VA, HUD and community partners conduct annual homeless census

WASHINGTON — As part of its continued work towards ending Veteran homelessness, the Department of Veterans Affairs is participating in the 2022 Point-in-Time Count led by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development this winter to estimate the number of Veterans living in America without safe, stable housing.

The data collected from annual PIT Counts is used to conduct gap analyses and form the basis for distributing Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing vouchers to partnering public housing authorities and VA medical centers across the country, with particular focus on areas where vouchers are needed most.

“Sustainable housing is directly tied to positive health outcomes and the annual Point-in-Time Count is integral in helping us gain a better understanding of the challenges homeless Veterans face,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “The economic crisis resulting from COVID-19 has increased the need for outreach to these priority groups and we will continue to identify homeless and at-risk Veterans throughout the country in need of supportive services.”

The number of Veterans experiencing homelessness in the U.S. has declined by nearly half since 2011 with more than 920,000 Veterans and their family members permanently housed or prevented from becoming homeless.

Veterans experiencing homelessness should visit their local VA medical center for assistance. To find the nearest VA medical center, visit www.va.gov/find-locations. For immediate assistance, contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 4AID-VET (877-424-3838).

For the most recent estimates in the U.S., visit HUD’s 2021 Annual Homeless Assessment Report Part 1 to Congress. For more information about the VA PIT Count go to VA Homeless Programs.