The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced on Tuesday that it will provide $84 million in grants to 176 organizations nationwide, aimed at addressing veteran homelessness.
According to the VA’s press release, the funds will be directed toward legal and case management services designed to help veterans who are homeless or at risk of losing their housing.
Homelessness among veterans has been steadily declining. A January 2024 point-in-time count from the VA recorded 32,882 veterans experiencing homelessness—the lowest number since tracking began in 2009, representing a 7.5 percent drop from 2023. Veterans currently make up about five percent of all adults experiencing homelessness in the U.S., according to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. Since 2010, the number of homeless veterans has decreased by 55.6 percent.
Of the newly announced funding, $42 million will go toward legal services, while the other $42 million will support case management programs to help veterans maintain stable housing during their transition to permanent living situations.
The legal aid will be distributed through the VA’s Legal Services for Homeless Veterans and Veterans At-Risk for Homelessness Grants program. These grants will assist veterans with issues such as landlord-tenant disputes, eviction prevention, child custody and support cases, and estate planning. Veterans will also receive help accessing state and federal benefits, along with legal defense in criminal cases involving warrants, fines, or driver’s license revocations.
The case management funding will be provided through the VA’s Grant and Per Diem program, which will support about 100 new case manager positions across the country. These professionals will assist veterans in finding and securing housing, conduct home visits to ensure stability, identify additional support needs, and connect veterans with educational opportunities that foster independence.
VA Secretary Doug Collins emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating:
“No one who served our nation in uniform should go without shelter. These grants will provide crucial support and services to help thousands of Veterans on their journey back to self-sufficiency.”
Resources for Veterans
Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838) or visit the VA Homeless Programs website for more information and assistance.
