Skid Row, Los Angeles (Photo: Timothy Krause)
The VA has announced $42 million in new grants to help Veterans facing or at risk of homelessness. These funds, offered through the Legal Services for Veterans Grant Program, will support nonprofit and community-based organizations that provide legal aid to Veterans in need. Grant applications are due by 4 p.m. Eastern Time on July 7. Selected organizations can receive up to $500,000 each to fund two years of services beginning October 1.
The legal services covered by the grants include representation in landlord-tenant disputes, child support and custody proceedings, estate planning, applications for VA benefits, and defense in criminal cases that may contribute to homelessness. The program supports VA’s effort to reduce Veteran homelessness through direct aid and partnerships with local service providers.
“Services to help Veterans obtain benefits, maintain access to housing, and navigate other common legal issues can make a huge difference in preventing or resolving homelessness,” VA Secretary Doug Collins stated. “These important grants will help us make a positive difference in the lives of thousands of Veterans.”
Veterans continue to be overrepresented among the nation’s homeless population. Although Veterans make up just 7 percent of U.S. adults, they account for nearly 13 percent of homeless adults. According to the HUD’s January 2024 Point-in-Time count, 32,882 Veterans experienced homelessness on a single night, down 7.5 percent from the previous year and 55.6 percent since 2010. Still, thousands remain unsheltered and in need of support.
Contributors to Veteran homelessness include mental illness, substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and difficulties transitioning military skills into civilian employment. Many also face a shortage of affordable housing, stagnant wages, and limited access to health care. A large percentage of homeless Veterans are over age 50 and live with chronic health conditions or disabilities.
A 2012 VA study found that nearly 4 percent of post-9/11 Veterans experienced homelessness within five years of leaving the military, with higher rates among women and those diagnosed with mental health conditions. The study also revealed that many newly homeless Veterans had experienced military sexual trauma or were younger Service Members with lower pay grades at discharge. In 2023, VA reported it permanently housed more than 46,000 Veterans, surpassing its goal by over 120 percent.
Community-based organizations remain vital to reaching unaffiliated Veterans and providing essential support, including housing, health care, job training, and emergency assistance. With over 2,100 local service providers nationwide, these groups often fill gaps from limited federal resources.
To learn more about grant eligibility and application procedures, visit VA’s website or contact lsv@va.gov.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
