In 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) achieved a historic milestone by permanently housing 51,936 homeless veterans across the United States, marking the highest number recorded since the VA began tracking individual veterans’ housing placements seven years ago. This number represents a significant increase from the previous year, with 4,011 more veterans housed than in 2024.
The increase is partly attributed to a more accurate tracking method that the VA adopted in 2022. Unlike previous years, where total housing placements were counted (which could include the same veteran multiple times), the VA now tracks “unique veterans housed,” offering a clearer picture of the agency’s progress in ending veteran homelessness.
“This new metric allows us to better measure the real progress we are making in permanently housing veterans,” says Karla Azcuy, Director of the VA Portland Health Care System. “In 2025, we’ve seen the tangible results of a more focused, individualized approach to ending homelessness for our nation’s veterans.”
Overview: VA Housing Efforts for Homeless Veterans (2019-2025)
| Year | Number of Unique Veterans Housed |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 51,936 |
| 2024 | 47,925 |
| 2023 | 46,051 |
| 2022 | 39,868 |
| 2021 | 38,401 |
| 2020 | 44,048 |
| 2019 | 48,133 |
Why 2025 Marks a Record Year for VA Housing Efforts?
The 2025 housing effort reflects significant strides made by the VA, particularly with the “Getting Veterans Off the Street” initiative, launched in May 2025. This initiative required every VA health care system across the country to hold focused outreach surge events to actively seek out unsheltered veterans and offer them immediate access to emergency and transitional housing, health care, and behavioral health services.
The initiative proved highly effective, helping 25,065 unsheltered veterans transition into either interim or permanent housing. These efforts were supplemented by partnerships with local communities and ongoing support to veterans in securing long-term housing through rent subsidies and other programs.
“The outreach initiative and surge events were game changers. We are actively pursuing veterans who need help, not just waiting for them to reach out,” says Dr. Michael Thompson, a senior VA outreach coordinator. “This proactive approach is helping us reach more veterans than ever before.”
The Role of VA Portland Health Care System in Housing Veterans
The VA Portland Health Care System is one of the standout performers in the VA’s housing initiative. Serving veterans in northwest Oregon and southwest Washington, the system helped 1,027 veterans secure permanent housing in 2025. This is a testament to the dedication of VA personnel and their community partners, who work tirelessly to ensure veterans find a safe and stable place to live.
Karla Azcuy, the Director of the Portland VA, emphasized the life-changing impact of these efforts: “This is life-changing and, in many cases, life-saving work. We are incredibly proud of the progress, but we are committed to continuing this momentum until every veteran has a place to call home.”
Alignment with National Efforts: Warrior Independence Center
The VA’s progress in housing veterans is also aligned with broader federal efforts to combat homelessness. One such initiative is President Trump’s executive order in May 2025, which established a National Center for Warrior Independence for homeless veterans at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. The goal of this center is to provide housing and support services to up to 6,000 homeless veterans from across the country by 2028.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to addressing homelessness among veterans, focusing not only on housing but also on providing job training, mental health support, and addiction treatment.
What the VA Housing Effort Means for Veterans?
The focus of the VA’s housing programs is not just about placing veterans in any available space, but providing them with permanent housing solutions that offer stability. For many veterans, securing permanent housing also means receiving critical health care and benefits, which are essential for their physical and mental well-being.
For some veterans, the path out of homelessness involves reconnecting with family or friends who can offer a stable living arrangement. In other cases, the VA’s rent subsidy programs support veterans in securing apartments or homes with ongoing financial assistance.
“Our goal is to make sure veterans have more than just a roof over their heads. We want to provide them with the support to truly thrive, including access to the care they need,” says Jon Garth, a VA social worker.
Final Thought
In 2025, the VA has achieved a record level of success in permanently housing homeless veterans, providing not only shelter but a pathway to stability and improved well-being. With increased outreach, updated metrics, and a focus on long-term housing solutions, the VA is making significant strides in addressing veteran homelessness. While the progress is commendable, efforts to support veterans in need are ongoing, with the goal of ensuring that every veteran has access to the care, housing, and services they deserve.
“This is just the beginning. We have much more work to do, but the progress we’ve made in 2025 gives us hope for the future,” concludes Karla Azcuy, Director of the VA Portland Health Care System.
FAQs
How many homeless veterans were permanently housed in 2025?
The VA successfully housed 51,936 homeless veterans in 2025, marking the highest number recorded since tracking began.
What is the “Getting Veterans Off the Street” initiative?
Launched in May 2025, this initiative focused on outreach surge events that helped connect 25,065 unsheltered veterans with housing, health care, and other critical services.
Can the VA help veterans find permanent housing if they have no family or friends to rely on?
Yes, the VA offers various housing programs, including rent subsidies and partnerships with community organizations, to ensure that veterans without family support can still find permanent housing.
How does the VA support veterans after they are housed?
The VA provides ongoing support, including health care, behavioral health services, and access to VA benefits to ensure veterans are able to maintain their housing and improve their overall quality of life.
How can veterans access housing support services?
Veterans experiencing homelessness can call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838) or visit VA.gov/homeless for information on housing programs and support services.
