VA Loma Linda Veterans Medical Center (Photo: Paul Kang)
Veterans experiencing homelessness may now receive additional assistance with transportation, communication, and urgent daily needs through their local VA medical center.
The change allows VA facilities to spend designated homeless-program funds on practical items that can help Veterans stay connected to care and move closer to permanent housing. VA put the new provisions into effect on July 29 under the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act.
Depending on the Veteran’s situation, assistance may include a smartphone, tablet, disposable phone, or service plan. Local facilities may also cover food, short-term shelter, clothing, blankets, hygiene products, and other essential supplies.
Transportation is another part of the expanded support. VA facilities can arrange travel for health care, housing appointments, employment-related needs, legal services, and trips to obtain food or other necessities. Contracted rideshare transportation may also be approved when VA staff determine it is appropriate.
These forms of assistance can address problems that are easy to overlook during a housing crisis. A Veteran without reliable transportation may miss an appointment with a landlord or medical provider. Someone without a phone may be unable to receive an update about a housing application, speak with a case manager, or respond to a possible employer.
Assistance is not a new benefit automatically issued to every Veteran. Local VA staff must review the Veteran’s circumstances, identify a specific need, and determine whether funding is available. It is available to Veterans who meet the federal definition of homelessness and certain Veterans receiving assistance through the Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing, or HUD-VASH, program.
HUD-VASH combines federal rental assistance with VA case management and other services intended to help Veterans secure and maintain permanent housing.
As this is a pilot program, the VA may provide this assistance through Sept. 30, 2027. The department must also provide Congress with information about how the money is used, including spending on rideshare transportation and the number of Veterans assisted.
The new provisions give local VA teams greater flexibility to address the smaller obstacles that can stand between a Veteran and stable housing. Providing a ride, a phone, or basic supplies may help ensure that a Veteran does not lose contact with the people and programs working to assist them.
Veterans without stable housing or those concerned that they may soon lose their housing can call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838. The service is free, confidential, and available at all hours.
Veterans may also contact a nearby VA medical center and request the facility’s Homeless Coordinator. Friends, relatives, and community providers can contact the national call center when helping a Veteran find support.
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.
