Homeless Veteran
Assistance Programs

HUD-VASH (HUD-VA Supportive Housing) Housing Vouchers

Combines Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing vouchers with VA supportive services including case management, clinical care, and substance abuse treatment. Veterans receive a rental voucher that covers a portion of rent in private-market housing.

Eligibility: Homeless veterans who are eligible for VA healthcare. Priority given to chronically homeless veterans and those with disabilities.

How to Apply: Contact your local VA Medical Center's homeless veteran coordinator or call the National Call Center at 1-877-424-3838.

SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families) Prevention + Re-Housing

Provides rapid re-housing and homelessness prevention assistance to very low-income veteran families. Services include temporary financial assistance for rent, utilities, security deposits, moving costs, housing counseling, and connections to VA and community resources.

Eligibility: Very low-income veteran families who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. Includes single veterans.

How to Apply: Contact an SSVF provider in your area through the VA website or call 1-877-424-3838.

GPD (Grant and Per Diem Program) Transitional Housing

Provides funding to community organizations that offer transitional housing and supportive services to homeless veterans. Residents receive up to 2 years of housing with wraparound services including job training, substance abuse treatment, and life skills education.

Eligibility: Homeless veterans. Each GPD program may have additional eligibility requirements.

How to Apply: Contact a GPD provider in your area through the VA or call the National Call Center.

HCHV (Health Care for Homeless Veterans) Outreach + Clinical

Provides outreach, clinical assessments, and referrals to VA medical centers and community-based residential care programs. HCHV teams go where homeless veterans are — shelters, soup kitchens, streets — to connect them with healthcare and housing services.

Eligibility: Homeless veterans or veterans at risk of homelessness.

How to Apply: Contact your local VA Medical Center or call 1-877-424-3838.

Veterans Justice Programs Justice-Involved

Serves veterans involved in the justice system by connecting them with VA services including housing, healthcare, mental health treatment, and substance abuse programs. Works with Veterans Treatment Courts across the country to divert veterans from incarceration into treatment.

Eligibility: Veterans who are involved in the criminal justice system or at risk of involvement.

Stand Down Events Community Events

One- to three-day community events providing essential services to homeless veterans. Services typically include food, clothing, health screenings, VA benefits counseling, legal assistance, haircuts, and referrals to housing and employment programs. Held in communities across the country throughout the year.

Eligibility: All homeless veterans. Some events welcome at-risk veterans and veteran families.

National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) Advocacy + Directory

The technical assistance arm for the Department of Labor's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program and the primary advocacy organization for homeless veterans. Maintains a national directory of community-based organizations serving homeless veterans.

Salvation Army Veteran Services Shelter + Services

Operates emergency shelters, transitional housing, and supportive service programs for veterans across the country. Many locations offer veteran-specific programs including job training, case management, and substance abuse treatment.

DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Benefits + Transport

Provides free transportation to and from VA medical facilities, assistance filing VA disability claims, employment resources, and community outreach. DAV service officers are available at no cost to help veterans navigate the benefits system.

Veterans Inc. Comprehensive Services

The largest provider of services to homeless veterans in New England, but offers national resources and referral services. Programs include emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing, employment training, legal assistance, and financial literacy programs.

211.org — Local Emergency Services Immediate Help

Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org to find emergency shelters, food banks, and crisis services in your area. Available in all 50 states. Searches by ZIP code and connects you with local resources within minutes.

VA GPD Transitional Housing Providers

The Grant and Per Diem program funds hundreds of transitional housing facilities specifically for veterans across the country. Stays can last up to 2 years with case management, employment assistance, and connections to permanent housing.

Volunteers of America — Veteran Services

Operates veteran-specific housing programs including transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and rapid re-housing across multiple states. Also provides employment training, mental health support, and substance abuse treatment.

HUD-VASH Permanent Housing Vouchers

The gold standard for veteran permanent housing. HUD-VASH combines a Section 8 housing voucher with ongoing VA case management. Veterans choose their own apartment in the private rental market and receive continued support as long as needed.

USDA Rural Housing Programs

For veterans in rural areas, the USDA offers housing programs including direct loans, guaranteed loans, and rental assistance. These programs serve areas where VA and HUD resources may be limited.