VA Homeless Programs
Message from Monica Diaz, Executive Director, VHA Homeless Programs Office
September 2021
This month, VHA’s Homeless Programs Office (HPO) recognizes the many emotions that may be weighing on the minds and hearts of Veterans and their loved ones. From the 20th anniversary of the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, to the recent events in Afghanistan, to the recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down new temporary bans on evictions, to Hurricane Ida—the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to supporting Veterans and their families through it all.
Many of you have devoted your lives—or have a loved one who has devoted their lives—to protect and serve our country. We are so grateful for your service and are honored to serve you by way of a number of services that address needs related to safe and stable housing, health care, mental health, employment, and more.
Following the Supreme Court’s ruling to end the new, national eviction moratorium that would have extended temporary bans on evictions until October 3, many Veterans may be left vulnerable and struggling to maintain their housing. Veterans who are having trouble paying their rent, utilities, or any other housing costs can turn to VA for help, through programs such as the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Shallow Subsidy intervention initiative.
The initiative provides a modest subsidy for two years to extremely low-income Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and has been expanded to be available in every county in the 50 United States; the District of Columbia; Puerto Rico; U.S. Virgin Islands; and Guam. SSVF’s Shallow Subsidy intervention initiative is just one of many programs that Veterans can take advantage of to remain stably housed. Information on other programs offered by VA and other government entities can be found at www.va.gov/housingresources.
Additionally, we know that the recent events in Afghanistan may cause Veterans and their loved ones to feel a range of emotions. You are not alone in that experience. VA is here to support you in navigating those emotions and to assure you that your sacrifice and service is appreciated. More than 1.7 million Veterans received mental health care at VA last year alone. The services provided range from peer support provided by other Veterans to counseling with a mental health professional, and much more. The VA Mental Health Services Guide is a starting point for those who want to explore resources and access mental health services. From this guide, you can find answers to important questions, learn how to schedule appointments at a VA health care facility, and access different resources to support your mental health.
September is also National Suicide Prevention Month. HPO is committed to ensuring the mental health and safety of all Veterans who are houseless, or at risk of becoming houseless. In addition to our mental health services, please visit VA’s Suicide Prevention page, where an abundance of resources devoted to suicide prevention, coping and support, as well as VA S.A.V.E. Training are available. More data and strategies can be found in VA’s National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide. Also, on September 21 at 3:30 p.m. (ET) we will be hosting a Facebook Live event on homelessness and suicide among Veterans. Visit VA’s Facebook page on the date and time listed above to participate in the discussion.
Also, be sure to check the HPO website for regular updates on eviction prevention assistance available to Veterans and information on disaster relief resources for Veterans in the wake of Hurricane Ida.
Lastly, please remember to contact the Veterans Crisis Line at Dial 988, then Press 1, if you are having thoughts of suicide or the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838, if you or a Veteran you know is at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
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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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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.
