If You Need Help Now
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838)
Available 24/7. Trained counselors connect you with local resources including emergency shelter, food, clothing, and VA programs. You don't need to be enrolled in VA health care to call.
You can also text 838255 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.
Major VA Housing Programs
HUD-VASH (HUD-VA Supportive Housing)
The largest program addressing veteran homelessness, combining:
- Housing Choice Vouchers (from HUD) — rental assistance that covers most or all of your rent
- Case management and clinical services (from VA) — ongoing support to help you stay housed
Eligibility:
- You must be a veteran (not other-than-honorable discharge — though waivers exist)
- You must be homeless or at imminent risk
- Enrolled in VA health care (or willing to enroll)
- Generally targeted at veterans with the most need — chronic homelessness, disabilities, mental health conditions, substance use disorders
How it works:
- Contact your local VA Medical Center's homeless program or call 1-877-424-3838
- A VA case manager assesses your situation
- If approved, you receive a housing voucher accepted by participating landlords
- You find a home (with support from your case manager)
- HUD pays the majority of rent; you pay approximately 30% of your income
- VA provides ongoing support services (mental health, substance abuse treatment, employment help)
Key benefit: This is not temporary housing. HUD-VASH vouchers are long-term — you can keep the voucher as long as you comply with program requirements.
SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families)
A rapid intervention program for veterans who are homeless or at risk. Operated by community organizations funded by VA grants.
Services include:
- Temporary financial assistance — help with rent, deposits, utilities, moving costs
- Case management — connect with employment, health care, benefits, and community resources
- Outreach — teams actively find veterans who need help
- Legal assistance — help with eviction prevention, benefits claims, other legal issues
- Child care assistance — for families
Eligibility:
- Veteran or veteran family member
- Income at or below 50% of area median income (some flexibility)
- Homeless or at imminent risk (within 14 days of losing housing)
How to access:
- Call 1-877-424-3838
- Or search for SSVF providers in your area on VA.gov/homeless
GPD (Grant and Per Diem Program)
Transitional housing providing:
- Up to 24 months in community-based transitional housing
- Supportive services including substance abuse treatment, mental health care, life skills, employment assistance
- Low-barrier entry — designed for veterans with multiple challenges
Bridge housing through GPD provides short-term shelter while veterans wait for HUD-VASH vouchers or permanent housing.
Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans (DCHV)
VA-run residential treatment programs providing:
- Health care, mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment
- Rehabilitation and readjustment services
- Housed at VA medical center campus facilities
- Program lengths vary (90 days to 6+ months)
Additional Support Programs
Stand Down Events
Organized community events (usually 1–3 days) where homeless veterans access:
- Food, clothing, and hygiene products
- Haircuts and basic medical screenings
- Benefit enrollment assistance
- Employment services
- Legal aid
- VA program enrollment
Find Stand Down events through your local VA or community veteran organizations.
Veteran Justice Outreach (VJO)
For veterans involved in the justice system:
- Veterans Treatment Courts — alternative court programs diverting veterans into treatment
- Case management — connecting justice-involved veterans with VA services
- Reentry services — housing, employment, and treatment for veterans reentering the community after incarceration
Employment Support
Homeless veterans can access:
- Homeless Veteran Community Employment Services (HVCES) — employment specialists at VA facilities
- Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) — therapeutic work placements
- DOL Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) — federal employment programs
For Veterans at Risk
You don't have to be currently homeless to get help. If you're facing:
- Eviction — SSVF can provide emergency financial assistance and legal aid
- Utility shutoff — SSVF and community programs can help
- Doubled up with family/friends — you may qualify for HUD-VASH or SSVF
- Leaving transitional housing — programs can help you transition to permanent housing
- Leaving incarceration — VA reentry programs begin planning before release
How to Get Started
- Call 1-877-424-3838 — the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans (24/7)
- Visit your local VA Medical Center — ask to speak with the homeless program coordinator
- Visit a Vet Center — community-based counseling centers that can connect you with resources
- Contact an SSVF provider — find them on VA.gov/homeless
You are not alone. The VA has made ending veteran homelessness a national priority. These programs exist to help you, and there is no shame in using them. If you or a veteran you know is experiencing homelessness, reach out today.