Working together, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have made significant strides in reducing the number of homeless veterans, as reported by the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH).
Since 2009, USICH has conducted an annual Point-in-Time (PIT) snapshot of homelessness. Between January 2023 and January 2024, the number of veterans experiencing any form of homelessness dropped from 35,574 to 32,882—which represents a 7.5% decrease since last year, 11.7% since 2020, and 55.6% since 2010.
“This data show that with the right investments in housing and health care, and with strong leadership and coordination across government, homelessness is solvable,” stated USICH Director Jeff Olivet. “The challenge now is to end veteran homelessness and use the lessons we learn to help all people without a home.”
As a result of strategies and tactics adopted in 2021, the VA created the Legal Services for Veterans Grant Program to help veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness obtain benefits, resolve legal issues, and avoid eviction. This year, additional policy and other changes included:
Increasing the initial income eligibility threshold so more veterans can qualify for HUD vouchers.
Adopting an alternative definition of annual income for applicants and participants of the HUD-VASH program that excludes veterans’ service-connected disability benefits when determining eligibility.
Providing guidance to clarify income qualifications for assistance under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
Hosting a series of “Boot Camps” in partnership with the VA to help public housing authorities and VA Medical Centers improve their processes and more quickly transition veterans from homelessness to permanent housing with wraparound supportive services.
Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness are encouraged to contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838) or visit VA.gov/homeless.