VA Homeless Programs
Message from Monica Diaz, Executive Director, VHA Homeless Programs Office
December 2024
It was an encouraging year in our campaign to end Veteran homelessness. As I reported last month, in fiscal year 2024, we housed the highest number of Veterans since 2019 and reached a record low in Veterans experiencing homelessness.
After a year like that, I think there are two questions that naturally arise. First, how did we accomplish this? And second, how do we repeat this kind of success?
The answer to the first question is easy. It was a team effort from top to bottom. This year was the year we doubled down on our One Team approach, and the results speak for themselves.
Leadership at all levels—in the community, at VA medical centers, in our 18 Veteran Integrated Service Networks (VISNs), and of course in the Homeless Programs Office—got on board, putting ending Veteran homelessness at the top of their priority list.
Through One Team, we focused on working from the same script, using the same strategies, and spreading the same message. This allowed us to break down silos and take bold action to house more Veterans.
We could not have done this work without the commitment of our partners—including grantees, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and volunteer service organizations—and bipartisan support from Congress.
All were critical in helping Veterans get the support they earned through their service to our country, moving them one step closer to living fulfilled, independent lives.
But what comes next? While we don’t have specific goals set for 2025 yet, we know we are going to continue to push the envelope.
During our first #OneTeam4 Vets All Hands on Deck Call, we talked about our FY 2025 strategic priorities. Of course, we’re going to keep our focus on increasing permanent housing, preventing Veterans from becoming homeless in the first place, and reaching unsheltered Veterans. But we are also going to place increased urgency on rapidly housing unsheltered Veterans.
This is a vital step in our work because homelessness, especially unsheltered homelessness, isn’t just life-changing; it can be fatal.
Nothing brings that home more than Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, fittingly observed on the longest night of the year in December to honor those who have lost their lives to homelessness.
For many of us who work with Veterans facing homelessness, this day is not abstract. Many of us know Veterans who have died while experiencing homelessness.
Those who have bravely served our country deserve better. They deserve the very best.
At VA, our efficient, well-oiled machine stands ready to help Veterans. With the flexibility, resources, and funding we have been given to continue this important fight, we will continue to reduce the number of Veterans whose lives are put at risk by homelessness.
