The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) urges Congress to finalize funding legislation and authorize continued operations of critical homeless-veteran programs — especially Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) and Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) — without delay. These programs are on the front lines of VA’s response to unsheltered homelessness as this Administration prioritizes a response.
If Congress fails to authorize these programs, VA will be unable to utilize funding received by advance-appropriation to carry forward its mission of ending veteran homelessness. Program authorizations must be enacted — whether they remain in the Continuing Resolution or are enacted as standalone legislation — to ensure veterans do not face service disruptions at a time when stability is most needed.
“Our nation made a solemn promise to the men and women who served us, and Congress must keep that promise,” said Kathryn Monet, CEO of NCHV. “HCHV and SSVF deliver front-line outreach, case management, and housing support for tens of thousands of veterans every year. If Congress allows these programs to falter, VA will be required to disrupts its critical services, increasing veteran homelessness while political negotiations drag on.”
Key Data Highlights (Recent Years):
- In FY 2023, HCHV provided outreach services to over 23,800 veterans and case management services to over 9,600 veterans.
- In FY 2023, more than 4,900 veterans exited HCHV’s contracted residential services (CRS) programs to permanent housing.
- In FY 2024, SSVF assisted over 91,155 veterans and in FY 2024 SSVF/related services reached 140,638+ individuals overall.
- In FY 2024, the 33 CRRCs operated under the HCHV program served 70,000+ veterans.
HCHV and SSVF are essential, front-line programs that connect veterans to housing, health care, employment, and other supports. Congressional action is required now to prevent avoidable disruptions.