A committee that provides advice and recommendations in its Annual Report to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on the challenges faced related to VA’s current priorities and strategic goals.

Learn more about ACHV.

An annual report published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that provides national estimates and data on people experiencing homelessness. The report uses a combination of Point-in-Time (PIT) counts, which are single-day snapshots of homelessness, and data from Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS), which track people using homeless services over a year.

Learn more about the AHAR.

A figure published annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that represents the median household income for a specific geographic area, such as a county or metropolitan area. It is used as a benchmark for determining eligibility for federal, state, and local housing assistance programs, setting income and rent limits for affordable housing, and other housing-related policies, with income qualification adjusted for household size.

View AMI by state and county.

A Grant and Per Diem (GPD) model intended to be used for short-term stays in transitional housing by Veterans with pre-identified permanent housing destinations

A VA homeless programs team that leads program evaluation, technical assistance, field support, data collection and management, operational analysis, and performance improvement efforts across VA homeless programs.

A component of Coordinated Entry (CE) that functions as a real-time, comprehensive registry of every person in a community experiencing homelessness, including their individual details and needs, which helps service providers understand the scope of the problem and coordinate resources to end homelessness. Unlike Point-in-Time (PIT) counts, a by-name list provides detailed, constantly updated data on each person and their movement within the housing system, enabling more effective and targeted interventions

Learn more about BNLs.

VA clinics that provide the most common outpatient services, including health and wellness visits, to patients who do not need to be admitted to a hospital. Several medical centers and clinics may work together to offer services to area Veterans as a health care system in an effort to provide more efficient care.

A VA office that provides volunteers and donations to support the care and welfare of veteran patients. Formerly known as Voluntary Service, the CDCE facilitates community and hospital-based volunteer opportunities, manages donations, and coordinates programs to improve the lives of Veterans at VA facilities.

Learn more about CDCE.

Supports the development and implementation of a standardized, community-wide system for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness to access resources. It involves a process of access, assessment, and prioritization to connect individuals and families with the appropriate, tailored housing and services based on their needs.

Learn more about Coordinated Entry.

A component of Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) that provides supportive temporary housing to homeless Veterans through contracted providers.

A VA office that engages, educates, and informs faith-based and community organizations about VA tools and resources that will equip them to better serve the Veterans, their families, survivors, caregivers, and other beneficiaries within their organizations.

Learn more about the VA Center for Faith.

A VA homeless program that brings together VA, community agencies, and other federal, state, and local government offices that provide homeless services to assess and develop plans to meet the needs of Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. CHALENG includes two components: CHALENG meetings and the CHALENG survey, which includes the perspectives of Veterans and those of VA and community service providers.

Learn more about CHALENG.

A proactive and collaborative population health approach to longitudinal care coordination focused on chronic disease and acute condition management. Case management includes systems collaboration and the linking of Veterans, families, and caregivers with needed services and resources, including wellness opportunities. Case management includes responsibility for the oversight and management of a comprehensive plan for Veterans with complex care needs.

A group designated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that is organized to coordinate and lead homelessness assistance for a defined geographic area. It is composed of representatives of organizations, including: nonprofit homeless providers, victim service providers, faith-based organizations, governments, businesses, advocates, public housing agencies, school districts, social service providers, mental health agencies, hospitals, universities, affordable housing developers, law enforcement, organizations that serve homeless and formerly homeless veterans, and homeless and formerly homeless persons.

Learn more about CoCs.

A component of Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) that are central locations (i.e., one-stop shops) to engage homeless Veterans in services. When Veterans enter these centers, they are referred to physical and mental health care resources, job development programs, housing options, and other VA and non-VA benefits.

View the list of CRRCs.

A component of Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) that provides funding directly to VA medical centers (VAMCs) to award local contracts to community-based agencies. Hach contract provides short-term residential care and supportive services to eligible Veterans who need immediate housing as they seek permanent housing.

A Grant and Per Diem (GPD) model designed for Veterans experiencing homelessness who have a specific diagnosis related to a substance-use disorder and/or mental-health diagnosis.

