The US Department of Veterans Affairs provides interim housing for veterans experiencing homelessness. It offers more than a temporary place to sleep: participants are connected with healthcare, employment and other support to help them work toward permanent housing.
The department provides interim housing through two programs. HCHV CRS offers short-term emergency housing through community-based providers. GPD supports longer-term transitional housing through grants to nonprofit organizations and local and tribal governments.
Both programs connect veterans with services tailored to their circumstances, including case management, clinical treatment and help finding permanent housing. Some providers also allow veterans to stay with their pets.
Veterans do not have to complete a period of sobriety before being considered for interim housing. If they experience a relapse, providers work with them to connect them to care and support while keeping their housing goals in view.
The department is working to improve access to interim housing. It is funding more than 11,000 GPD beds through conditionally accepted grants and working with providers to expand same-day admissions whenever possible.
A safe place to stay allows veterans to focus on recovery, healthcare, employment and preparing for independent living. The department and its partners help them work toward permanent housing. Providers undergo initial and annual inspections, as well as unannounced visits throughout the year.
Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838.
