Many programs and services are available to support homeless veterans or veterans facing housing instability. These programs can provide permanent housing assistance, direct veterans to temporary shelters, and connect them with other services such as medical care.
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Adjusting back to civilian life can be challenging. Add on possible health issues and financial instability, and you can understand why the risk of homelessness for veterans is so high. Although there has been progress in reducing homelessness among veterans over the last decade, tens of thousands of veterans still experience homelessness each night.
The VA and nonprofit organizations have developed specialized programs to support our veterans. We’ll explore some of these options below, but if you need help quickly, please know that the VA’s National Call Center for Homeless Veterans (877-424-3838) is available 24 hours a day for at-risk veterans and their families.
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In this article about homeless veteran programs:
Veterans and homelessness
Low income, substance abuse disorders, and mental illnesses are major risk factors for homelessness in adults, regardless of whether they are veterans or not. Veterans with other than honorable military discharges and veterans who experience social isolation after discharge are also at a higher risk for experiencing housing issues.
In January 2024, a single-night count known as the Point-in-Time (PIT) count identified 32,882 veterans experiencing homelessness across the United States, a 7.5% decrease from 2023. Of these veterans, approximately 20,000 were staying in shelters or transitional housing, while around 14,000 were unsheltered.
Despite this recent rise, the overall number of homeless veterans has dropped by 55.6% since 2010, mainly due to ongoing support programs and housing assistance efforts.
Homeless veteran programs
Veterans facing homelessness have access to programs designed to help them find stable housing, temporary shelter, and support services. There are many more than are listed here, but veterans can get connected with the services that are right for them through the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838).
VA medical centers also have a Homeless Coordinator. Once you find your local center using this directory, call and ask to be connected with a Homeless Coordinator.
VA programs for homeless veterans
- Community Resource and Referral Centers (CRRCs) connect veterans with community services to help them find career opportunities and permanent housing. You can find a list of centers and their contact information on their website.
- Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) programs are available at every VA medical center. They help veterans who may have trouble maintaining employment due to illnesses or other barriers find competitive employment, which can, in turn, improve their housing situation.
- Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) works to connect homeless veterans who are not already using VA services with the care they need. HCHV also runs a Contract Residential Treatment program that offers supportive housing for veterans with severe mental illnesses.
- HUD-VASH: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) is a joint program between HUD and the VA. HUD-VASH offers housing vouchers to help homeless veterans access affordable, permanent housing. Veterans also receive support services like healthcare and counseling through VA case managers.
- Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) helps families that need urgent help to avoid homelessness or find safe housing. The program also helps veterans who need more stable solutions than their current living situations.
- National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) is dedicated to ending veteran homelessness by advocating for policy changes, building partnerships, and offering a referral helpline for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Many other initiatives are going on behind the scenes, working to improve access to stable housing for veterans. A federal strategic plan for preventing all homelessness has a short-term goal of reducing homelessness by 25% by 2025. This federal initiative, called All In, focuses on strengthening housing, healthcare, and employment services to prevent homelessness.
I love this law firm. They worked very hard and won my case and then blessed my family when I was still trying to fix some issues. If you need a law firm, this is the one to get to help you.”
B.R., Army veteran from South Carolina
From a Google review for Woods & Woods
Other programs for homeless veterans
There are also non-VA programs available for homeless veterans. These were developed by nonprofit organizations to assist veterans with short-term or long-term housing needs through a variety of solutions.
- Operation Homefront is a nonprofit organization that can connect veterans with permanent or transitional housing, and short-term financial assistance.
- U.S.VETS is a nonprofit organization offering housing programs that include emergency, transitional, and permanent options for at-risk, low-income, and homeless veterans and their families. The program also builds housing developments for veterans.
- VSOs like The American Legion and DAV are nonprofit organizations that support many veteran causes including combating veteran homelessness.
How Woods & Woods can help
At Woods & Woods, we focus on helping non-working veterans with service-connected conditions get individual unemployability benefits and, in some cases, increased ratings. We also help survivors of veterans receive their DIC benefits. If you think we can help you with your claim, call us today for a free case evaluation. You won’t pay us unless we take and win your case.
Talk to Us About Your Claim:
(812) 426-7200
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Veterans at risk of homelessness or experiencing housing instability can call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID-VET. This 24/7 hotline (1-877-4AID-VET) provides confidential support for veterans, their families, and others seeking help for veterans. Trained counselors can connect veterans with local housing programs, healthcare services, and other VA resources.
In January 2024, a single-night count known as the Point-in-Time (PIT) count identified 32,882 veterans experiencing homelessness across the United States, a 7.5% decrease from 2023. Of these veterans, approximately 20,000 were staying in shelters or transitional housing, while around 14,000 were unsheltered.
Neil Woods
VA disability attorney
Woods & Woods
Neil Woods is the firm’s owner and president. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
