As 2024 draws to a close, let’s look back on the major strides we have made toward ending Veteran homelessness and look ahead to how we can keep that momentum going into next year.
Veteran homelessness reached an all-time low this year and we also exceeded our goal to house 41,000 Veterans by over 16%. Ultimately, we housed the largest number of Veterans in a single year since 2019.
“All the elements that came together to change people’s lives this year were truly an inspiration,” said Monica Diaz, senior executive director of the Homeless Programs Office, in a recent appearance on the Ending Veteran Homelessness podcast.
Listen to “S1EP32: 2024 Year in Review with Executive Director Monica Diaz” on Spreaker.
One team, one goal
What’s the key to gaining so much ground? Teamwork.
Using our One Team approach, we continued to break down silos not only within VA but outside of it, too.
We worked lockstep with partners and other agencies to make sure Veterans could easily access the support they earned through their service. Ensuring that everyone working with homeless Veterans heard the same message and used the same strategies allowed for this unprecedented progress.
Collaboration came from all levels, from local communities all the way up to Congress.
At the local level, grantees, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, volunteer services and others worked hard to strengthen partnerships with VA, providing Veterans with the services they needed to remain stably housed and regain their independence.
Meanwhile, Congress continued to provide bipartisan support, investing in those programs that have a proven track record of improving the lives of those who bravely served their country.
Looking ahead
Moving forward, we are looking to accelerate our progress and bring the number of Veterans without a home closer to zero.
While there are no specific goals set yet, Diaz said one particular focus in 2025 will be improving our ability to quickly house unsheltered Veterans, ramping up surge events that bring infusions of resources that help us reach and house unsheltered Veterans.
According to Diaz, this means “expanding the level of urgency in our strategies.” In addition to continuing to house large numbers of Veterans, we’ll put renewed focus on the efficiency and responsiveness of our services.
For those Veterans who are still struggling with homelessness, Diaz urged them to reach out, even if they have done so before without success.
“You’re the reason we wake up every day to do the mission we do. You have earned every benefit we have here in VA to serve you. Give us an opportunity to continue to serve you,” she added.
Learn about VA programs
If you are a Veteran who is homeless or at risk of homelessness or need to connect with a Veterans justice outreach specialist, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838).
Visit the VA Homeless Programs website to learn about housing initiatives and other programs for Veterans exiting homelessness.
Check out the Ending Veteran Homelessness podcast to learn more about what VA is doing about Veteran homelessness.
Learn how to get involved with housing homeless Veterans.
Subscribe to the Homeless Programs Office newsletter to receive monthly updates about programs and supportive services for Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