A component of VA’s Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP) that provides transitional housing beds in a therapeutic community that focuses on active rehabilitation to aid Veterans in community integration with a focus on both employment and successful transition to housing independence. The work component of the program offers multiple vocational options, leading to job development and placement.

Learn more about CWT/TR.

A component of VA’s Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP) that provides residential care for Veterans with complex, co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, medical conditions, and psychosocial needs. Veterans receive medical, mental health, vocational, educational, and other services from interdisciplinary teams with a focus on addressing concerns that inhibit their ability to exit homelessness.

Learn more about DCHV.

A document provided by the U.S. Department of Defense that summarizes a service member’s active military service and is essential for verifying veteran status and applying for benefits, employment, and funeral honors. Needed to determine Veteran status for program, service, and benefit eligibility.

Request your military service records (including DD-214).

An executive-branch department in the U.S. federal government responsible for the national security and defense of the United States that oversees the U.S. Armed Forces.

Learn more about DOD/DOW.

A component of Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) that provides temporary housing in a hotel or motel as an engagement tool for participants who are experiencing literal homelessness. Veterans may access this resource only if no other reasonable alternative is available. This service provides up to 60 days of emergency shelter in the form of commercial hotel/motel stays.

A VA program that manages underutilized property through leasing arrangements with state or local governments or private sector organizations. In some instances, EUL has been used to create Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) project-based voucher rental units.

Learn more about EULs.

A framework used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to determine payment standard amounts for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program.

View FMR by state and county.

A 12-month period that the U.S. Government uses for financial reporting, budgeting, and accounting purposes. For the U.S. Government, an FY runs from October 1 to September 30 of the following year.

A VA homeless program that awards grants to community-based agencies to create transitional and supportive housing programs. Also awards grants for case management to help stabilize formerly homeless Veterans.

Learn more about GPD.

A Grant and Per Diem (GPD) model that supports Veterans who were previously experiencing homelessness or who are at risk for homelessness so that they may obtain or retain permanent housing.

A Grant and Per Diem (GPD) model that addresses the housing and recuperative care needs of Veterans experiencing homelessness who have been hospitalized.

A component of the Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program that provides a rent subsidy that is paid by a Public Housing Agency (PHA), typically under the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, to a landlord on behalf of an eligible low-income family. The PHA pays the difference between the rent the family can afford, which is usually about 30% of their income, and the total rent for the privately-owned housing unit, helping low-income families afford safe and decent housing in the private market.

Learn more about HAPs.

A VA homeless program that provides direct service outreach to Veterans in the community. Also includes Contract Residential Services (CRS), which provides funding directly to VA medical centers (VAMCs) to award local contracts to community-based agencies. Each contract provides short-term residential care and supportive services to eligible Veterans who need immediate housing as they seek permanent housing.

Learn more about HCHV.

A component of Veterans Justice Programs (VJP) that provides direct service outreach to Veterans in prison to ensure that they know how to connect with VA upon release. The program does this by partnering with State and Federal prisons to reach out to incarcerated Veterans; providing release assessment referrals, linkages to medical, psychiatric and social services, including housing resources and employment services; and providing post-release short-term case management assistance.

Learn more about HCRV.

A U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program that assists very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled with affording decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. It provides rental subsidies on behalf of the family or individual, participants can find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) vouchers are Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs) dedicated exclusively to homeless Veterans.

Learn more about HCVs.

A secure, online database used by homeless service providers to collect client-level data, track services provided, and monitor outcomes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), HMIS systems help communities understand trends in homelessness, improve the coordination of services, ensure grant compliance, and inform decision-making.

Learn more about HMIS.

A VA data system used to collect and manage information about homeless Veterans as they receive care and services through VA. HOMES records intake, progress, and outcome data from assessment forms, program entries, and program exits to track a Veteran’s journey and evaluate the effectiveness of VA’s homeless assistance programs.

Learn more about HOMES.

An enrollment type for Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) that provides individualized case management support to Veteran households who are at imminent risk of experiencing homelessness, helping them to maintain housing and avoid the experience of homelessness.

