Health-housing connection: How VA addresses both for homeless Veterans

By Dr. Jillian Weber, National Program Manager for Homeless Patient Aligned Care Teams, VA Homeless Programs Office

July 20, 2025

For Veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability, health challenges often become harder to manage. Homelessness can affect nearly every aspect of a Veteran’s well-being, from physical and mental health to access to treatment, recovery, employment and long-term stability. That connection is why healthcare is built into VA’s homeless programs, so Veterans can access support that addresses both housing and health needs together.

Veterans with stable housing are more likely to remain connected to healthcare, attend appointments, maintain treatment plans and access preventive services before medical concerns become more serious.