VA on pace to house at least 38,000 more homeless Veterans by end of 2023

In March, Secretary Denis McDonough announced VA’s 2023 goals for preventing and ending Veteran homelessness.

Specifically, in 2023, VA will:

• Place at least 38,000 more homeless Veterans into permanent housing
• Ensure that at least 95% of the Veterans housed in 2023 do not return to homelessness during the year. Of those who return to homelessness, VA will ensure at least 90% are rehoused or on a path to rehousing by the end of 2023
• Engage with at least 28,000 unsheltered Veterans to help them obtain housing and other wraparound services; this goal represents a more than 10% increase in the number of unsheltered Veterans reached during 2022

These goals build upon VA’s success in housing more than 40,000 homeless Veterans in 2022.

But with less than five months to go, how is VA doing?

The mid-year mile marker

As of July 31, 2023, 26,470 Veterans have moved into permanent housing, representing 69.7% progress toward the goal. An average of 3,309 Veterans have moved into housing each month.

Additionally, 97.1% of the Veterans housed since Jan. 1, 2023, have remained in housing.

We are working hard to support the 772 Veterans who returned to homelessness after being housed this year. Thanks to the relentlessness of our homeless programs staff and community partners, 654 of those Veterans have been rehoused or placed on a path to rehousing, representing 84.7% of Veterans who have returned to homelessness.

Lastly, 24,285 unsheltered Veterans have been engaged by VA’s homeless program outreach staff and our Supportive Services for Veteran Families grantees, representing 86.7% of the goal. It is these dedicated workers who serve as the front door, connecting Veterans to care and services through VA homeless programs and the broader VA health care system.

View these results by race, ethnicity and gender.

Getting back on a path to rehousing

As we continue to work toward our goal to ensure that 90% of the Veterans who have returned to homelessness are rehoused or on a path to rehousing by the end of 2023, we’ve also been analyzing the associated data.

While we’re noticing many false positives like Veterans who are being misidentified as returning to homelessness but are actually still housed, we’re also noticing important trends with specific permanent housing destinations.

For context, the vast majority of Veterans housed through VA’s homeless programs move into rental apartments with short- or long-term subsidies which make rent affordable to them. However, a smaller percentage of Veterans are housed through rentals without a subsidy, through homeownership or through permanently reuniting with family or friends.

We’re noticing that Veterans who move in with family or friends on a “permanent” basis have been more likely to return to homelessness and later need help from VA. We take this very seriously and are working with our community partners to strengthen the housing plans for all Veterans in our care.

Listen to the recent episode of the “Ending Veteran Homelessness” podcast on figuring out why Veterans may return to homelessness.

How this year’s goals help us end Veteran homelessness

Ending Veteran homelessness remains a top priority for VA, and we have made significant progress over the last 12 years.

Since 2010, Veteran homelessness has been reduced by more than 55%. Not only that, but 83 communities and three states have achieved an effective end to Veteran homelessness.

VA’s 2023 homelessness goals not only help more Veterans find safe and stable housing, but also help our communities’ homelessness service systems accelerate progress in reducing the number of homeless Veterans across America.

How you can help (or get help)

We all have a part to play in ending Veteran homelessness, and there are many ways Americans can help.

If you are a Veteran who is homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 for assistance. It is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors who can talk to you and connect you with your nearest VA for help.

If you are a landlord or housing provider with housing units, rent to Veterans participating in VA homeless programs. If you are a business owner, hire homeless and formerly homeless Veterans. Read more information on renting to or hiring homeless Veterans.

To everyone else, please keep the National Call Center’s number handy, 877-424-3838, and use it if you know of homeless Veterans in need of assistance.

One homeless Veteran will always be one too many, and we won’t rest until we see the day when no Veteran experiences the tragedy and indignity of homelessness—and every Veteran has a safe, stable, accessible and affordable home.

Learn about VA programs

• If you are a Veteran who is homeless or at risk for homelessness, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838).
• Visit the VA Homeless Programs website to learn about housing initiatives and other programs for Veterans exiting homelessness.
• Check out the Ending Veteran Homelessness podcast to learn more about what VA is doing about Veteran homelessness.
• Learn how to get involved with housing homeless Veterans.

For more stories like these, subscribe to the Homeless Programs Office newsletter to receive monthly updates about programs and supportive services for Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.