Navigation VA Releases Funds to VA Medical Centers to Assist Homeless Veterans.
Through the American Rescue Plan, a COVID-19 stimulus package passed in 2021, the VA has devoted $20 million to assist homeless Veterans, Veterans in imminent risk of homelessness, and those enrolled in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program through local VA Medical Centers (VAMCs). The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program is a collaboration between HUD and the VA which offers support services to homeless Veterans and their families, assisting them in finding permanent housing.
Since the program went into effect, VAMCs have helped Veterans in need by assisting with groceries, meals, merchandise, and laundry vouchers. They have also provided other services such as transportation to medical appointments and other essentials. The VA has also been able to use these funds to establish a nationally coordinated rideshare program which provides Veterans with transportation to meet their health, housing, legal, and employment needs. In order to take advantage of these new benefits or to apply for the HUD-VASH Program, Veterans can contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 or visit their local VAMC.
