Building for Humanity CIC’s Post

"Even one veteran experiencing homelessness is one too many," said VA Deputy Secretary Tanya Bradsher regarding the increased target number of veterans to be placed into permanent -- not transitional -- housing programs in 2024. But did you know that the total number of veterans without reliable housing rose about 7% from 2022 to 2023? While various micro and macroeconomic factors could be to blame for this, the VA sees it as a call to action. While this year's goal of 41,000 veterans *is* an increase from 2023's goal of 38,000, VA officials reported that there were impressively more than 46,000 veterans aided last year through the homeless program. Because of this, Bradsher is confident that the 41,000 veteran goal will be well-exceeded! Additionally, Bradsher reported that VA officials are making efforts to ensure that all VA homeless program offices are well-staffed and have all the resources needed, and there are even specific targets for assistance in Los Angeles-- the city with the highest numbers of homeless veterans. Furthermore, CEO of the National Coalition of Homeless Veterans Kathryn Monet has recently testified before Congress on her organization's priorities for the year, including pushing lawmakers to reauthorize a host of COVID-19 pandemic relief authorities designed to prevent homelessness among veterans after their expiration at the end of the national emergency in May 2023! Never forget to take care of our veterans!!! #veterans #military #takecareofourvets #militarynews #veteransaffairs https://lnkd.in/gsrCcsZD

Government boosts support for veterans ahead of Remembrance 🇬🇧 Government Boosts Support for Veterans Ahead of Remembrance Day 🇬🇧 This week, the UK government announced a new £3.5 million commitment to support veterans at risk of homelessness, with funding for programs that provide wraparound services—offering mental health support, job assistance, and housing aid. As the nation prepares to honor those who’ve served, this funding ensures veterans not only have housing security this Christmas but well into 2026. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated, “Veterans represent the very best of our country, and we must honor their sacrifices. They’ve safeguarded our freedoms; it’s only right they have security of their own.” Today, veterans and their families will gather at Downing Street to share their experiences. This pledge extends the “homes for heroes” initiative, supporting veterans' access to social housing without local connection requirements. As Remembrance Day approaches, we recognize the dedication of our Armed Forces and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This commitment is one way we continue to serve those who served us. https://lnkd.in/eJ2pK2NX #RemembranceDay #Veterans #SupportOurHeroes #UKVeterans #HomesForHeroes

So many important nuggets of wisdom to take away from this article: -         Veterans are more likely than nonveterans to experience homelessness, potentially related to the stressors they face as part of military service -         Many veterans don’t know they qualify or may feel “too proud” to accept services/benefits available to them -         Substance use can be a (short-term) survival mechanism for street living. Obviously extended use can have long-term negative consequences, but when you are living to survive one more day, it can be rational choice. -         Everyone makes mistakes. Impulsive decision making is a cornerstone of a developing brain. Our brains aren’t fully formed until mid to late 20’s and executive functioning can be compromised by lack of sleep, substance use, and other stressors. Bad decisions can lead to lifelong consequences and may be tough to recover from when you are poor and lack robust social support. -         High quality peer support is an effective mechanism to engaging people living unsheltered. Peer support and outreach is mentally and physically demanding work. Adequate clinical support and compensation is needed to ensure the health and longevity of this workforce. #supportivehousing #veteranhomelessness https://lnkd.in/gGpFb7ef

On #VeteransDay we recognize all who have served in our nation's defense and we express our appreciation for their dedication and sacrifice. Unfortunately, not all Veterans are able to lead a "normal" life beyond their time of service. The reasons are many, but their difficult path too often leads to periods of #homelessness. The good news: the total number of veterans who are experiencing homelessness is steadily and significantly decreasing, thanks to some focused programs of relief jointly offered by the VA and HUD. The not-so-good news: the number of #womenveterans who are homeless is actually growing. It's a much smaller number (a little less than 4000 women in 2024) which partially explains the lack of attention. But this clearly cannot be an acceptable pattern, especially since these women are more vulnerable out on the streets. Want to thank a veteran for their service? Find a way to support any housing organization in your community that provides temporary housing for veterans, especially our women veterans. Example: The @FaithHouse in Pensacola Florida, part of the #HonorHerFoundation's efforts https://lnkd.in/erB9VkKP Write a letter to your congressional delegation expressing gratitude for the progress made in reducing veterans homelessness, but include your concerns for the plight of homeless women veterans. This number is projected to grow in the coming years unless we can focus on them and give them the support they earned.

