Definitions

Functional Zero means veteran homelessness is rare, and every unhoused veteran has the opportunity and support to have permanent housing.

Functional Zero is part of the Build for Zero national movement and methodology. Local communities use data to impact their response and outreach to unsheltered individuals.

Any person who served in the military and does not have a permanent residence. The Veterans Administration (VA) defines “homeless,” “homeless individual,” and “homeless person” as any of the following:

• An individual or family without a full-time or adequate nighttime residence.
• An individual or family with a full-time nighttime residence that is not intended to be a regular place for people to sleep, including a car, park, abandoned building, bus or train station, airport, or camping ground.
• An individual or family living in a shelter (including a hotel or motel) designated as a temporary living arrangement.
• An individual or family residing in a place not meant for human habitation or exiting an institution where they temporarily resided.
• An individual or family who will imminently lose their housing, including housing they own, rent, or live in without paying rent or are sharing with others, as well as rooms in hotels or motels.
• An individual or family who is fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other dangerous or life-threatening conditions in their current housing situation.
• An unaccompanied youth and homeless families with children and youths.

Veterans who are experiencing homelessness or are at imminent risk of homelessness are strongly encouraged to contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838) for assistance.

Housing is considered affordable when no more than 30% of household income is spent on housing.