[September 19, 2012]

VA Approves $28 Million in Grants for Homeless Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has approved $28.4 million in grants to fund 38 projects in 25 states and the District of Columbia that will provide transitional housing to homeless Veterans. Among these 38 projects, 31 will provide temporary housing to homeless Veterans with the goal that they will retain the residence as their own.

"As we drive toward our goal to end homelessness among Veterans by 2015, VA continues to find innovative ways to permanently house Veterans who were formerly homeless," said VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki. "Under President Obama's leadership, we have made incredible strides in creating programs to aid these brave men and women who have served our Nation so well."

Thirty-one of the grants were awarded through VA's Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program's (GPD) "Transition in Place" model. The program allows Veterans the opportunity to take over payment of a lease instead of moving out after using VA services-substance use counseling, mental health services, job training and more. Other VA programs require Veterans living in transitional housing to move out after 24 months. A list of the grant recipients can be found at: http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/GPD.asp.

GPD helps close gaps in available housing for the nation's most vulnerable homeless Veterans, including women with children, Indian tribal populations, and Veterans with substance use and mental health issues.

Those receiving funding have undergone a rigorous review by teams of experts rating each application under objective criteria to ensure that those funded have the abiliy to provide the services described and a solid plan to get these Veterans into housing with a high probability of obtaining residential stability and independent living.

"Securing permanent housing is a vital step in the journey of our homeless Veterans," said Dr. Susan Angell, executive director for VA's Veterans Homeless Initiative. "This is the last piece of the puzzle, and it is crucial for them in continuing to lead independent lives."

Community-based programs funded by GPD provide homeless Veterans with support services and housing. GPD grants are offered annually as funding is available by VA's National Homeless Program.

Lisa Pape, national director of homeless programs for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), which oversees GPD, said VHA's focus is creating and strengthening community services around the country so that homeless Veterans get the support they need.

"Our focus is creating a team of community support-pairing a variety of services, such as mental health support, employment assistance and job training with the essential component of housing," Pape said. "Whether it is aid in overcoming substance use or finding a job, a community helping hand is exactly what these Veterans need to lead a better quality of life."

On a single night in 2011, a national count of homeless Veterans totaled 67,495, 12 percent lower than 76,000 in 2010. As part of Obama and Shinseki's five-year plan to eliminate Veteran homelessness by 2015, VA has committed almost $1 billion to strengthen programs that prevent and treat the many issues that can lead to Veteran homelessness.

These awards follow closely with a notice VA published asking interested organizations to submit a nonbinding letter of intent to the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program to apply for initial and renewal supportive services grants by Sep. 28, 2012. The SSVF Program in the first 10 months of operation has assisted more than 28,000 Veterans and their families to prevent or rapidly end homelessness. Letters of intent have no impact on the opportunity for entities to apply when funding availability is announced. These letters of intent will help VA gauge interest in the SSVF program as it seeks to make access to SSVF services available throughout the country. VA anticipates announcing a Notice of Funding Availability in the new fiscal year. Additional information can be obtained at: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/08/23/2012-20761/letter-of-intent-to-apply-for-funding-available-under-the-supportive-services-for-veteran-families#h-5

To help a homeless Veteran or Veteran at risk of homelessness, refer them to the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, 1-877-4AID-VET, or direct them to www.va.gov/homeless. The hotline connects homeless Veterans, Veterans at risk of becoming homeless and their families with the VA services and benefits they have earned.

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