Effective July 29, 2026, VA medical centers now have expanded authority to provide direct financial and material assistance to eligible homeless veterans and veterans at imminent risk of homelessness. This assistance is available through September 30, 2027, and is intended to help veterans maintain housing stability, access healthcare, and address critical basic needs.

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What Assistance May Be Available?

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Under this new policy, VA medical centers may directly pay vendors or service providers for eligible veterans, including:

• Rent assistance (up to 10 months within a two-year period, with some exceptions)

• Utility payments

• Security deposits and application fees

• Hotel or motel stays

• Moving expenses and short-term storage

• Groceries and prepared meals

• Transportation assistance, including public transit and rideshare services

• Clothing and essential household items

• Tents and emergency shelter supplies

• Smartphones, tablets, disposable phones, and service plans when needed to maintain access to care, housing, employment, or supportive services

 

Who May Be Eligible?

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Eligibility includes:

• Veterans who meet the federal definition of homelessness

• Veterans who are at imminent risk of losing housing and have no adequate alternative housing options

• Participants in the HUD-VASH (HUD-VA Supportive Housing) Program

• Some veterans fleeing domestic violence or similar threats

VA staff, primarily social workers, will assess each veteran's situation to determine eligibility and identify the specific assistance needed.

 

Important Information

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• Assistance is not provided as cash payments to veterans.

• Payments are generally made directly to landlords, utility companies, transportation providers, stores, or other vendors.

• Availability and implementation may vary by VA medical center.

• Veterans receiving assistance may be asked to participate in housing stabilization planning.

 

How Veterans Can Access Help

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Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless should contact:

National Call Center for Homeless Veterans 877-424-3838 (available 24/7)

The call center can connect veterans with local VA homeless program staff and available resources.

 

Action Requested

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Please share this information with veterans and veteran families who may benefit from these services. This expanded VA authority provides an important opportunity to prevent homelessness, maintain housing stability, and connect veterans with the care and support they need.

Thank you for your continued commitment to serving our veteran community.

( for your reference: VA Expands Assistance for Homeless Veterans: Up to 10 Months of Rent, Utilities Covered )

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Job Application Links:

•   Texas Veterans Commission (TVC): Explore Jobs

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•   Coastal Bend Staffing: Coastal Bend Staffing

•   Second Chance Companies: Second Chance Companies | Full Time Opportunities | GEO Reentry Connect

•   Office of the Governor: Employment | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott

•   The State of Texas: Explore Jobs

•   TxDOT: Job Search

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•   TABC: Job Opportunities | Sorted by Posting Date descending | TABC Job Opportunities

•   Secret Service: Careers