Addressing homelessness among aging Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched the Homeless Aging and Disabled Veterans Initiative to address a growing challenge: an increasing number of older veterans facing homelessness for the first time due to rising housing costs, complex medical needs, income loss, and lack of family support. The initiative brings together housing assistance, healthcare, and supportive services through the Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing program and Geriatrics and Extended Care programs to help connect older homeless and disabled veterans with stable housing and coordinated care.
The demographic shift driving this initiative is significant. In fiscal year 2024, almost half of all veterans enrolled in VA healthcare were 65 or older, and by fiscal year 2035, the number of veterans aged 85 and older is expected to increase by 66 percent. For older veterans, housing instability creates a cascade of health challenges, making it harder to manage chronic conditions, keep medical appointments, store medications safely, or access transportation and in-home support. Veterans who rely on oxygen equipment, assistive devices, or personal care support may require more coordinated care than traditional shelters or short-term housing can provide.
The initiative targets older homeless and disabled veterans with complex health needs, particularly those requiring specialized housing arrangements beyond standard emergency shelter. Since launching, VA has expanded specialized housing models that allow veterans to use HUD-VASH vouchers in assisted living facilities, community residential care settings, and medical foster homes designed for aging adults. The program has also increased the use of project-based HUD-VASH vouchers, which bring case management, care coordination, wellness checks, and healthcare connections directly to where veterans live.
As of April 2026, the initiative was supporting 159 veterans in specialized housing settings, with the majority living in assisted living facilities or personal care homes. Across 15 Veterans Integrated Service Networks, Project-Based Voucher Early Entry sites now provide approximately 1,600 housing units designated for aging and disabled veterans. The initiative has also strengthened partnerships between homeless programs and geriatric care specialists nationwide, including 10 regional geriatrics specialists and 30 enhanced project-based voucher sites providing onsite services.
Two Grant and Per Diem models now offer focused support for this population. The hospital-to-housing model helps veterans experiencing homelessness move directly from inpatient care settings and emergency departments into transitional housing with supportive care. The Special Need Frail Elderly model supports older veterans who need additional assistance, providing services that address physical health as well as emotional, social, spiritual, and generative well-being. These coordinated efforts help VA staff identify needs earlier and connect veterans more quickly to home-based primary care, rehabilitation, occupational therapy, durable medical equipment, caregiver support, and other resources.
For disabled veterans, this initiative represents an important recognition that aging compounds the challenges of disability and that housing stability is foundational to managing complex health conditions. The coordination between housing programs and geriatric care specialists means veterans can access the full spectrum of VA services rather than navigating multiple systems independently. This integrated approach is particularly critical for veterans whose disabilities make them vulnerable to homelessness as they age and face additional medical expenses or lose income.
Veterans who are experiencing housing instability or homelessness should contact their local VA medical center to speak with homeless program staff about available housing options and supportive services. Those already enrolled in VA healthcare can ask their primary care provider about referrals to geriatric care specialists or home-based services if they are struggling to maintain stable housing. Veterans not currently enrolled in VA healthcare should reach out to determine eligibility, as access to these coordinated housing and health services depends on connection to the VA system.