VA Surpasses FY 2024 Goal: Over 43,000 Homeless Veterans Housed 🚨 Big News 🚨 The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has exceeded expectations, housing 43,116 veterans experiencing homelessness since October 2023—surpassing the FY 2024 goal of 41,000 one month early! 🎉 This incredible achievement marks significant progress, but the mission to end veteran homelessness is far from complete. 🇺🇸 Since 2010, veteran homelessness has decreased by more than 52%, yet 36,637 veterans remain without permanent housing. These veterans served our nation, and now it’s our duty to ensure they have the safety and stability of a home. Housing is healthcare 🏠💙, and every veteran deserves the security that a permanent home provides. As we celebrate this milestone, we must also address the urgent need for increased outreach to connect with veterans who may be disillusioned or disconnected from available resources. Programs like VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) and SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families) are lifelines, but too many veterans remain unaware of how to access them. We must prioritize connecting these veterans to the services that can help them transition into permanent housing and regain their independence. 🫡 We won’t rest until the term “homeless veteran” is a thing of the past. The mission continues—and together, we can ensure that every veteran has a place to call home. 🙌 Learn more and join the effort: [https://lnkd.in/gt_3J76P) #Veterans #EndVeteranHomelessness #HousingIsHealthcare #VeteransAffairs #MissionContinues #Homelessness #VASH #SSVF #OutreachMatters #NoVeteranLeftBehind

"Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced it will award $806.4 million in grants to help homeless and at-risk Veterans through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families and Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem programs. Supportive Services for Veteran Families: Through the SSVF program, VA is awarding 239 grants totaling approximately $797.5 million to community organizations that help rapidly rehouse Veterans and their families, prevent the imminent loss of Veterans’ homes, or identify more suitable housing situations. Grant and Per Diem Program: Through the GPD program, VA will award 14 grants totaling approximately $8.9 million to community organizations that provide Veterans with transitional housing and case management — including connecting eligible Veterans to VA benefits, community-based services, and permanent housing. These special need grants will fund approximately 105 transitional housing beds to support special populations of homeless Veterans including women, elderly, terminally ill, chronically mentally ill, or those who care for minor dependents."

- On an average night in 2023, 20,067 veterans were living in shelters. A staggering 15,507 veterans were living without any shelter at all. - In 2023, 35,574 veterans were experiencing homelessness – 22 of every 10,000 veterans in the United States – compared to 20 out of every 10,000 nonveterans experiencing homelessness in 2023. - Black veterans are significantly overrepresented among homeless veterans, making up 31% of the homeless veteran population (but only 14% of the overall veteran population). 

On this Veterans Day, if I had one wish, it would be for us to stop funding failed homelessness policies like the ones in this recent article. As Marines, we know the difference between a plan designed to ‘not lose’ and one designed to WIN. California’s ‘Housing First’ approach isn’t a solution—it’s a containment strategy that promotes dependency instead of empowerment. It’s a plan built to avoid failure, not to succeed. And it’s killing us. Yet nonprofits and politicians continue to champion it. Why? Because the tens of billions of dollars poured into these efforts have made failure profitable. We owe it to our veterans and every American to push for real, effective solutions. https://lnkd.in/gNSMheMT

🇺🇸The House has approved a major policy overhaul aimed at expanding care and support for veterans, including increased resources for homelessness prevention. Read more on how this could impact veterans nationwide..⬇️ #VeteranNews #Veterans #PolicyUpdate #SupportOurVeterans

📢 Supporting Our Heroes: Ending Veteran Homelessness No Veteran should be without a home in the country they defended. Together, we can ensure every Veteran has a safe and stable place to call home. The VA recently announced incredible progress in its mission to end Veteran homelessness: 🔹 47,925 Veterans were placed in permanent housing in FY 2024—exceeding the goal by 16%! 🔹 96% of these Veterans remained housed, ensuring stability and support. 🔹 Over 42,000 Veterans experiencing unsheltered homelessness were connected to critical resources. 🔹 Read the full article here 🔗 https://bit.ly/4fgGvwZ 🌟 Find Help Nationwide: NRD.gov offers resources for homeless assistance across the country. 👉 If you or someone you know needs support, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838). #NRD #VeteranHomelessness #SupportOurHeroes #Veterans