Best Practices
Redesign of a Screening Process for VA Homeless Housing
Standardizing the screening processes for homeless housing among VA facilities can make programs more accessible to veterans experiencing...
Homelessness among veterans is finally on the downturn. Since 2010, when the Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness was launched, rates of homelessness have dropped significantly. Connecticut, New Orleans, Houston, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City have all reached milestones in reducing the number of homeless veterans, the VA says. But there’s a long way to go.
Related: Redesign of a Screening Process for VA Homeless Housing
That’s why 21 community programs for veterans with special needs—including women, frail elderly, chronically mentally ill, terminally ill, and those caring for minor children—will receive $4 million in renewal funding from the Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program.
Related: Using H-PACT to Overcome Treatment Obstacles for Homeless Veterans
The VA has also announced $12.8 million in renewal funding from the GDP program for 20 community agencies that provide transitional housing with supportive services for homeless veterans under the Transition in Place (TIP) model, which encourages rapid movement from transitional housing to permanent housing, to allow veterans to live as independently as possible.
Related: Services for Veterans With Special Needs Get Funding
The GPD program promotes helping homeless veterans achieve residential stability, increase their skill levels and income, and obtain greater self-determination. In addition to grants, the GPD program provides per diem payments to help public and nonprofit organizations establish and operate supportive housing for specific homeless veteran populations.