Navigation VA Allocates Funding to Assist Veterans Experiencing or at Risk of Homelessness
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a new initiative in its ongoing efforts to combat Veteran homelessness with the publication of a Notice of Funding Opportunity that allocates approximately $5 million annually for up to two years. This funding is designated to support Veterans who are either experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. The grant, part of the VA’s Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, aims to provide financial aid to qualified community organizations. These organizations offer essential services such as transitional housing and case management, facilitating access to VA benefits, community services, and permanent housing solutions for Veterans.
This initiative specifically targets the needs of homeless Veterans who fall into special categories, including women, the elderly, those with terminal illnesses, chronic mental health issues, or Veterans who are responsible for minor dependents. It underscores the commitment of the VA and the Biden administration to eradicate Veteran homelessness aligning with President Biden’s Unity Agenda that emphasizes support for Veterans as a national priority. A significant milestone was achieved recently with the VA successfully housing over 46,552 homeless Veterans in 2023, which exceeded its goal by 22.5%. This accomplishment contributes to a notable reduction in Veteran homelessness which has seen a decline of 4% since early 2020 and over 52% since 2010. VA Secretary Denis McDonough emphasized the department’s unwavering dedication to ensuring every Veteran has access to safe and stable housing. He highlighted that these grants would bolster the VA’s capacity to offer housing and comprehensive support services to homeless and at-risk Veterans in collaboration with community organizations.
The VA adopts the “Housing First” strategy, an evidence-based approach that prioritizes immediate housing for Veterans followed by wholistic support to maintain their housing status. This includes healthcare, employment training, legal assistance, and educational services. This strategy is part of a broader effort by the Biden-Harris Administration to reduce homelessness across the country. Eligibility for the new funding is limited to the 16 existing special need grantees with the awards intended to support two years of operations starting from fiscal year 2025 (October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2026). Applications for the grant must be submitted by April 15, 2024. For more details on the special need Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), interested parties can visit the official VA website or contact the GPD Grants team via email. Further information about the VA’s extensive efforts to address Veteran homelessness can also be found on the VA’s website.
