Guide to Housing Support and Resources for Unhoused Veterans

According to the latest data, the issue of homelessness remains significant among U.S. veterans, with 33,129 veterans reported as unhoused in 2022. This number, however, marks an 11% reduction since January 2020. Being "unhoused" is defined by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Housing and Urban Development as living in emergency shelters, transitional housing or unsheltered conditions. For veterans who are unhoused, at risk of being so or seeking to avoid this situation, several housing programs and financial benefits are available to help.

If you need help with housing instability or risk becoming unsheltered, immediate assistance is available. Key resources include the 24/7 National Call Center for Homeless Veterans — dial 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) to speak with trained staff — and the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program. Various nonprofits and community organizations also offer tailored housing benefits for veterans. Each program has unique benefits and requirements. Check their websites for detailed information.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to solving the issue of unhoused veterans. In partnership with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the VA provides housing vouchers for those needing stable residences. Various other programs offer housing assistance like rental and funding to help veterans transition into stable living conditions, including those described in the table below.

Various nonprofit organizations and community groups also offer key support to help veterans achieve housing stability. Below are some nonprofits providing services such as custom home building and rental deposit assistance for unhoused veterans.

Unhoused veterans often need additional help with food, health care and transportation. Various governmental and non-governmental programs offer tailored support for these needs. Be sure to check each program's eligibility and benefits to maximize the available resources.

In urgent situations, veterans have access to immediate assistance. Emergency support generally includes assistance with emergency housing and rentals, essential food supplies, utility bills, medical facilities and clothing. The 211 helpline connects you to local community services, offering veteran-specific assistance like emergency housing, food and employment support. It's accessible in many areas nationwide and is free of charge. While not specifically designed for unhoused veterans, the services listed in the following table can provide vital support during emergencies.

Access to health care is crucial for unhoused veterans. Multiple government programs offer health care and mental health support tailored for veterans facing housing instability. The following table includes a selection of these programs and the specific health services they offer.

Several initiatives provide nutritious meals for veterans, led by both government and nonprofit organizations. Understanding these programs can help you optimize your benefits and combat food insecurity. Below is a curated list detailing these initiatives and the specific meal services they provide to veterans.

Access to transportation is crucial, particularly for medical appointments. Specific government programs offer veterans transportation support, which is vital for those who live far from health care facilities and need regular medical care. The table below provides a list of these programs and the transportation assistance they offer to veterans.

As a veteran who may be facing a lack of shelter, you're dealing with complex, systemic issues that don't reflect your personal courage or worth. Transitioning from military to civilian life can bring economic hardships that lead to housing instability, exacerbated by a lack of affordable housing, gaps in services and the intricacies of aid programs. Inadequate social support and limited knowledge of available resources and benefits further challenge the pursuit of stable housing post-service. The following factors may contribute to homelessness among veterans:

Securing employment while experiencing a lack of housing provides financial stability and a sense of purpose and direction. You can begin by leveraging training and employment services offered by the VA. Below are other tips you can consider to help you secure employment while being unhoused.

Building a strong social support network can help you transition back to civilian life. Below are steps you can take to reintegrate socially and emotionally.

Financial stability for unhoused veterans extends beyond merely securing a job—it includes making informed decisions with the income earned. The journey towards financial steadiness often begins with small, manageable steps, starting with a thorough assessment of your financial situation to identify eligible benefits and financial assistance.

We’ve compiled resources tailored to veterans are available, each with distinct objectives and benefits.

• American Veterans (AMVETS): AMVETS is dedicated to supporting veterans and active military in procuring their earned entitlements. They also provide community services and promote Americanism.
• National Veterans Legal Services Program: This program offers free legal representation to veterans and active duty personnel facing financial hurdles. They focus on complex cases requiring legal expertise.
• National Alliance to End Homelessness: The alliance works to prevent and eradicate homelessness through research, education and advocacy. They provide data and research to inform policy and offer solutions.
• Next Step Service Dogs: They provide trained service dogs to assist veterans with PTSD and other disabilities. The service dogs aid in enhancing the quality of life for veterans.
• Soldiers' Angels: Soldiers' Angels provide aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States military and their families. They offer various programs aimed at providing support during and post-service.
• The Veterans Consortium: Offering free legal counsel to veterans, their families and caregivers, The Veterans Consortium provides a crucial service. They help navigate legal challenges that may arise post-service.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): HUD focuses on creating strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and affordable homes for all. They also provide resources to address homelessness and support community development.
• Veterans Inc.: Veterans Inc. aids veterans and their families with housing, employment and training services. They aim to help veterans reintegrate into the community successfully.
• Veterans Legal Institute: The Veterans Legal Institute provides free legal assistance to unhoused, at-risk, low-income and disabled veterans. They help remove legal barriers to housing, health care and education.
• Veterans Moving Forward: Veterans Moving Forward provides service dogs and canine therapy to veterans facing physical and mental health challenges. They aim to provide veterans with a renewed sense of purpose.
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): VFW provides support services, advocates for veterans' rights and offers numerous community service programs. They represent veterans’ interests, ensuring their voices are heard.
• Work for Warriors (Guard and Reserve): Work for Warriors offers a free job placement program for National Guard members, reservists and spouses. They focus on reducing unemployment and underemployment.
• Wounded Warrior Project: The Wounded Warrior Project offers a variety of programs and services to severely injured service members during their transition to civilian life. They aim to empower warriors to live life fully.