by The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced Wednesday that it will award approximately $42 million in grants to nonprofit and community-based organizations assisting veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The funding, part of the VA’s Legal Services for Veterans Grant Program, aims to help veterans with legal challenges that often contribute to housing instability.
Key Details of the Grant Program:
- Grants are available to eligible nonprofit and community-based organizations.
- Each organization can receive up to $500,000 in funding.
- Funds will support operations from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027.
Services Covered by the Grants:
- Legal assistance in landlord-tenant disputes to help prevent evictions.
- Representation in family court cases, including child support, custody, and estate planning.
- Help with securing VA benefits such as disability compensation.
- Criminal defense services in cases that could lead to prolonged homelessness, such as outstanding warrants or fines.
Why This Matters:
- Nearly 33,000 veterans experienced homelessness in 2023, making up about 5% of the U.S. homeless population.
- Veterans face unique challenges, including mental health issues, substance use, and difficulties transitioning to civilian life.
- While homelessness among veterans has declined over the past decade, legal aid remains critical to sustaining long-term housing stability.
Recent VA Initiatives:
- The announcement follows a $52.5 million initiative aimed at suicide prevention through community-based programs.
- This new $42 million grant expands support for legal services that reinforce housing security and access to social services.
What Officials Are Saying:
- VA Secretary Doug Collins emphasized the importance of legal services, stating: “Services to help veterans obtain benefits, maintain access to housing and navigate other common legal issues can make a huge difference in preventing or resolving homelessness.”
