What is outreach?

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

July 27, 2026

Outreach is a proactive effort to identify Veterans who may otherwise go unseen, provide information about available benefits and services, and connect them with the support they need to achieve lasting housing stability.

Because Veterans experiencing homelessness have different circumstances and face unique barriers to accessing care, no single approach can reach every Veteran.

Kinds of Outreach

Traditional outreach—through news stories, videos, social media, public service announcements, community events, and other communications—can help Veterans learn about available resources before a housing crisis worsens. It also equips family members, friends, neighbors, service providers, and other supporters with information they can use to connect Veterans they know with assistance.

However, many homeless Veterans face barriers that make traditional communication difficult. Without reliable access to a phone, internet service, transportation, or a mailing address, they may never receive information about available services. That’s why direct outreach is such an essential part of VA’s strategy to end Veteran homelessness.

Direct service outreach involves outreach teams, case managers, peers, and health care providers going into communities to meet Veterans where they are—whether that’s in shelters, encampments, vehicles, or other places not meant for human habitation. They also connect with Veterans through community outreach events such as Stand Downs, where Veterans can access health care, housing assistance, benefits information, food, clothing, and other essential services all in one place.

For many Veterans, these conversations become the first step toward recovery and permanent housing.

How does VA reach out to homeless and at risk Veterans?

Learn more about different programs, services, and initiatives VA use for homeless Veteran outreach:

• The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
• Homeless Veteran Stand Downs
• Health Care for Homeless Veterans
• Veterans Justice Outreach
• Health Care for Reentry Veterans

Partners help extend VA’s reach

Reaching every Veteran is not something VA can do alone.

That’s why VA partners with community organizations, homeless service providers, Veteran Service Organizations, first responders, local government agencies, and countless other organizations that may encounter Veterans in need. Together, these partners help ensure more Veterans learn about available resources and can be connected to assistance sooner.

This collaborative approach reflects VA’s commitment to meeting Veterans where they are—both physically and personally. By working alongside trusted community partners and connecting with Veterans in familiar settings, VA can better understand each Veteran’s unique circumstances and help them navigate the path that’s right for them.