VA Announces $42-Million Boost To Veterans
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced on Wednesday that it will provide approximately $42 million in federal grants to eligible nonprofit and community-based organizations helping veterans facing or at risk of homelessness.
These grants, which are being made available through the VA's Legal Services for Veterans Grant Program, would assist people with various legal services as they transition out of homelessness or fight to keep a roof over their heads.
Why It Matters
Last year, as many as 32,882 veterans were experiencing homelessness in the U.S., according to VA data. That is about 5 percent of the entire U.S. homeless population, showing that veterans are significantly overrepresented compared to other categories.
A combination of factors, including the ongoing housing shortage and affordability crisis in the U.S., the difficulties in transition from active duty to civilian life, common mental health issues, substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, injuries and disabilities, contribute to putting the veteran population particularly at risk of facing homelessness.
Army veteran Doug Cohen attends a Stand Down event designed to help veterans who are homeless or housing insecure on June 16, 2023, in Chicago.
Army veteran Doug Cohen attends a Stand Down event designed to help veterans who are homeless or housing insecure on June 16, 2023, in Chicago.While the number of veterans experiencing homelessness has decreased consistently over the past decade, partially thanks to the VA's efforts to fund mental-health programs and give them housing assistance, the work of nonprofit and community-based organizations remains crucial to help keep veterans housed.
What To Know
Eligible organizations hoping to receive the VA's funding can apply for grants worth up to $500,000. The amount received is meant to fund the organization's operations for a two-year period beginning October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027.
The funds are to help provide veterans with representation in landlord-tenant disputes to prevent evictions; assisting them with court proceedings for child support, custody or estate planning; helping them obtain benefits like disability compensation; and offering them defense in criminal cases that can prolonged or increase their risk of homelessness, including outstanding warrants, fines and driver's license revocation.
The VA has announced several major funding efforts in recent months, including a $52.5-million initiative to prevent veteran suicides through community-based grants. The focus on legal services in the current $42 million grant expands the department's support for housing stability and social services for veterans.
What People Are Saying
VA secretary Doug Collins said in a press release on Wednesday: "Services to help veterans obtain benefits, maintain access to housing and navigate other common legal issues can make a huge difference in preventing or resolving homelessness.
"These important grants will help us make a positive difference in the lives of thousands of veterans."
What Happens Next
Eligible organizations have until 4 p.m. ET on July 7 to apply for the grants. The VA will review applications and distribute funds to qualified organizations ahead of the program's start date of October 1, 2025.
If you are a veteran facing or at risk of homelessness, we would like to hear from you. Please email me at g.carbonaro@newsweek.com.
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