A VA homeless program that provides primary care teams tailored to address homeless Veterans’ unique barriers to accessing health care.

Learn more about HPACTs.

A VA office that leads the federal response to Veteran homelessness.

Learn more about HPO.

An executive-branch department in the U.S. federal government responsible for supporting community development and homeownership.

Learn more about HUD.

A VA homeless program that pairs the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance with VA case management and supportive services. It is designed to help homeless Veterans and their families obtain permanent housing and access to health care, mental health treatment, and other supports necessary to help them improve their quality of life and maintain housing over time.

Learn more about HUD-VASH.

Staff from the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) who label, control, and expedite the processing of claims from Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, including those involved with the criminal justice system.

A VA homeless service that provides vocational development specialists and vocational rehabilitation counselors who function as community employment coordinators and employment specialists within VA homeless programs.

Learn more about HVCES.

Staff from the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) who provide access to VA benefits and information for Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness.

A component of Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) that provides a supportive, low barrier to entry residential environment for homeless Veterans.

A component of Veterans Justice Programs (VJP) that provides programs that increase access to legal services for Veterans. Oversees grant programs and medical-legal partnerships (MLPs).

Learn more about LSV.

A component of Legal Services for Veterans (LSV) that funds entities that provide legal assistance to help Veterans and former service members request improvement of their military discharge status or characterization of service, subsequently increasing access VA programs and benefits.

Learn more about LSV.

A component of Legal Services for Veterans (LSV) that funds entities that provide legal services to help Veterans address the legal barriers to obtaining and sustaining permanent housing.

Learn more about LSV.

A person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It encompasses how individuals think, feel, and behave, and their ability to cope with life’s challenges.

A component of Legal Services for Veterans (LSV) that are formal partnerships between legal service organizations and VA healthcare facilities. Through these collaborations, legal service providers offer pro bono legal services on a variety of civil legal needs. VA health care teams are trained by the legal service provider to screen Veterans for potential health-harming legal needs. Then, the VHA teams refer Veterans to on-site legal clinics.

A component of Homeless Patient Aligned Care Teams (HPACTs) that are specially equipped vans or trucks that bring primary, mental health, specialty, and telehealth services directly to Veterans, particularly those experiencing homelessness, by meeting them in the community and overcoming transportation barriers to access care.

Learn more about MMUs.

A component of Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Contracted Residential Services (CRS) that provides short-term residential care that allows homeless individuals requiring medical recovery the opportunity to rest in a safe environment while accessing medical care and supportive services. The level of care offered in MR programs can range from short-term observation to sub-acute care, depending on the specific needs of Veterans in any given community.

A VA administration that provides burial and memorial services for eligible Veterans and their eligible family members.

Learn more about NCA.

A VA office dedicated hotline for homeless and at-risk Veterans. 877-424-3838.

Learn more about NCCHV.

A VA homeless programs team that leads research efforts, prioritizing studies focused on population, physical and mental health, program evaluation, and Veteran functioning and flourishing as these issues relate to preventing and ending homelessness among Veterans.

Learn more about NCHAV.

A public document, often published in the Federal Register, that announces a specific funding opportunity from a government agency or organization for projects, grants, loans, or other initiatives. A NOFA provides potential applicants with crucial details, including the total amount of funding, eligibility requirements, the application process, deadlines, and the criteria used for selection. It is functionally identical to a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

A public document, often published in the Federal Register, that announces a specific funding opportunity from a government agency or organization for projects, grants, loans, or other initiatives. A NOFO provides potential applicants with crucial details, including the total amount of funding, eligibility requirements, the application process, deadlines, and the criteria used for selection. It is functionally identical to a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).

VA clinics that provide ambulatory care and services to patients who do not need to be admitted to a hospital. Several medical centers and clinics may work together to offer services to area Veterans as a health care system in an effort to provide more efficient care.

A component of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program that provides housing subsidies that are tied to a specific housing unit, rather than the individual or family. In some circumstances, HUD-VASH vouchers may be converted to PBVs.

A component of Grant and Per Diem (GPD) that awards grants in the form of per diem payments to reimburse grantees for the cost of care provided to Veterans in transitional housing.

