VA awards $84 M in grants to support homeless veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced Tuesday that it will distribute $84 million in grants to 176 organizations nationwide to help veterans who are homeless or at risk of losing housing.

About $42 million will go toward legal aid — with the remaining half supporting case managers who work directly with veterans to keep them in stable housing.

“No one who served our nation in uniform should go without shelter,” VA Secretary Doug Collins said. “These grants will provide crucial support and services to help thousands of Veterans on their journey back to self-sufficiency.”

Legal services will be provided through the VA’s Legal Services for Homeless Veterans and Veterans At-Risk for Homelessness program.

Veterans may receive help with landlord-tenant disputes, court proceedings involving child support or custody, estate planning and securing benefits, or defending against criminal cases such as warrants, fines or driver’s license revocations.

Case management funds will be distributed through the VA’s Grant and Per Diem program. The money will support about 100 case manager positions to assist with housing searches, conduct home visits to monitor stability and connect veterans with educational opportunities and other support services.

Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness can contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 or visit the VA’s Homeless Programs website for more information.