Transitional Services

Transitional Services

Transitioning from homelessness, active-duty, or from incarceration without that safe space can be distressing not just for those veterans on the street, but also those in shelters and transitional programs who are seeking sustainable housing and personal stability. Many veterans are eligible for homeless benefits through Veterans Affairs, but a substantial number of veterans are not eligible for VA benefits because of discharge status or VA restrictions. Veterans who have served in the Reserves or the National Guard are generally not eligible for VA benefits if they become homeless unless they also suffer a VA disability or served deployed for combat. Estimates that as many as 70% of veterans do not self-identify as veterans either because of prior bad experience with Veterans Affairs or other veterans. Fortunately, most communities have general public transitional programs with an emphasis on supportive services and housing placement.

The VA Grant and Per Diem Transitional Program

The GPD program is VA’s largest transitional housing program for Veterans experiencing homelessness and is permanently authorized under Public Law 109-461. Since 1994, the GPD Program has awarded grants to community-based organizations to provide transitional housing with wraparound supportive services to assist vulnerable Veterans move into permanent housing. According to Veterans Affairs, the GPD Program, “is offered annually (as funding permits) by the Department of Veterans Affairs to fund community agencies providing services to Veterans experiencing homelessness.


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