VA Homeless Programs
Message from Monica Diaz, Executive Director, VHA Homeless Programs Office
September 2023
Housing is not simply a place for a Veteran to call home. It isn’t just a safe structure that provides peace of mind and a place to rest comfortably at night. It serves as a foundation for which Veterans can build their lives – much like the foundation of the building itself.
When Veterans have access to permanent housing, it allows them to focus on rebuilding their own personal foundations, helping them stand on their own.
Veterans who struggle to maintain permanent housing often find it challenging to make progress in their lives, but it’s often just a lack of access to the right resources and help from their communities that stand in their way. Stable housing is often an early milestone toward a Veteran securing steady employment, gaining access to health care, and building a life they are proud of.
With that in mind, we are eager to share the progress we have made toward our goal of ending Veteran homelessness. Last month, VA announced that we are on pace to exceed our goal of housing more than 38,000 homeless Veterans in 2023, having housed 26,470 Veterans as of July 2023.
Additionally, VA also announced more than $1 billion in grants to help homeless and at-risk Veterans through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families and Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem programs, for which VA is awarding more than 700 grants to community organizations that help house Veterans.
These efforts are all informed by the evidence-based Housing First approach, one that prioritizes getting Veterans into housing and providing the additional support they need to remain housed. This includes legal and educational assistance, health care, job training, and additional resources.
When we share these successes, I like to remind everyone that the Veterans we serve are much more than metrics and statistics.
They are people with compelling stories of overcoming hardship and getting their life on the right path.
They are inspirations to all Veterans who have found themselves in a dark or difficult place, unsure of where to turn next.
They are individuals who bravely served their nation as heroes, and I am proud to play a role in serving them in return.
And while it is wonderful to spotlight all the positive initiatives we’re working on, it’s also important to acknowledge some of the heavier issues that VA encounters.
September is Suicide Prevention Month – and while this can be a difficult topic to discuss, it’s crucial for us to call attention to the risk factors Veterans face so we can do a better job of preventing suicide.
Veterans unfortunately have high rates of mental health diagnoses, including substance use disorders, PTSD, and serious mental illness, all of which can put them at a higher risk for suicide. Psychosocial stressors such as housing instability, unemployment, financial instability, and involvement in criminal justice all play a role as well.
To support our Veterans, no matter their needs, VA has developed VA.gov/REACH, which has a self-assessment to help Veterans find support that is designed specifically for them. The assessment allows users to ask for help with specific topics, such as health, career, finance, or emotional, or to simply browse the resources by category.
Veterans have been trained to endure challenging situations, but the stigma can make it difficult to reach out for help. We are here to remind all Veterans that resources are available, and there is hope. Learn how you can help spread the word to Veterans in your network.
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7 confidential support. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. To reach responders, dial 988 then press 1, chat online at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net, or text 838255.
As we continue our efforts to end Veteran homelessness and prevent suicide, I remain proud of our team’s efforts every day, and look forward to continuing our important work together.