A local governmental entity, like a city or county agency, that provides affordable rental housing and administers housing assistance programs for low-income individuals and families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Administers Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) vouchers.

View PHAs by state and county.

An annual count mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by Continuum of Care (CoC) to estimate the number of people experiencing homelessness in America, including Veterans. Takes place in January of each year.

Learn more about the PIT Count.

A mental health condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as a violent crime, natural disaster, or war.

A framework used by Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) to conduct market studies of comparable advertised rental units, prior to providing temporary financial assistance for rent or move-in support.

An enrollment type for Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) which provides individualized case management support to Veteran households who are experiencing literal homelessness, helping them to locate and secure housing.

A VA program that offers intensive, structured care in a residential setting for Veterans with needs related to substance use, mental health, or homelessness. These programs provide around-the-clock support, clinical treatment, and various services to help Veterans recover, improve their quality of life, and integrate back into the community.

Learn more about RRTPs.

A Grant and Per Diem (GPD) model that provides transitional housing and robust services that facilitate individual stabilization, increased income, and movement to permanent housing as rapidly as clinically appropriate.

A group of mental health conditions (i.e., bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia) that significantly impair a person’s ability to function in daily life.

A Grant and Per Diem (GPD) model that provides grants that target housing and services to specific populations of Veterans (e.g., women, Veterans with chronic mental illness, frail elderly Veterans, Veterans caring for minor dependents, terminally ill Veterans).

A secure VA web application that provides VA and external homeless service organizations with reliable, detailed information about Veteran eligibility. Users submit identity attributes for homeless individuals (i.e., name, date of birth, Social Security number, and gender) and SQUARES returns information regarding their Veteran status and eligibility for homeless programs. The tool facilitates quick and simple access to care for homeless and at-risk Veterans.

Learn more about SQUARES.

A VA homeless program that provides homeless prevention and rapid rehousing intervention services for Veterans and their families who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Grants are awarded to private nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives to provide outreach, case management, and short-term temporary financial assistance services to eligible Veteran families in addition to assisting them in engaging with VHA healthcare.

Learn more about SSVF.

A chronic condition characterized by compulsive and harmful use of substances, such as alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications.

A component of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program that provides housing subsidies that are tied to the individual or family, rather than a specific housing unit. The majority of HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) vouchers are TBVs.

A component of Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) that provides rental assistance, security deposits, utility deposits, moving costs, and emergency supplies to enrolled Veteran households.

A Grant and Per Diem (GPD) model that provides Veteran residents housing in which supportive services transition out of the residence over time, rather than the resident. Upon completion of the TIP services, the resident retains the unit as their permanent housing with no requirement to move

An executive-branch department in the U.S. federal government responsible for administering healthcare, benefits, and cemetery services to eligible U.S. military veterans, their families, and survivors.

Learn more about VA.

VA hospitals that provide a wide range of services, including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. Several medical centers and clinics may work together to offer services to area Veterans as a health care system in an effort to provide more efficient care.

Find your nearest VAMC.

A VA administration that provides benefits for eligible Veterans and their eligible family members.

Learn more about VBA.

A VA office dedicated to improving the overall experience veterans and their families have when accessing VA services and benefits.

Learn more about VEO.

A VA administration that provides health care to eligible Veterans and their eligible family members.

Learn more about VHA.

A component of Veterans Justice Programs (VJP) that provides direct service outreach to Veterans in jails or participating in diversionary courts. VJO Specialists serve the needs of Veterans at the front end of the justice system, those in contact with law enforcement, incarcerated in local jails and participating in treatment courts.

Learn more about VJO.

A VA homeless program that provides direct service outreach to justice-involved Veterans as well as provides legal services for eligible Veterans. VJP is a VHA community-facing outreach program intended to identify Veterans in criminal justice settings and link them to indicated VA and community services. VJP is a prevention-oriented component of the VHA Homeless Programs and incorporates the functions of both the Health Care for Reentry Veterans and Veterans Justice Outreach programs.

Learn more about VJP.