{"id":1194,"date":"2022-06-10T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-10T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/?p=1194"},"modified":"2026-03-20T18:56:31","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T18:56:31","slug":"how-vas-grant-and-per-diem-program-reduces-long-term-homelessness-among-veterans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/how-vas-grant-and-per-diem-program-reduces-long-term-homelessness-among-veterans\/","title":{"rendered":"How VA\u2019s Grant and Per Diem Program Reduces Long-Term Homelessness Among Veterans"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull va-page-title-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-179 size-large\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/academic-affiliations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/05\/Hero2.png?w=1024\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#085795\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide has-text-align-left\">Featured Article<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"va-body-wrapper wp-block-create-block-body-wrapper\"><div class=\"va-body-wrapper__inner\">\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<form role=\"search\" method=\"get\" action=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/\" class=\"wp-block-search__button-outside wp-block-search__text-button wp-block-search\" ><label class=\"wp-block-search__label\" for=\"wp-block-search__input-1\" >Search Articles<\/label><div class=\"wp-block-search__inside-wrapper\" ><input class=\"wp-block-search__input\" id=\"wp-block-search__input-1\" placeholder=\"\" value=\"\" type=\"search\" name=\"s\" required \/><button aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"wp-block-search__button wp-element-button\" type=\"submit\" >Search<\/button><\/div><\/form>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide va-intro-page va-intro-page-1 is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How VA\u2019s Grant and Per Diem Program Reduces Long-Term Homelessness Among Veterans<\/h2>\n\n\n<div style=\"background-color: #0073aa\" class=\"wp-block-create-block-colored-spacer has-0073-aa-background-color has-background\"><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><strong>Chelsea Watson is the National Director for the Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Posted June 10, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-c00f5982\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"832\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/01\/20220610_gpd-program.jpg\" alt=\"A bright empty room with an open door and large windows\" class=\"wp-image-908\" style=\"width:900px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/01\/20220610_gpd-program.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/01\/20220610_gpd-program.jpg?resize=300,195 300w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/01\/20220610_gpd-program.jpg?resize=768,499 768w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/01\/20220610_gpd-program.jpg?resize=1024,666 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide va-intro-page va-intro-page-1 is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Veterans once stationed in Japan may recall hearing the term \u201comakase\u201d while dining at local restaurants. Rooted in the verb \u201cto trust,\u201d diners who order \u201comakase\u201d leave their entr\u00e9e to the chef\u2019s discretion\u2014trusting they are the experts on their ingredients and talents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Within\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/grant-per-diem\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"170\">VA\u2019s Grant and Per Diem Program (GPD)<\/a>, the concept behind \u201comakase\u201d is central to reducing long-term homelessness among Veterans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The GPD Program funds community agencies providing transitional housing and other services to Veterans experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness. Much like chefs, GPD grantees know which ingredients\u2014or program elements\u2014mix and match to create a recipe for success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Similarly, VA trusts that both grantees and Veterans participating in GPD are the experts on their own needs; GPD case managers help Veterans choose the path that best aligns with their goals. The synergistic relationship between GPD and Veterans has helped hundreds of thousands of Veterans exit homelessness since GPD\u2019s 1994 pilot program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While our nation\u2014and the landscape shaping Veteran homelessness\u2014has changed dramatically in the past 2 decades, GPD\u2019s progress toward ending Veteran homelessness remains constant. The ingredients? These 3 foundational strategies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-c00f5982\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Veterans are the experts.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When a Veteran enters a GPD program, their grantee case manager asks a crucial question: \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GPD believes that Veterans know which programs they will thrive in, and which approaches can best meet their needs. Additionally, while every Veteran who enters GPD seeks to exit homelessness, this goal can take many forms. Some Veterans wish to purchase a home while others prefer renting; Veterans may envision their future in their hometown or dream of moving across the country. No matter the Veteran\u2019s goal, GPD grantee case managers support them with the tools they need to achieve stability and permanent housing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When Veterans have control over their progress, they develop a greater sense of self-efficacy\u2014 the belief in their ability to achieve their goals. The self-efficacy Veterans build in GPD programs does not disappear once they are housed, but instead stays with them throughout all future challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-1ac3d91d\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. One size does not fit all.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">VA recognizes that there is no one path to ending Veteran homelessness, as there is no one cause of homelessness. Instead, we must pave multiple pathways into services that can address individual needs\u2014but we cannot do it alone. GPD grantee case managers connect Veterans to programs that can address their unique risk factors for homelessness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Currently, GPD grantees offer six housing models:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Clinical Treatment models<\/strong>&nbsp;provide Veterans with mental health and\/or substance use recovery services while leveraging VA resources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Low Demand models<\/strong>&nbsp;accommodate chronically homeless Veterans whose needs have not been met by traditional housing programs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hospital-to-Housing models<\/strong>&nbsp;connect Veterans with Homeless Patient Aligned Care Teams (H-PACTs) to provide a \u201cmedical home\u201d tailored to the Veteran\u2019s needs while helping the Veteran secure permanent housing.