After eight months of uncertainty and hardship, a US Army veteran who had been living out of his car expressed profound relief upon receiving VA benefits. “Eight months ago, I was living in my car, with all my stuff in a storage room and $20,” he shared, underscoring the desperate circumstances many veterans face. His story is one of countless others who have struggled with homelessness and severe financial strain, often with limited access to resources.
This veteran’s story is a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by many who served in the military, who upon returning to civilian life, grapple with financial instability, housing insecurity, and limited access to healthcare. Stories like his are central to understanding why the VA’s current initiatives are more critical than ever.
VA exceeds goals to combat Veteran homelessness in 2024
The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced that in fiscal year 2024, it successfully housed 47,925 veterans, surpassing its goal of 41,000 by 16.9%—the highest number achieved in a single year since 2019. This milestone represents a step towards the VA’s mission of eliminating veteran homelessness across the country. As VA Secretary Denis McDonough emphasized, “No Veteran should experience homelessness in this nation they swore to defend.” Since 2022, nearly 134,000 veterans have been permanently housed, and the total number of veterans experiencing homelessness in the U.S. has fallen by more than 52% since 2010.
An approach to ending Veteran homelessness
Many veterans face complex barriers to stable housing, including limited income, mental health challenges, and inadequate support systems. To address these issues, the VA has adopted the “Housing First” approach, prioritizing stable housing for veterans before addressing other needs like employment support, mental health care, and legal assistance. This model has yielded measurable success: the VA reported that 96% of housed veterans have not returned to homelessness, thanks in part to ongoing support services.
In regions with high rates of homelessness, like Los Angeles, VA efforts have been particularly impactful. For the third consecutive year, Los Angeles has led the nation in housing homeless veterans, with over 1,854 veterans permanently housed in FY 2024. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority reported a 22.9% reduction in veteran homelessness from 2023 to 2024, showing the effectiveness of these targeted initiatives.
Personal transformation through VA benefits and support
Veterans often describe their relief upon receiving VA benefits as life-altering. For those who have faced homelessness, the stability provided by housing assistance and financial support opens new pathways to independence and recovery. Many veterans gain access to healthcare, job placement, and community support, which help them transition to civilian life. Stories like the one above capture the profound impact of these programs, offering veterans not just a place to stay but the resources needed to rebuild their lives.
For veterans in need, the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans (877-4AID-VET) and the VA’s online portal at VA.gov/homeless provide direct assistance and information on available resources. As the VA continues to expand its housing initiatives, it moves closer to its goal of making veteran homelessness a thing of the past, ensuring that every veteran who has served the country has a safe, stable place to call home.
