The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a major initiative to combat homelessness among veterans, allocating $84 million in grants to 176 organisations across the country. The funding, which is aimed at providing crucial legal and case management services, is expected to help thousands of veterans who are either homeless or at risk of losing their housing. This move comes at a time when homelessness among former military personnel has been steadily declining, yet significant challenges remain.
With the grants set to be distributed equally between legal services and case management programs, the VA’s initiative targets two critical aspects of housing stability: securing legal support to prevent eviction and offering case management assistance to help veterans transition into permanent housing. The latest step follows a steady decline in the number of veterans facing homelessness, a situation that has improved dramatically since 2010, according to official figures.
Legal Services to Prevent Homelessness
A significant portion of the $84 million—$42 million—will go towards funding legal services for veterans in need. The VA’s Legal Services for Homeless Veterans and Veterans At-Risk for Homelessness Grants program will provide essential legal aid, including assistance with landlord-tenant disputes to prevent eviction and help with child support or custody proceedings.
The legal aid will also cover estate planning, support in obtaining state and federal compensation benefits, and defence in criminal matters such as outstanding warrants or driver’s licence issues. This multifaceted legal approach is designed to help veterans maintain their housing, navigate complex legal systems, and protect their rights.
“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.” said Doug Collins, Secretary of the VA, adding that the program will help thousands of veterans maintain stability.
Case Management: Helping Veterans Transition to Permanent Housing
The other half of the funding will be used to support case management services, with $42 million allocated to help veterans access housing and other services. Through the VA’s Grant and Per Diem program, the funding will support approximately 100 new case manager positions nationwide.
Case managers will assist veterans in finding housing, monitor housing stability through home visits, and evaluate further support needs. They will also provide access to educational activities that foster personal independence. These services aim to address the underlying factors contributing to homelessness, ensuring veterans have the tools and support to successfully reintegrate into stable living situations.
This initiative underscores the VA’s ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness among veterans, with the number of homeless veterans in the U.S. having dropped to a record low of 32,882 in January 2024—down 7.5% from 2023, according to the VA. Despite this progress, many veterans continue to face significant challenges, making these grants an important step in further reducing homelessness in this vulnerable population.
