The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced on January 30 that it permanently housed more than 46,550 veterans experiencing homelessness in 2023, surpassing its goal of housing 38,000 veterans by 22%. The VA’s efforts are grounded in the Housing First approach, which prioritizes helping veterans access housing and then providing them with voluntary wraparound services, such as health care, job training, and legal assistance.
The VA’s success makes 2023 the second year in a row that the department housed more than 40,000 unhoused veterans. In 2023, the VA worked with over 40,200 unsheltered veterans to connect them to housing and resources, exceeding the department’s goal by 43%. The VA also ensured that 96% of veterans have remained in housing and that 93% of the veterans who returned to homelessness have been rehoused or are on a path to rehousing, exceeding both calendar year goals.
The VA’s actions build upon historic investments by the Biden administration that have driven significant reductions in veteran homelessness. The number of veterans experiencing homelessness has decreased by 4% since early 2020 and by more than 52% since 2010.
Read the VA announcement at: https://bit.ly/3SjuM75
To learn more about the VA’s efforts to end veteran homelessness, visit: https://www.va.gov/homeless/
Learn more about Housing First at: https://bit.ly/3ViLyU6