The power of a trusted voice in helping homeless Veterans

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

May 12, 2026

It can be heartbreaking to watch a Veteran you care about struggle with homelessness. You want to help, but you might feel like you don’t have the right expertise or resources to change their situation. Thankfully, the most powerful tool you have doesn’t cost a dime: your voice. A few words of encouragement or a recommendation from a trusted friend or family member can carry a tremendous amount of weight and power—sometimes enough to inspire a Veteran experiencing homelessness to take the first step toward getting help.