WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of Veterans Affairs is establishing a $29 million assistance fund for eligible homeless veterans and participants in the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program, directing money toward basic necessities and transportation through fiscal 2027 as the agency expands efforts to help veterans secure and maintain housing.
The program is authorized by the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. VA plans to divide the funding between as much as $11 million in goods and services and up to $18 million in transportation assistance.
Beginning in early fiscal 2027, VA medical centers will be able to provide eligible veterans with food, shelter, clothing, blankets and hygiene products, according to the department. Assistance can also include tablets, smartphones, disposable phones and other technology intended to connect veterans with service providers, prospective landlords and family members.
The goods and services will be distributed to homeless veterans based on recommendations from VA clinicians, with the department tracking assistance nationally.
Transportation represents the larger portion of the initiative. VA is soliciting proposals from transportation companies to provide rides for homeless veterans attending medical appointments, counseling and other necessary appointments.
The department expects to award transportation contracts by September 2026. Once operational, the contracts are expected to provide as much as $18 million in free transportation services.
The underlying law also permits transportation assistance for activities including searching for housing or employment and obtaining food and other supplies.
The program additionally covers veterans participating in HUD-VASH, which combines federal housing assistance with VA supportive services.
“Under President Trump, VA is making amazing progress keeping Veterans off the streets, and this critical program will help us continue these important efforts,” VA Secretary Doug Collins stated.
The statutory authority for the assistance runs through the end of fiscal 2027.
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