About the Homeless Programs Office
About the Homeless Programs Office
The mission of the Homeless Programs Office (HPO) is to assist Veterans and their families in obtaining permanent and sustainable housing with access to high-quality health care and supportive services.
Our vision is to end homelessness among all Veterans and their families by using evidence-based, innovative practices and partnerships that provide access to permanent housing and deliver other critical services. These Veteran-centered, equitable, and inclusive offerings empower Veterans and enable their independence. With full support from senior leaders across the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal government agencies, we will achieve our mission and vision by:
- Making an end to homelessness among Veterans a top priority.
- Leading with an evidence-based, Housing First approach.
- Reaching underserved Veterans.
- Ensuring the delivery of quality supportive services.
- Increasing the supply of and access to affordable housing.
VA's Resources for Homeless and At-Risk Veterans
VA offers a wide array of services to address the full spectrum of the housing instability and homelessness experience. We provide:
- Outreach, engagement, assessment, and referral services such as Health Care for Homeless Veterans and the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans are the front doors to both VA homeless programs and the broader VA health care system.
- Residential services such as the Health Care for Homeless Veterans Contracted Residential Services or Grant and Per Diem programs provide temporary placement, in the form of emergency or transitional housing, for Veterans who need a place to stay right now.
- Permanent housing services such as the Supportive Services for Veteran Families and HUD-VA Supportive Housing, or HUD-VASH, programs connect Veterans to affordable housing in their communities. These services come with either short or long-term rental subsidies, case management, and varying levels of wrap-around supportive services to ensure that Veterans have all the necessary resources to stay housed.
- VA also has programs to assist Veterans in the criminal justice system with accessing VA services, help Veterans gain meaningful employment, or take care of their health needs through primary care tailored to the unique access barriers that Veterans experiencing homelessness face.
The HPO Strategic Plan 2021-2025 outlines our approach to addressing this urgent national priority. With our plan and by working closely with internal and external partners, we will enhance how we deliver services and expand opportunities for Veterans to achieve residential stability, increase their skill levels and income, and obtain greater self-determination.
Additional strategy documents and results reports include:
Our network of partnerships, as well as evidence-based Housing-First approaches, innovative initiatives, and the relentless hard work of VA staff and partners have contributed to a 50% decrease in homelessness among Veterans since 2010. We know, though, that we can't reach our goal of totally ending and preventing homelessness alone. Thus, the ongoing support of our stakeholders remains critical to our ongoing success.
Our work is further bolstered by the commitment of the Biden-Harris Administration to direct the full force of the federal government to aid in accelerating progress in preventing and ending Veteran homelessness.
Below, learn more about HPO and how to get involved. If you know a Veteran who is experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness, refer them to a local VA Medical Center, where VA staff are ready to help. Veterans and their families can also contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838) to be connected to VA services.
VA Staff
Upcoming Events and Stand Downs
Locate Your Homeless Coordinator
VA Homeless Intranet Site (VA Staff Only)
Make the Call
Dial 1-877-4AID-VET
(1-877-424-3838)
Access VA’s services for homeless and at-risk Veterans, available 24/7.
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VA Medical Center
(VAMC) Locator
Locate Your Local
VA Medical Center Now
Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can call or visit their local VA Medical Center (VAMC) and ask for a Homeless Coordinator. Use the VA locator tool www.va.gov/directory to find your nearest VAMC and call or visit today.
