The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a significant funding increase aimed at tackling homelessness among U.S. veterans. More than $818 million in grants have been awarded to 235 organizations across the country, targeting veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The initiative reflects the government’s growing commitment to improving veteran welfare by providing affordable housing, healthcare, childcare, financial planning, and other essential services.
Why This Matters
Despite steady improvements in reducing veteran homelessness, tens of thousands of former service members still face housing insecurity. In 2024, 32,882 veterans were reported homeless, marking a 7.5% decrease compared to 2023. The figure also represents the lowest level since 2019, when nationwide counts were standardized.
Since 2010, veteran homelessness has dropped by 55.6% overall, highlighting the success of programs like the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF). The latest grant infusion aims to build on this progress and ensure more veterans have access to safe and stable housing.
Details of the $818 Million Grant Program
The Veterans Affairs announced that the funding will flow through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, which provides case management and direct support to veterans and their families. The goal is to prevent homelessness, rehouse those already unhoused, and provide long-term stability.
The grants will cover a wide range of services, including:
- Affordable housing placement and housing counseling
- Healthcare access and assistance
- Childcare services for veteran families
- Financial planning and legal assistance
- Transportation support for employment and healthcare needs
Breakdown of VA $818 Million Boost
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Grant Amount | $818 million |
| Organizations Funded | 235 nationwide |
| Target Group | Homeless veterans & those at risk |
| Programs Covered | Housing, healthcare, childcare, financial planning, legal assistance, transportation |
| Administered Through | SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families) |
| Funding Cycle | Fiscal Year 2026 |
| Decrease in Veteran Homelessness (2010-2024) | 55.6% overall |
Other VA Updates Impacting Veterans
This announcement comes alongside other recent VA milestones:
- The Veterans Affairs celebrated issuing its 29 millionth Veterans Affairs-backed home loan, providing affordable mortgages to veterans.
- The department has redirected millions from former union-related expenses toward veterans’ services.
- A new update to the Veterans Affairs Health and Benefits mobile app now allows veterans to file mileage-only travel claims more easily.
These initiatives align with the VA’s broader mission to enhance veteran support across housing, healthcare, and financial stability.
What Leaders Are Saying
VA Secretary Doug Collins emphasized that supportive services like childcare, housing counseling, and financial planning are vital in preventing homelessness.
He stated that the new funding will deliver crucial resources to thousands of veterans in need nationwide, reinforcing the VA’s commitment to ending veteran homelessness.
What’s Next
The grants will continue funding programs throughout Fiscal Year 2026, ensuring sustained support for vulnerable veterans. Veterans facing housing challenges can reach out to the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 for immediate assistance.
The VA also encourages veterans and families to explore additional housing and support resources through its Homeless Programs initiatives.
The $818 million boost from the Veterans Affairs represents a transformative step in the fight against veteran homelessness. By expanding access to housing, healthcare, childcare, and financial planning, the Veterans Affairs is working to ensure that no veteran is left behind.
With veteran homelessness at its lowest in years, this funding could be the catalyst for even greater progress by the end of 2025 and into 2026.
FAQs
The VA awarded over $818 million in grants to 235 organizations to support veterans facing homelessness or housing insecurity.
The grants will cover housing, healthcare, childcare, financial planning, legal assistance, and transportation to help stabilize veterans’ lives.
Between 2010 and 2024, veteran homelessness fell by 55.6%, reflecting major progress in reducing both sheltered and unsheltered homelessness.