VA announces $42M in grants to fight Veteran homelessness

Homelessness is one of America’s most visible yet least understood challenges, impacting people from all walks of life who struggle due to economic hardship, lack of affordable housing, or other systemic barriers.

Anyone can experience homelessness. And while every person faces unique challenges, all people experiencing homelessness are impacted by systemic issues like the lack of affordable housing and inadequate incomes.

Although perfect counts are impossible to come by given the transient nature of homeless populations, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates that 40,056 veterans are homeless on any given night. Over the course of a year, approximately twice that many experience homelessness. Only 7% of the general population can claim veteran status, but nearly 13% of the homeless adult population are veterans.

In addition to the complex set of factors influencing all homelessness, a large number of displaced and at-risk veterans live with lingering effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse, which are compounded by a lack of family and social support networks. A top priority for homeless veterans is secure, safe, clean housing that offers a supportive environment free of drugs and alcohol.

The solutions lie in systemic changes, not quick fixes.

Homeless veterans need a coordinated effort that provides secure housing and nutritional meals; essential physical health care, substance abuse aftercare and mental health counseling; and personal development and empowerment.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on June 11 announced the availability of $42 million in grants to eligible organizations to assist homeless Veterans and those at risk of homelessness with various legal services.

Grant applications are due by 4:00 p.m. ET, July 7. Organizations can apply for grants worth up to $500,000, which will fund operations for a two-year period beginning Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2027.

The funds are being made available through VA’s Legal Services for Veterans Grant Program and are designed to help Veterans in several ways, including:

-Providing Veterans with representation in landlord-tenant disputes to prevent eviction.

-Assisting with court proceedings for child support, custody or estate planning.

-Helping Veterans obtain benefits like disability compensation.

-Defending Veterans in criminal cases that can prolong or increase their risk of homelessness, such as outstanding warrants, fines, and driver’s license revocation.

“Services to help Veterans obtain benefits, maintain access to housing and navigate other common legal issues can make a huge difference in preventing or resolving homelessness,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “These important grants will help us make a positive difference in the lives of thousands of Veterans.”

To learn more about the grant program eligibility and award process, please email lsv@va.gov.