VA grants improve transitional housing, prevent Veteran homelessness

WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs will begin awarding $116.4 million in grants Sept. 30 to more than 200 community organizations under VA’s Grant and Per Diem program.  

GPD provides funding to community organizations that provide transitional housing and supportive services for Veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness and aims to help them achieve residential stability, increase skill levels and income, and obtain greater self-determination. 

“The Grant and Per Diem program is integral to VA’s evidence-based approach to preventing and ending homelessness among Veterans, which remains one of our highest priorities,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “These grants give the department continued flexibility to customize our services to the unique circumstances and needs of each Veteran facing a housing crisis and puts them on the pathway to permanent and stable housing.”

VA will award three different types of grants to address the unique needs of Veterans who are experiencing or at risk for homelessness.

• Capital Grants will provide funding for community organizations to build or renovate facilities that serve Veterans experiencing homelessness and are authorized through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act established in 2020. The improvements must result in less congregate and more individual unit style housing, thereby improving personal safety and reducing risks associated with close quarters living. VA will award 60 capital grants totaling approximately $64.2 million to provide 1,439 new beds over the next 18 to 24 months.

• Case Management Grants will be used to support case managers who provide services to help Veterans maintain self-sufficiency and housing stability. A total of 121 grants to organizations are awarded to support almost 155 case managers, totaling about $28.4 million over two years.

• Special Need Grants will provide funding for community organizations that help Veterans experiencing homelessness with special needs such as women Veterans, those with chronic mental illnesses and those who care for minor dependents. A total of 26 grants to organizations will be awarded for 217 beds totaling about $23.75 million over three years.

GPD has provided Veterans experiencing homelessness with community-based transitional housing and supportive services since 1994. As a result of this program and other VA efforts, the number of Veterans experiencing homelessness in the U.S. has declined by 50% since 2010.

A list of GPD grantees and nonprofit organizations seeking details about the program can visit homeless GPD.