Veterans Affairs to Spend $806.4M to Help Homeless Veterans

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a significant investment of $806.4 million aimed at reducing homelessness among veterans. This funding will be distributed through two primary grants, with $797.5 million allocated to the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, designed to assist veterans in securing and maintaining stable housing. An additional $8.9 million will be directed to the Grant and Per Diem Program, which focuses on providing transitional housing and case management support. VA Secretary Denis McDonough emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, “We’re making real progress in reducing Veteran homelessness, but there is much more work to do.” This funding comes in response to the ongoing challenge of veteran homelessness, which, according to the latest national snapshot released in 2023, identified 35,574 homeless veterans. This figure marks a significant decline of 53% since 2010, when the number stood at 76,329. The VA's commitment to addressing this issue is evident in its ambitious goal for fiscal year 2024, which aims to place 46,500 homeless veterans into permanent housing. This initiative reflects a broader effort to ensure that veterans receive the support they need to transition successfully into stable living conditions. As the VA continues to tackle veteran homelessness, these grants represent a crucial step forward in providing essential resources and support to those who have served the nation.