{"id":5268,"date":"2026-07-27T15:15:04","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T15:15:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/?p=5268"},"modified":"2026-08-18T20:10:39","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T20:10:39","slug":"what-is-outreach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/what-is-outreach\/","title":{"rendered":"What is outreach?"},"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 is outreach?<\/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 Shawn Liu, National Homeless Program Manager, VHA Homeless Programs Office<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>July 27, 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\/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=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/07\/Outreach-Stock-Image-Resized.jpg\" alt=\"A woman organizing outreach activities to reach Veterans experiencing homelessness.\" class=\"wp-image-5269\" style=\"width:900px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/07\/Outreach-Stock-Image-Resized.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/07\/Outreach-Stock-Image-Resized.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/07\/Outreach-Stock-Image-Resized.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/07\/Outreach-Stock-Image-Resized.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/07\/Outreach-Stock-Image-Resized.jpg?resize=1536,864 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Addressing Veteran homelessness often starts with outreach, helping Veterans build connections to the housing, care, and support they need.<\/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>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because Veterans experiencing homelessness have different circumstances and face unique barriers to accessing care, no single approach can reach every Veteran.<\/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>Kinds of Outreach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Traditional outreach<\/strong>\u2014through news stories, videos, social media, public service announcements, community events, and other communications\u2014can 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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&#8217;s why direct outreach is such an essential part of VA&#8217;s strategy to end Veteran homelessness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Direct service outreach<\/strong> involves outreach teams, case managers, peers, and health care providers going into communities to meet Veterans where they are\u2014whether that&#8217;s in shelters, encampments, vehicles, or other places not meant for human habitation. They also connect with Veterans through community outreach events such as <a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/stand-down-events\/\">Stand Downs<\/a>, where Veterans can access health care, housing assistance, benefits information, food, clothing, and other essential services all in one place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For many Veterans, these conversations become the first step toward recovery and permanent housing.<\/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>How does VA reach out to homeless and at risk Veterans?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn more about different programs, services, and initiatives VA use for homeless Veteran outreach:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/nationalcallcenter\/\">The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/stand-down-events\/\">Homeless Veteran Stand Downs<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/hchv\/\">Health Care for Homeless Veterans<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/veterans-justice-programs\/veterans-justice-outreach\/\">Veterans Justice Outreach<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/veterans-justice-programs\/hcrv\/\">Health Care for Reentry Veterans<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\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><strong>Partners help extend VA&#8217;s reach<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Reaching every Veteran is not something VA can do alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This collaborative approach reflects VA\u2019s commitment to meeting Veterans where they are\u2014both physically and personally. By working alongside trusted community partners and connecting with Veterans in familiar settings, VA can better understand each Veteran&#8217;s unique circumstances and help them navigate the path that&#8217;s right for them.<\/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>Through direct outreach and community partnerships, VA helps ensure no Veteran experiencing homelessness goes unseen.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":201,"featured_media":5269,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"priority":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[41],"class_list":["post-5268","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured-articles","tag-outreach"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/what-is-outreach\/","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"What is 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