Homeless Veterans

Most veterans experience a smooth transition to civilian life. For some, taking off the uniform and acclimating to a non-military life comes with social challenges and can ultimately lead to hard times, such as being homeless. U.S. military veterans are estimated to make up a large portion – 11 percent – of homeless adults. The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) wants to see every veteran with safe and secure housing and living a happy life. 

The DMVA serves as an information broker between federal, state and community partners on homeless veteran programs and services available throughout the commonwealth. Although specific programs for homeless veterans are not funded through our agency budget, we leverage other agencies who utilize state and federal funding to provide the necessary services that benefit homeless veterans and their families.

The DMVA works to identify and serve veterans in need through PA VETConnect, a new and innovative program that connects veterans to the best possible resources for assistance, anywhere in the commonwealth. The DMVA field staff networks in all 67 Pennsylvania counties and are well-versed in the social challenges veterans face. With help from this team, homeless veterans are connected to resources that help them secure stable housing. 

The DMVA provides grants to various community organizations through the Veterans' Trust Fund (VTF). These grants are awarded to veteran advocates, such as charitable organizations and county directors of veterans affairs, whose area of emphasis is supporting Pennsylvania’s diverse veteran population. This includes veterans who are unemployed, dealing with mental health challenges, facing financial hardship, looking for educational opportunities, and homeless. 

The DMVA administers the Veterans Temporary Assistance Program and the Military Family Relief Assistance Program which can both help veterans address housing-related issues. 

• Veterans Integrated Service Network 4 (VISN 4) covers 63 of PA’s 67 counties and works directly with all federal VA Medical Center Homeless Veteran Care Teams, administers the Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF) grant program, and provides continuums of care to assist VA-eligible homeless veterans.  
• The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program combines Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA provides these services for eligible veterans at VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) and Community-Based Outreach Clinics.   
• The VA offers the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, to ensure homeless veterans or veterans at-risk for homelessness have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. To connect with a trained VA staff member, please call (877) 4AID VET (877-424-3838).