JACKSON, Miss. ( WJTV ) – Though Mississippi has a sizable military presence, a report reveals that support for veterans does not seem to match.

About 17.9 million veterans live across the United States. More than 146,000 live in Mississippi, making up roughly 6.5% of the adult population in 2022. However, SmileHub ranked Mississippi as the 7th worst state for America’s heroes.

Two key statistics stood out: the amount of veterans charities per capita and the veteran unemployment rate. The SmileHub report revealed that Mississippi had the fifth-highest rate of unemployment among veterans nationally. Additionally, Mississippi has the second-fewest veteran charities per capita.

Other report reveals grim data on veteran outcomes. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, rates of veteran homelessness went down 83% between 2009 and 2023 in Mississippi. However, veterans make up about 8.29% of all individual adults facing homelessness in the state. That is a 27% higher share than their presence in Mississippi’s adult population.

Still, governmental and nonprofit stakeholders seek to improve the lives of veterans and their families. In August, the Jackson VA Regional Office building reopened following months of renovation. To be best connected to local and national resources, visit va.gov .

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