How does VA help homeless and at-risk Veteran families?

By Shawn Liu, National Homeless Program Manager, VHA Homeless Programs Office

July 16, 2026

When most people think of homeless Veterans, they think of single adults.

But did you know that VA homeless programs can serve Veteran families?

It’s true!

So long as there is an eligible Veteran in the household, VA can serve their entire household, including their minor children.

Serving the whole household

VA’s primary permanent housing programs—Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) and HUD-VASH—can serve households with minor dependents. These programs connect Veterans with rental assistance, case management, and supportive services that resolve their housing crises and set them up for long-term success.

SSVF can also support connections to childcare or other services to address family needs.

Additionally, thanks to Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, providers of VA’s Grant and Per Diem transitional housing program to receive funding at a rate of 50% of the daily cost of care.

VA currently has over 60 Grant and Per Diem transitional housing projects providing over 450 beds for minor dependents.