The Veteran Housing Crisis
October 10, 2024
On August 8th, 2024, a significant policy change was announced that is anticipated to curb our nationwide veteran housing crisis. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the HUD-VASH program will no longer consider veterans’ benefits as a source of income.
Before this change, veterans struggled with managing both housing and benefits. Many felt they had to choose between getting benefits or VA housing. With this announcement, many more homeless veterans are eligible to apply for VA housing. Unfortunately, there is not enough VA housing currently available for all newly eligible veterans to immediately get the housing they need.
For those living on the streets due to this lack of housing units, there are many hazards. Not only are there thieves, violence, and other criminal activity, but they must be aware of government officials as well. Marine Corps veteran Erin Spencer lost his DD-214 in a sweep and feels that it is useless to apply for a new copy of the paperwork. “Whether it’s a sweep coming through and taking it, or somebody they hired to take it, or stupid dumb luck because I’m trying to move from place to place because they’re hassling me about where I am, it’s gonna get lost.”
The sweeps are only going to get worse over the coming months. Gov. Gavin Newsom created an executive order July 25, calling for the removal of all encampments in California. He worries about the safety of residents, property value, and criminal activity that could lead to businesses shutting down and public spaces becoming unusable. Newsom’s concern for the safety of businesses and residents is important, but veterans worry that this rush to remove encampments will only make their situation worse.
All hope is not lost, however. Veterans Affairs is preparing to assist with this increase in removal. They are aiming to house at least 41,000 homeless veterans this year with a focus on communities with an increasing number of homeless veterans. For those communities, VA intends to have plans housing and other services available for those veterans within days. In July, VA Secretary Denis McDonough showed how committed VA is to assist homeless or almost homeless veterans. VA granted 26.8 million to 108 organizations that assist homeless veterans or those on the verge of becoming homeless with legal services.
Even with all that VA is trying to do, so far it hasn’t been enough. LA alone has an estimated 4,000 unhoused veterans and many are passing away before they get the assistance they need. With only 250 housing units open in LA, there is simply not enough living space for the veterans who desperately need it. This becomes incredibly clear in a documentary called “The Promised Land”. This documentary shows the lineup of veterans on the street dubbed ‘Veteran’s Row’ contrasted by the almost completely empty Department of Veterans Affairs campus.
If you want to help, there are many routes of action. Many emergency shelters need support. You can donate or ask about volunteering. Other volunteer opportunities can be found in the form of mentors, counselors or legal aides. If you feel you might not have enough experience for those, Stand Down programs are another way to volunteer. These programs are typically 1-3 days long and provide veterans with care and support. Mental health support, physical care screenings, food, clothes and more can be found at Stand Down Programs. To find one near you, click here.
If you’re a veteran interested in filing for VA disability benefits, contact Legal Help For Veterans, PLLC today online or by calling our office (800) 693-4800.