Female Veterans’ risk factors for homelessness: A scoping review

Abstract

LAY SUMMARY Homelessness is a problem among female Canadian Veterans. Approximately 15% of the Canadian Veteran population is female, yet female Veterans constitute approximately 30% of the homeless Canadian Veteran population. In response, the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs has called for the investigation of homelessness among female Canadian Veterans to address this research gap. A scoping review was conducted on the lived experiences of homeless female Veterans to identify factors associated with homelessness. This review was the initial step in a larger research framework to investigate the lived experiences of homeless Canadian female Veterans. Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria and were included for synthesis. Four themes were identified, corresponding with the period in which they occurred (pre-military service, post-military service, during military service, and across the lifespan). Several implications are clear. First, Canadian research on female Veteran homelessness is needed. Second, future research must use a framework that accounts for multifactorial and multi-dimensional issues, as well as a sex- and gender-based analysis lens.