If you are a veteran experiencing homelessness — or about to lose your housing — call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-424-3838 (1-877-4AID-VET). It is free, answered 24/7, and connects you directly with the VA homeless programs in your area.
The VA and its community partners run real programs with real housing behind them. Here is what each one does and who it serves.
Call first: 1-877-4AID-VET
Tap to call: 1-877-424-3838. Trained VA staff will take your location and situation and connect you with local help — shelter tonight where available, and a path to permanent housing after that. If you are in emotional crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988, press 1 or text 838255 — more on our crisis resources page.
HUD-VASH: a voucher for permanent housing
HUD-VASH combines a Housing Choice (Section 8) rental voucher with a VA case manager. The voucher helps pay rent on housing you choose; the case manager helps with treatment, services, and staying housed long-term.
Who it serves: veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk, meet VA healthcare eligibility, and need case management to maintain housing.
SSVF: fast help for veteran families
Supportive Services for Veteran Families works with very low-income veteran households — including spouses and children — to keep or find permanent housing. SSVF can pay emergency rental and utility assistance, security deposits, and moving costs, and helps you search for housing.
Who it serves: very low-income veteran families who are homeless or at imminent risk. If you are behind on rent but still housed, SSVF is often the program that keeps you there.
GPD: transitional housing while you rebuild
The Grant and Per Diem program funds community organizations that provide transitional housing for up to 24 months, along with case management, life-skills training, and employment help.
HCHV: outreach and treatment
Health Care for Homeless Veterans sends outreach workers to veterans on the street — including those who have never used the VA — and provides residential substance-use treatment and mental health care.
Stand Down events
Stand Downs are one- to three-day events held around the country where homeless veterans get food, clothing, hygiene supplies, health screenings, haircuts, dental care, benefits counseling, employment and legal help — all in one place. Find a Stand Down near you.
More support while you get back on your feet
- Jobs: Homeless Veteran Community Employment Services (HVCES) offers job training, résumé help, and placement through VA medical centers.
- Benefits you may be owed: you can receive VA disability compensation, pension, and healthcare even while homeless — see our disability pay guide.
- ID and documents: a County Veterans Service Officer can request your DD-214, birth certificate, and replacement ID for free.
- Legal help: free legal clinics assist with eviction, child support, license restoration, and record issues — see VA resources for homeless veterans.
- Women veterans: specialized programs include housing with childcare and trauma-informed care — VA women veterans resources.
- Find any VA program near you: va.gov/find-locations.
You served. Safe housing is not charity — it is the floor. If you are not sure which number to call first, call 1-877-424-3838 and let them sort it out with you, or contact us and we will help you find the right local program.
Common questions
I’m about to lose my housing but not homeless yet. Can I still get help?
Yes — call 1-877-424-3838 now, before you lose the housing. Both HUD-VASH and SSVF serve veterans at imminent risk of homelessness, and SSVF can provide emergency rent and utility assistance that keeps you in your current home. Acting early gives you the most options.
Do I qualify for help with a less-than-honorable discharge?
Often, yes. Program rules vary, but the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans (1-877-424-3838) talks to any veteran, and many community programs serve veterans regardless of discharge status. A County Veterans Service Officer can also review whether a discharge upgrade is possible.
Can my family stay with me in veteran housing programs?
SSVF is built for veteran families — it serves the veteran plus spouse and dependents. HUD-VASH vouchers can also cover family households. Tell the call center about your family situation so they route you to the right program.
I lost my ID and paperwork. Where do I start?
Start with the call center at 1-877-424-3838 anyway — you do not need documents to get connected. Then a County Veterans Service Officer can help you request your DD-214, birth certificate, and ID replacements for free.