Programs for Homeless Veterans

The Veteran's Administration estimates there are approximately 154,000 veterans homeless on any given night, about one-third of all adult homeless people in America. The VA has an aggressive outreach program targeting these homeless veterans and includes many special programs available to help.

Compensated Work Therapy/Transitional Residence (CWT/TR)

This is a program for at-risk, homeless veterans, making community-based housing available while being employed in the Compensated Work Therapy Program, also known as Veterans Industries. The VA creates contracts with private industries and the public sector that creates the work these veterans perform, during which they learn new skill sets, rebuilding good work ethics and self esteem. Veterans work just over 30 hours a week, earning about $732 per month. In the CWT/TR program, participating veterans pay approximately $185 per month toward the upkeep of the residence in which they are living. It is a supervised, community home with an average stay of about six months.

The Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans (DCHV)

This program provides residential treatment and rehabilitation to homeless veterans. These domiciliaries conduct outreach, vocational assistance, and post-discharge community support.

The HUD-VASH program

A joint endeavor by the Housing of Urban Development and the VA. HUD's voucher program has designated more than ten-thousand vouchers throughout the country for homeless veterans. These vouchers are "portable" so the veteran can move to or live in a community with the support they need, such as a VA hospital.

The Supported Housing Program

Provides ongoing support and case management for homeless veterans. The VA does not have HUD vouchers in this program but are very successful in finding affordable, permanent housing in local communities for the homeless and reestablishing veterans by collaborating with local agencies and Veteran Service Organizations (VSO).

The Community Homelessness Assessment, Local Education, and Networking Groups (CHALENG)

This is a program where a VA medical center and VA regional office directors collaborate with state and other local agencies to assess the needs of homeless veterans and develop action plans to meet those needs.

Stand Downs are a one to three day event that brings several government and community agencies together to provide services and give counseling to homeless veterans. Health screenings, food, shelter and clothes are some of the services provided. Veterans can receive counseling on VA and Social Security benefits. Homeless veterans can receive referrals to a number of other services to assist them in housing, employment and substance abuse. There are currently 89 stand downs scheduled for 2009 and this is a key component to the Veteran's Administration's efforts to reach homeless veterans.

There are Drop-In Centers across the Nation providing a safe haven for homeless veterans during the day. There are facilities for individuals to clean up and wash their clothes. There are also rehabilitation programs and other therapy that veterans can participate in. These centers are often the homeless veteran's first encounter with help from the VA, so the VA's outreach program is very active in these centers.

Often tied to the Drop-In Centers is the VA Excess Property for Homeless Veterans Initiative. This program allows for the distribution of excess federal property to homeless veterans and homeless veteran programs. Items include supplies such as warm clothes, coats, shoes, socks, and sleeping bags. This program is located in Lyons, New Jersey, providing employment for veterans under the Compensated Work Therapy Program. All items are received, stored and shipped from this center to various VA homeless programs.

Dental care is one of many health needs often neglected by the homeless. The Homeless Veterans Dental Program (HVDP) increases the accessibility of dental care to homeless veterans, contributing to the overall success of homeless rehabilitation programs everywhere. Dental issues can be a huge barrier for the veteran when seeking employment and maintaining a social lifestyle. The dental care program has reportedly significantly increased the self-esteem and general health of many veterans.

The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) is another resource dedicated to ending homelessness for America's veterans. There is a lot of good information, news and updates on their website. (www.nchv.org). Stand Down schedules, Employment Assistance and ways to get involved to help are all available on the NCHV website.

It is a sad affair that one-third of the homeless people in the United States are veterans of the armed forces. The government sees the need for support and has developed multiple programs to assist the homeless veteran recover from their situation and reestablish normalcy back to their lives. These veterans are relying on government programs and organizations such as the NCHV for help, but often, getting the information to them is the challenge. These non-profit organizations look to the rest of society for the support they need to help the veteran.

Resources:

Homeless Veteran Information

Find a local VA facility or call 1-877-222-8387

VA Toll Free Phone Number: 1-800-827-1000

Veteran's Administration: Homeless

National Coalition for Homeless Veterans