessness.
  • Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Veterans are most at risk with 106 out of every 10,000 experiencing homelessness
  • Among Native Americans, 88 out of every 10,000 lack a home
  • Among Black/African American Veterans, 56 out of every 10,000 experience homelessness
• Veterans who experienced homelessness after military service were younger, enlisted with lower pay grades, and were more likely to be diagnosed with mental disorders and/or traumatic brain injury at the time of separation from active duty than their housed counterparts.
• Rates of homelessness among transgender Veterans is triple that of non-transgender Veterans.

Explore these resources to learn more:

• Why Veterans Remain at Greater Risk of Homelessness
• Housing Instability and Homeless Program Use Among Veterans: The Intersection of Race, Sex, and Homelessness
• How Does the Housing Crisis Impact Veterans?
• Health Disparities in Veterans: A Map of the Evidence

Let us remember the armistice that once heralded the hope for lasting peace and the continued courage of those who have fought for it.

Explore Local Events & Activities

2023 National Women Veterans Leadership and Divers, Thu, Nov 9, 2023 at 7:00 PM

Baltimore City Veterans Day Parade, Fri, Nov 10, 2023 at 12:00 PM

Support Veterans on Veterans Day at the Museum, Fri, Nov 10, 2023 at 12:00 PM

Veterans Day Garden Yoga, Meditation, and Tai Chi at Dumbarton House, Sat, Nov 11, 2023 at 10:30 AM

Black and Pink Veterans Day/Breast Cancer Awarenes, Sat, Nov 11, 2023 at 11:30 AM

Baltimore Veterans Day Showcase, Sat, Nov 11, 2023 at 1:00 PM

Annual Veterans Day Program, Sat, Nov 11, 2023 at 3:00 PM

DMV "Home For The Holidays" Concert and Veterans Recognition Dinner, Sat, Nov 11, 2023 at 6:00 PM

Veterans Celebration and Resource Fair, Sun, Nov 12, 2023 at 10:00 AM

Veterans Day Celebration, Sun, Nov 12, 2023 at 10:30 AM

Recital & Evensong for the Commemoration of Veterans Day, Sun, Nov 12, 2023 at 4:30 PM

Vets Nite for Fun: Veterans Week @ Throw Social DC, Mon, Nov 13, 2023 at 6:00 PM

Medicare For Veterans, Fri, Nov 17, 2023 at 6:30 PM

Veterans Housing Fundraiser GALA Dinner & Show Tickets, Wed, Dec 13, 2023 at 7:00 PM