{"id":5159,"date":"2026-07-13T19:18:25","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T19:18:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/?p=5159"},"modified":"2026-07-13T19:20:32","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T19:20:32","slug":"what-are-hpacts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/what-are-hpacts\/","title":{"rendered":"What are Homeless Patient Aligned Care Teams?"},"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 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-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are HPACTs?<\/h2>\n\n\n<div style=\"background-color: #0073aa;\" class=\"wp-block-create-block-colored-spacer has-0073-aa-background-color has-background wp-block-create-block-colored-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>By Dr. Jillian Weber, National Program Manager, Homeless Patient Aligned Care Teams<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>July 13, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"taxonomy-category wp-block-post-terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/category\/featured-articles\/\" rel=\"tag\">Featured Articles<\/a><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"taxonomy-post_tag wp-block-post-terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/tag\/hpact\/\" rel=\"tag\">hpact<\/a><span class=\"wp-block-post-terms__separator\"> <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/tag\/outreach\/\" rel=\"tag\">outreach<\/a><\/div>\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=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/07\/HPACT-Stock-Image-Resized.png\" alt=\"A homeless Veteran with a member of his HPACT team.\" class=\"wp-image-5160\" style=\"width:900px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/07\/HPACT-Stock-Image-Resized.png 1200w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/07\/HPACT-Stock-Image-Resized.png?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/07\/HPACT-Stock-Image-Resized.png?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/07\/HPACT-Stock-Image-Resized.png?resize=1024,683 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">HPACT brings health care, housing support, and social services together through one coordinated team to help homeless Veterans achieve greater stability.<\/figcaption><\/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-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p>Veterans experiencing homelessness often face challenges that extend far beyond a single medical condition. Housing instability, transportation barriers, and other social factors can make it harder to access health care and maintain long-term stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/hpact\/\">Homeless Patient Aligned Care Teams (HPACT)<\/a> were designed around this reality. Rather than expecting homeless Veterans to navigate separate systems for medical care, behavioral health, housing, and supportive services, the HPACT model brings these resources together through one integrated care team. This whole-health approach helps Veterans access coordinated care that addresses the underlying factors contributing to homelessness while reducing barriers that prevent homeless Veterans from accessing the care they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Available at more than 60 locations nationwide, HPACT operates at VA medical centers, community-based outpatient clinics, and Community Resource and Referral Centers, bringing health care and housing services together in one place.<\/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\"><strong>Redesigning care around Veterans&#8217; needs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>HPACT is designed for Veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness, including those who are unsheltered or living in shelters, vehicles, or other unstable housing situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike traditional primary care, HPACT brings together an integrated care team of primary care providers, nurses, social workers, mental health and substance use counselors, and homeless program staff who work collaboratively to address the specific barriers to medical care, behavioral health care, and housing needs homeless Veterans have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To make care as accessible as possible, many HPACT clinics offer walk-in appointments and outreach services, helping to connect Veterans who may be disconnected from care. In addition to medical services, many sites provide food and clothing assistance, hygiene supplies, showers, laundry facilities, benefits counseling, case management, and referrals to housing resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond the clinic, HPACT serves as a bridge across systems of care. Teams coordinate intensive case management with community organizations, housing providers, and other VA programs to ensure Veterans experience smoother transitions between services. This continuity helps build trust\u2014an essential part of supporting Veterans who may have experienced instability in both housing and health care\u2014and encourages Veterans to stay engaged in the resources and services that support long-term recovery.<\/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\"><strong>Whole-person care leads to better outcomes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The HPACT model demonstrates that coordinated, Veteran-centered care leads to better outcomes. Today, HPACT serves nearly 24,000 Veterans each year through the work of more than 200 dedicated staff members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Compared with traditional VA primary care\u00a0, Veterans enrolled in HPACT experience fewer emergency department visits and hospitalizations, engage more consistently in outpatient care, access mental health services more quickly, and obtain permanent housing faster. They also report more positive health care experiences, demonstrating the value of care designed specifically for Veterans experiencing homelessness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Across the country, HPACT teams continue to expand access to care for homeless Veterans through Mobile Medical Units, harm reduction initiatives, and programs such as Hospital to Housing, which helps connect Veterans leaving inpatient care with housing and supportive services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This approach reflects a model of care that is both responsive and continuously evolving\u2014meeting homeless Veterans where they are, adapting as their needs change, and helping them build healthier lives with the stability and support needed to move forward.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"va-body-wrapper wp-block-create-block-body-wrapper\"><div class=\"va-body-wrapper__inner\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group va-section-title va-section-title-1 is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contact VA for help<\/h2>\n\n\n<div style=\"background-color: #005EA2;\" class=\"wp-block-create-block-colored-spacer has-ff-5500-background-color has-background wp-block-create-block-colored-spacer\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>If you are a Veteran who is homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, we strongly encourage you to contact the <strong>National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at <a href=\"tel:+18774243838\">877-424-3838<\/a><\/strong> for assistance.<br><br>The call is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trained professionals are standing by to connect you to your nearest VA for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-blue-icon-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.va.gov\/homeless\/nationalcallcenter.asp\" rel=\"noopener\">Chat with a live professional now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.va.gov\/homeless\/nationalcallcenter.asp\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1385\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png\" alt=\"National Call Center for Homeless Veterans logo. 877-424-3838\" class=\"wp-image-5628\" srcset=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png 1385w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png?resize=300,130 300w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png?resize=768,333 768w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png?resize=1024,444 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1385px) 100vw, 1385px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>HPACTs help homeless Veterans overcome barriers to health care through a whole-person model tailored to their unique needs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":201,"featured_media":5160,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"priority":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[31,41],"class_list":["post-5159","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured-articles","tag-hpact","tag-outreach"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/what-are-hpacts\/","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"What are Homeless Patient Aligned Care 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