WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a major stride toward eradicating homelessness among veterans in the United States, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it had permanently housed 46,552 homeless veterans in 2023. This figure overshoots the calendar year goal of housing 38,000 veterans by an impressive 22.5%.
The VA also reported surpassing its engagement goals with unsheltered veterans by 43.6%, having connected with 40,203 individuals to help them access housing and other essential resources.
Importantly, the VA’s efforts have not only been focused on housing veterans but also ensuring they stay housed. The department reported that 95.9% of veterans housed remained in their homes, slightly exceeding the year’s goal. Additionally, 96.4% of those who returned to homelessness were either re-housed or on the path to secure housing, a figure that beat the VA’s target by 6.4%.
Securing housing for veterans is a key priority for the VA and President Biden, who has consistently emphasized supporting veterans as a significant part of his Unity Agenda for the nation. Thanks to concerted efforts, the number of homeless veterans has fallen by 4% since early 2020 and by more than half since 2010.
“No Veteran should ever experience the tragedy and indignity of homelessness,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “While this is an important step forward, we’re not stopping here — we’re going to keep pushing until every Veteran has a safe, stable place to call home in this country they fought to defend.”
The VA’s approach is anchored in the “Housing First” principle, which prioritizes securing housing for veterans before introducing additional support services. These wraparound supports include healthcare, job training, legal assistance, education assistance, and more. The initiative is a part of the broader Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to reduce homelessness across the nation.
The Greater Los Angeles area saw significant progress in combating veteran homelessness, with 1,790 homeless veterans securing permanent housing in 2023 — the highest number in any American city. This achievement exceeded the local calendar year goal by 19.3%.
This is the second consecutive year that the VA has housed more than 40,000 homeless veterans. In 2022, the VA not only housed over 40,000 formerly homeless veterans but also prevented more than 17,700 veterans and their families from falling into homelessness. Furthermore, nearly 191,700 additional veteran families facing financial difficulties were assisted in retaining their homes or avoiding foreclosure.
The VA, in collaboration with community partners nationwide, helps veterans find permanent housing options such as rental apartments or houses, often providing subsidies to make the housing affordable. In some instances, the VA and its partners help end homelessness among veterans by reconnecting them with family and friends.
Veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless are urged to contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838). More information about housing initiatives and other programs for veterans exiting homelessness can be found on the VA Homeless Programs website.
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