(Photo: fourbyfourblazer)
On Wednesday, the VA unveiled a new initiative to combat Veteran Homelessness by allocating hundreds of millions in funding for rehousing programs, renewing support for existing case management grants, and encouraging city mayors to partner with landlords to provide housing for homeless Veterans. These measures will reinforce the VA’s mission to ensure every Veteran has access to safe and stable housing and are part of an ongoing national effort to reduce homelessness, which has declined significantly in recent years under the Biden administration.
The VA plans to provide funding through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families, SSVF, grants to assist organizations in securing housing for Veterans and their families or preventing homelessness. The funding, determined by the VA’s budget, will support operations starting October 1, 2025.
Additionally, the Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Case Management Grants, GPD, will deliver $15 million annually for three years to renew funding for existing programs, supporting approximately 120 case manager positions. Award amounts will vary from $75,000 to $300,000. Grant awards will support operations for a three-year period beginning in October 2025.
The Mayor’s Pledge to House Homeless Veterans encourages mayors nationwide to partner with landlords and property managers to make rental units available to Veterans. By working with local VA homelessness teams, these partnerships seek to increase housing options for Veterans, strengthening local efforts to connect Veterans to affordable housing.
The VA’s initiative prioritizes providing immediate housing to Veterans, followed by supportive services to help them maintain stability. In fiscal year 2024, nearly 48,000 homeless Veterans were permanently housed, with a total of 134,000 housed since 2022. Veteran homelessness has decreased by 55.6% since 2009, with 32,882 Veterans identified as homeless in January 2024—a record low.
VA Secretary Denis McDonough stressed the role of local leaders, particularly mayors, in rallying community resources to help Veterans transition to permanent housing. He reiterated the department’s commitment to ending Veteran homelessness, noting the significant progress made and the work still required to ensure every Veteran has a place to call home.
These efforts align with the administration’s goal of reducing homelessness across the nation. Despite representing just 7% of the U.S. population, Veterans account for 13% of the homeless population. The VA continues to address this issue through funding programs, community engagement, and targeted strategies, demonstrating its dedication to meeting the needs of homeless Veterans.
For more information about these programs and the VA’s work to combat homelessness, visit the VA’s website. Through collaborative efforts, the vision of eliminating homelessness among Veterans becomes increasingly attainable.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.