Homeless Veteran Assistance
Get Help Now
The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans operates around the clock: - Phone: 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) - Online chat: Available 24/7
If You're About to Lose Housing
Take these steps to prepare:
Protect Your Identification
- Ensure your driver's license or state ID remains valid
- Most shelters require current identification for entry
Secure Your Belongings
- Arrange safe storage for possessions you can't carry
- Shelters limit what residents can bring inside
- Pack essentials for yourself and any family members
Maintain Communication Access
- Set up mail delivery through your local post office
- Request a free P.O. Box when available
- Keep a working phone if possible
Safeguard Critical Documents
- Keep DD-214, VA documents, and medical records where you can access them
- Leave copies with trusted contacts
- Carry medications with you
Locating Shelter
Community Resources
- Search state housing programs through HUD.gov
- Contact local government social services departments
- Use the Homeless Shelter Directory to find nearby options
Evaluating Shelter Options
Consider these factors when choosing: - Cost: Many operate at no charge; some have modest fees - Duration: Stays range from several weeks to months - Available services: Some provide only overnight shelter, while others offer: - Transitional housing pathways - Mental health treatment - Addiction recovery programs - Vocational training
Long-Term Housing
Apply for public housing or subsidized programs immediately. Wait lists are typically long, so early application is essential.
VA-Administered Programs
| Program | What It Provides |
|---|---|
| HUD-VASH | Permanent housing with ongoing VA case management support |
| SSVF | Prevents homelessness or helps exit it for very low-income veteran families |
| H-PACT | Coordinated healthcare for veterans experiencing homelessness |
| Housing First | Rapid placement into permanent housing with minimal barriers |
| CWT-TR | Transitional housing paired with employment assistance |
| DCHV | Residential treatment for mental health and substance use |
| HCHV | Outreach services, care coordination, and rehabilitation |
| HVCES | Job-focused services for homeless or at-risk veterans |
HUD-VASH Details
This partnership between HUD and VA provides: - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8 rental assistance) - Ongoing VA case management and clinical support
Who Qualifies: - Currently homeless veterans - Generally requires VA healthcare enrollment - Important (as of August 13, 2024): VA disability payments no longer count against income eligibility
SSVF Program
Helps very low-income veteran families: - Find housing - Keep current housing - Temporary financial assistance available - Case management support included
Mental Health Services
PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) specifically serves homeless or at-risk veterans dealing with serious mental illness.
Job Assistance Programs
HVCES Services
- Help with resumes
- Job search support
- Interview coaching
- Work clothing and tools
- Transportation help
Compensated Work Therapy
- Therapeutic employment opportunities
- Transitional housing options
- Vocational skill development
Income and Benefits Considerations
VA Disability and Housing Programs
Starting August 13, 2024, VA disability compensation does not count toward income limits for HUD-VASH eligibility.
Other Benefit Income
VA pension and education payments do count as income for some housing assistance programs.
Where to Start
- Call the hotline: 1-877-424-3838 (available 24/7)
- Visit a VA medical center: Ask about homeless veteran programs
- Find local SSVF providers: Search at va.gov/homeless
- Apply for VA benefits: File for disability compensation and healthcare now
Crisis Support
If you're in crisis: - Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, press 1, or text 838255 - Homeless veteran hotline: 1-877-424-3838
You Don't Have to Be On the Street
Programs help veterans who are: - Currently without housing - At immediate risk of losing housing - Recently housed and needing help staying stable