Top 8 Ways You Can Help Homeless Veterans

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

April 22, 2026

We all have a part to play in ending Veteran homelessness. Want to know how to help homeless Veterans? Here are some ideas.

1. Share the number to the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans

The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans is the fastest and easiest way for homeless and at-risk Veterans to connect with their local VA homeless program.

The number is 877-424-3838.

This call is free, confidential, and staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week with trained professionals who can talk with Veterans right now and connect them with their nearest VA for help.

Keep the call center’s number handy and share it with any Veteran in need. You can also help them make the call or even call on their behalf.

2. Consider volunteering or donating

While VA has a lot of resources for homeless and at-risk Veterans, there are some needs we can’t fill. You can turn those gaps into opportunities by donating Veteran homeless outreach kits or move-in kits.

What are Veteran homeless outreach kits?

Veteran Homeless Outreach Kits are designed to provide immediate, practical support and connect homeless Veterans with essential services.

What is typically included in a Veteran homeless outreach kit?

Necessities

Information and Resources

Non-perishable food items (e.g., protein bars, canned goods with pull tabs) Bottled water Socks and underwear Gloves, hats, and scarves Blankets or emergency thermal blankets Hygiene kits (e.g., toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, razors) Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes First aid supplies (e.g., band-aids, antiseptic wipes)

VA contact cards (e.g., 877-424-3838) Brochures or flyers about: Local VA medical center services Housing assistance programs (e.g., HUD-VASH) Employment services Legal aid resources Mental health and substance use support Transportation options Wallet cards with emergency contacts and shelter options Other helpful items Flashlights with batteries Ponchos or rain gear Reusable tote bags or backpacks Bus passes or transportation vouchers Notebooks and pens Phone charging banks

What are move-in kits?

Move-in kits are designed to provide basic household goods and necessities for homeless Veterans moving into new apartments.

What is typically included in a move-in kit?

Living Room / Dining Room Items	Kitchen Items	Bedroom Items (Full or Queen)	Bath Items
Kitchen table Chairs Sofa Side tables TV stand	Pot and skillet with lids Dishware (4-8 place settings) Drinkware (8 glasses) Flatware (4-8 place settings) Serving utensil set Measuring cups and spoons Oven pan (9×13) and/or cookie sheet Dishcloths Kitchen trash can and bags	Sheet set Comforter Blanket Pillows Laundry basket	Bath towels (4) Hand towels (4) Washcloths (4) Shower curtain, liner, and rings Soap dish and toothbrush holder Bathroom rug set

If you’re interested in volunteering at or donating outreach and move-in kits to VA, find your local VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement Office.

3. Volunteer at a Stand Down

Stand Downs are typically one- to three-day events during which VA staff and volunteers provide food, clothing, and health screenings to homeless and at-risk Veterans.

In addition, Veterans also receive referrals for health care, housing solutions, employment, substance use treatment, mental health counseling, and other essential services.

These events take place all across the country on a rolling basis.

Find a Stand Down event near you.

4. Take the CHALENG Survey

For more than 30 years, Project CHALENG has helped VA and its community partners better understand the evolving needs of Veterans experiencing homelessness.

Through its annual CHALENG survey, Veterans, providers, and community stakeholders are invited to provide feedback about gaps in existing services, helping guide local improvements to better support homeless Veterans across communities nationwide.

Whether you are a Veteran who has used these services, a provider on the front lines, or a community stakeholder, your voice matters and can make a real difference for homeless Veterans.

The survey is fully digital, confidential, and takes only 5-10 minutes to complete, and the feedback directly supports efforts to improve services and outcomes for Veterans experiencing homelessness.

Learn more about CHALENG and take this year’s survey.

5. Download and share our outreach materials

Our Get Involved page contains print-ready brochures, flyers, wallet cards, and more to help inform Veterans of the resources available to them.

We invite you to download, print, and distribute to Veterans in your community.

6. Rent to Veterans participating in VA homeless programs

Housing Veterans doesn’t just provide shelter, but can lead to life-changing health, social, and socioeconomic outcomes for them and their families. Furthermore, housing Veterans provides a mutually beneficial relationship; landlords will benefit from responsible and often long-term, renters, support from VA, and guaranteed payments that come through Housing Choice Vouchers or grantees offering short-term subsidies.

Landlords have a unique opportunity to give back to those who have served.

Learn more about how to become a landlord and share information about your rental units with us.

7. Provide other types of “housing”

If you’re not a landlord with rental units but still want to help end Veteran homelessness, there are still opportunities for you.

To learn more about how VA partners with organizations to provide various housing options for Veterans, read So, You Wanna House Homeless Veterans.

It provides an overview of four VA homeless programs that can support those ready and willing to help house homeless Veterans.

8. Hire Veterans participating in VA homeless programs

Steady employment provides financial stability and helps prevent substance use.

Jobs can also help Veterans find a renewed sense of purpose, critical in preventing suicide.

If you are a business owner interested in providing employment opportunities or services to Veterans, hire our Veterans by contacting your local VA Community Employment Coordinator to learn more.