Homeless Services

Homeless Services

The Veterans Affairs Homeless Programs are committed to ending homelessness among Veterans. The focus is threefold:

  • Conducting coordinated outreach to proactively seek out Veterans in need of assistance.
  • Connecting homeless and at-risk Veterans with housing solutions, health care, community employment services and other required supports.
  • Collaborating with federal, state and local agencies; employers; housing providers, faith-based and community nonprofits; and others to expand employment and affordable housing options for Veterans exiting homelessness.

Are You a Veteran Experiencing Homelessness?

Call:

1-800-VET-HELP

National Coalition for Homeless Veterans

Ideally, when a person experiencing homelessness enters the shelter system, they are quickly and efficiently connected with services that will allow them to eventually transition to permanent housing. However, the process can be difficult to navigate, with different City agencies and contracted nonprofit groups responsible for different stages of intake, assessment, placement, and case management. Additionally, the steps involved vary by population.


According to Veterans Affairs, in 2023, 35,574 veterans were experiencing homelessness during some point of the year, marking a S7% increase (2,445 more veterans) between 2022 and 2023. Veterans Affairs will not generally provide homeless services to veterans unless they are ‘in the gutter’ homeless. Veterans who are couch-surfing or family and friends are NOT eligible for VA Homeless Services, so it is imperative for the veteran to know their rights. 

Food Pantries and Kitchens


Many people go hungry every day. Without your local soup kitchen, food bank and food pantry people would literally starve to death. You can help by volunteering at your local soup kitchen, food bank or food pantry. Many local non-profit organizations are desperate for funds and volunteers so please contact them and help if you can.

Cell Phones & Laptops for Veterans


The Lifeline Program, which is run by the FCC, provides discount on service to those who fulfill certain income or eligibility criteria. This discount, if applied through Easy Wireless, provides free phone service, and you will receive a free phone!


Many veterans may qualify for this program, by simply showing proof of eligibility. This proof can be an award letter that shows you receive disability through the VA, which may qualify you through the low income program, or a VA letter that shows you receive a Veteran’s Pension or Survivor’s Pension, which will qualify you through the VPSP program.

Clothing for Veterans


There are thousands of veterans who served this country sleeping in shelters, couch-surfing, in their cars or in camps. Many have no access to clothing to keep them warm against the bitter cold. Many have no clothes for job interviews. Following are numerous organizations and programs that provide clothing to veterans in need.



Thank you for your Support

Veteran’s Housing and Homeless Prevention Programs

Homelessness is a complex social issue that has increasingly become part of the federal, state and local dialogue and impacts communities at every level. The common thread among homeless families and individuals is the lack of affordable housing, living wages and poverty. Independently and with other federal agencies, VA strives to meet the needs of Veterans at risk of homelessness by providing various services that promote permanent housing and help Veterans achieve their full potential. Here are a few VA programs that are helping prevent homelessness among Veterans.

  • Homeless Services / National

    VA Homeless Coordinators

    Click the map or browse the list below to identify the Homeless Coordinator in your local community. These coordinators can help you provide permanent, affordable housing to the homeless Veterans in your area.


    Homeless Programs

    The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans

    1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW Ste. 840,

    Washington, DC 20036

    Phone: 202-546-1969

    Fax: 202-546-2063

    Email: info@nchv.org


    National Alliance to End Homelessness

    1518 K Street NW, 2nd Floor,

    Washington, DC 20005

    T: 202.638.1526


    The National Coalition for the Homeless

    2201 P. St. NW

    Washington, DC 20037

    Phone: (202) 462-4822

    Email: info@nationalhomeless.org


    Volunteers of America

    1660 Duke Street

    Alexandria, VA 22314

    (703) 341-5000


    Catholic Charities USA

    2050 Ballenger Ave, Suite 400,

    Alexandria, VA 22314

    703-549-1390

    info@catholiccharitiesusa.org


    The Salvation Army USA

    615 Slaters Lane,

    Alexandria, Virginia 22314

    1-800-SAL-ARMY


    National Low Income Housing Coalition

    1000 Vermont Ave, NW, Suite 500

    Washington, DC 20005

    (Tel) 202-662-1530 

  • Homeless in America

    Homeless Shelters, Emergency Housing and Transitional Housing Near You

    We are constantly building the most complete list of shelters, including women's shelters, men's shelters, homeless shelters, as well as emergency and transitional housing. Many people and homeless shelters are in desperate need of assistance. If you can donate or volunteer, please use the contact information we have listed for each organization. If you are in need of assistance, we have also compiled an exhaustive list of local shelters and other resources.

  • Homeless in America / New York

    Homeless in America (New York State)

    We are continually adding to our list of New York homeless shelters, emergency housing, transitional housing and many other resources for the homeless and low income. There are a lot of non-profit organizations in New York that are in desperate need of volunteers and supplies. If you can volunteer or donate, simply contact any of the local organizations or support centers we have listed. If we missed any let us know and we'll be happy to add them to our list. Simply email us at support@homelessnessinamerica.com



  • The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans

    The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans 


    If you are a homeless veteran or a veteran at risk of becoming homeless, these pages provide information that you can use to seek help. They include addresses, phone numbers, and websites to find out about services, programs, and other help that is available. Keep in mind that these pages do not include all services offered. What is available in one area may be different from what is available in another, so be sure to check with local agencies to learn about services in your area.


    1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW Ste. 840, Washington, DC 20036

    Phone: 202-546-1969

    Fax: 202-546-2063

    Email: info@nchv.org


    Click on the links below to read about first steps you should take, information about resources available to address specific needs, how to replace personal records, information about seeking VA benefits, and a summary of phone numbers and websites that you will find valuable. Begin by reading the Step-by-Step Guide.


    Rental and Mortgage Assistance Resources

    Locate a Community-Based Organization

    • Immediate Help
    • Step-by-Step Guide
    • Replacing Personal Records
    • Seeking Federal Benefits
    • Women Veterans
    • Incarcerated Veterans

    If you experience difficulties getting results or locating services in your local area, call the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans at 1-800-VET-HELP.

  • National Call Center for Homeless Veterans

    National Call Center for Homeless Veterans

    Free Help for Homeless Veterans

    Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness—and their family members, friends and supporters—can make the call to or chat online with the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, where trained counselors are ready to talk confidentially 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


    Who Can Call

    National Call Center Hotline image - 18774AIDVETVeterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness

    Family members, friends and supporters calling on behalf of Veterans

    VA Medical Centers and other VA facilities and staff

    Federal, state and local partners

    Community agencies and providers who serve Veterans who are homeless

    Why Make the Call to 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838)

    • It's free and confidential
    • You'll get access to trained VA counselors
    • It's available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

    You'll get information about VA homeless programs, health care and other services in your area

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