Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Contract Residential Services (CRS)

HCHV CRS provides safe, interim housing and therapeutic services for Veterans experiencing homelessness. CRS partners with community organizations to deliver specialized models of care, including Emergency Residential Services, Low Demand Safe Havens, and Medical Respite programs. These services serve as crucial entry points to VA care, connecting Veterans to case management, health care, and supportive services. The HCHV CRS program prioritizes Veterans with complex needs, such as co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, and ensures quality care through robust oversight and collaboration with VA medical facilities and community providers.

CRS Model Types

Contracted Emergency Residential Services (CERS)

The CERS model addresses the urgent and complex needs of Veterans experiencing homelessness by providing immediate access to safe housing. Veterans are connected with essential services, including health care, mental health support, substance use treatment, and employment assistance. The program aims to remove barriers, enhance available resources, and support Veterans in securing permanent housing.

Low Demand Safe Havens (LDSH)

LDSHs are transitional residences staffed 24 hours a day, serving hard-to-reach, chronically homeless Veterans with mental health and substance use disorders. LDSH programs offer a low-demand, non-intrusive environment designed to build trust, encourage engagement in treatment, and support Veterans in the pursuit of stable housing.

Medical Respite (MR) 

MR programs provide care for homeless Veterans with complex medical conditions who do not meet criteria for hospitalization but are too medically fragile for traditional shelters or transitional housing. These programs work in coordination with VA Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACTs) to create a safe environment for physical recovery, ensuring access to medical care and supportive services. The level of care varies by community, ranging from short-term observation to sub-acute care.