Call this number first
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans — 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838)
Free. 24/7. Confidential. They route you to the right local program — emergency shelter, housing voucher, food, mental health, employment, all coordinated through one call. Don't try to navigate this alone.
The four major programs
HUD-VASH (HUD-VA Supportive Housing)
The biggest program. A Section 8 housing voucher (paid by HUD) plus VA case management (mental health, substance use, employment).
- Pays most of your rent — you typically pay 30% of income
- You pick the apartment (within program rules)
- Includes a VA caseworker assigned to you
- Long-term — not a 90-day program
- Eligible: chronically homeless, mental illness, substance use, or other vulnerability
Apply through your local VA Medical Center's Homeless Programs office, or call 1-877-4AID-VET.
SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families)
For veterans who are at risk of homelessness or recently homeless. SSVF prevents the eviction or rapidly re-houses you.
- Emergency rental assistance
- Security deposit, first month's rent, utility deposits
- Furnishings and household goods
- Help with transportation, childcare, legal services
- Time-limited (usually up to 9 months) but flexible
SSVF is delivered by community partner agencies, not the VA itself. Find your local provider through 1-877-4AID-VET.
Grant and Per Diem (GPD)
Transitional housing — usually 30 days to 24 months, run by community agencies. Includes meals, case management, employment services, and mental-health/substance-use treatment if needed.
Right tier: you're not ready for independent housing yet, you need stability and structure to stabilize.
Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV)
The on-ramp. Outreach workers go to shelters, soup kitchens, encampments, jails, and on the street. They help homeless vets connect to housing, healthcare, benefits — without you having to navigate the bureaucracy alone.
Specific situations
"I can stay one more night, but I'm out of options after that"
Call 1-877-4AID-VET tonight. Ask specifically about SSVF — that's the prevention program. Many SSVF agencies can issue same-day or next-day rental assistance.
"I'm in my car"
You qualify for HCHV outreach right now. The VA has dedicated outreach teams. The National Call Center will connect you. Don't wait until you're "really homeless" — case workers prefer to engage early.
"I have a family, including kids"
SSVF is family-friendly and prioritizes families with children. Mention it on the call.
"I have an OTH or bad-paper discharge"
Most homeless veteran programs accept OTH discharges. The "Character of Discharge" determination happens through the VA. HCHV outreach workers walk you through it.
"I'm a Reservist or Guard, never activated"
Some programs require activation; some don't. SSVF community providers often serve all veterans. Call and ask — don't assume no.
What to bring (or get help getting)
- DD-214 (or a copy — VSO's can pull this for you fast)
- Government ID
- Social Security card
- Income verification (pay stubs, benefits letter)
- If you have it: VA Member ID, prior VA case manager's contact
If you don't have these, the case manager helps you replace them. Don't let missing paperwork stop you from making the call.
Mental health while housed
HUD-VASH and SSVF both connect you to ongoing VA mental health care. Many homeless veterans benefit from PTSD treatment, substance-use programs, or Vet Centers alongside housing.
Get help
National Call Center
1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838). 24/7. Free. They route you to local programs.
Call now →VA Homeless Programs
Full directory of HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD, HCHV, and how to apply.
va.gov/homeless →National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
Searchable directory of community partners by state.
nchv.org →Warriors Fund
Direct emergency financial assistance — rent, utilities, car repair, food. Apply online.
warriorsfund.org →