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/full\/10.1080\/10530789.2021.2002631\" rel=\"noopener\">Recent research<\/a>&nbsp;demonstrates that Veterans in Hospital-to-Housing models use less emergency medical care, use more primary care and report a greater sense of social connection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bridge Housing models<\/strong>&nbsp;provide transitional housing for a short-term stay when a Veteran has already accepted a permanent housing intervention, such as a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/hud-vash\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"483\">HUD-VASH<\/a>&nbsp;permanent housing voucher.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Service-Intensive Transitional Housing (SITH) models<\/strong>&nbsp;help Veterans stabilize and move into permanent housing as soon as possible. SITH models also help Veterans increase their income through identifying opportunities for employment and\/or additional benefits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Transition-In-Place models<\/strong>&nbsp;provide time-limited services to Veterans in an apartment unit that eventually is intended to be their permanent housing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Within each model, programs use a range of philosophies and strategies to meet the needs of their population. For example, many programs offer recreational therapy, which aims to improve the physical, cognitive, emotional, social and leisure needs of Veterans battling psychological and physical illnesses. One GPD participant said the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/44319\/dominoes-bicycling-help-recreational-therapists-restore-life-for-veterans-in-texas\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/news.va.gov\/44319\/dominoes-bicycling-help-recreational-therapists-restore-life-for-veterans-in-texas\/\" rel=\"noopener\">recreational therapy<\/a>&nbsp;they received was \u201cthe piece that gave me hope.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-1ac3d91d\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Community is key.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GPD grantees have well-established partnerships within the community; their knowledge is critical to connecting Veterans with resources. From understanding the local housing network to knowing which community businesses prioritize hiring Veterans, grantees are the eyes and ears on the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Additionally, Veterans describe the sense of community fostered between GPD participants as a fundamental source of support and motivation. Missing the camaraderie of the military is a common sentiment among Veterans. Yet, GPD participants often find that as they experience the challenges and triumphs of exiting homelessness alongside other Veterans, a familiar bond develops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To learn more about the GPD Program, please visit\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/grant-per-diem\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"170\">Grant Per Diem Homepage<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are or know a Veteran experiencing or at risk of homelessness, call the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.va.gov\/homeless\/nationalcallcenter.asp\" rel=\"noopener\">National Call Center for Homeless Veterans<\/a>&nbsp;at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838) to get connected to resources. Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can also call or visit their local VA Medical Center (VAMC) and ask for a Homeless Coordinator. Use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.va.gov\/find-locations\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.va.gov\/find-locations\" rel=\"noopener\">VA locator tool<\/a>&nbsp;to find your nearest VAMC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are a community organization with questions about the GPD Program, Ms. Watson and the GPD team may be reached at&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:GPDgrants@va.gov\">GPDgrants@va.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-6388d5dc\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Veterans once stationed in Japan may recall hearing the term \u201comakase\u201d while dining at local restaurants. Rooted in the verb \u201cto trust,\u201d diners who order \u201comakase\u201d leave their entr\u00e9e to the chef\u2019s discretion\u2014trusting they are the experts on their ingredients and talents.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":201,"featured_media":329,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"priority":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[17,14],"class_list":["post-1194","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured-articles","tag-grant-and-per-diem","tag-transitional-housing"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/how-vas-grant-and-per-diem-program-reduces-long-term-homelessness-among-veterans\/","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"How VA\u2019s Grant and Per Diem Program Reduces Long-Term Homelessness Among Veterans","url":"http:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/how-vas-grant-and-per-diem-program-reduces-long-term-homelessness-among-veterans\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/how-vas-grant-and-per-diem-program-reduces-long-term-homelessness-among-veterans\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2025\/12\/20220610_gpd-program.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2025\/12\/20220610_gpd-program.jpg"},"articleSection":"Featured Articles","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Shawn Liu"}],"creator":["Shawn Liu"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"VA Homeless Programs","logo":""},"keywords":["grant and per diem","transitional housing"],"dateCreated":"2022-06-10T08:00:00Z","datePublished":"2022-06-10T08:00:00Z","dateModified":"2026-03-20T18:56:31Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"How VA\\u2019s Grant and Per Diem Program Reduces Long-Term Homelessness Among Veterans\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/department.va.gov\\\/homeless\\\/how-vas-grant-and-per-diem-program-reduces-long-term-homelessness-among-veterans\\\/\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/department.va.gov\\\/homeless\\\/how-vas-grant-and-per-diem-program-reduces-long-term-homelessness-among-veterans\\\/\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/department.va.gov\\\/homeless\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/72\\\/2025\\\/12\\\/20220610_gpd-program.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/department.va.gov\\\/homeless\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/72\\\/2025\\\/12\\\/20220610_gpd-program.jpg\"},\"articleSection\":\"Featured Articles\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Shawn Liu\"}],\"creator\":[\"Shawn Liu\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"VA Homeless Programs\",\"logo\":\"\"},\"keywords\":[\"grant and per diem\",\"transitional housing\"],\"dateCreated\":\"2022-06-10T08:00:00Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-06-10T08:00:00Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-20T18:56:31Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/department.va.gov\/p.js"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1194","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/201"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1194"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1194\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3778,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1194\/revisions\/3778"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/329"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1194"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1194"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1194"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}