WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a milestone achievement, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the successful housing of 47,925 veterans experiencing homelessness during the fiscal year 2024. This remarkable accomplishment surpasses the VA’s initial target of housing 41,000 veterans by a significant 16.9%, marking the highest number of veterans housed in a single year since fiscal year 2019. Moreover, the VA reports a resounding success in the sustainability of this initiative, with 96% of the housed veterans not returning to homelessness.
This achievement is a testament to the VA’s unwavering commitment to eradicating veteran homelessness, a priority shared by the Biden-Harris Administration. Since the fiscal year 2022, the VA has provided permanent housing to nearly 134,000 homeless veterans, contributing to a more than 4% reduction in veteran homelessness across the United States since early 2020 and a dramatic 52% decrease since 2010.
VA Secretary Denis McDonough highlighted the significance of these efforts, stating, “Nearly 48,000 formerly homeless Veterans now have a safe, stable place to call home — and there’s nothing more important than that. No Veteran should experience homelessness in this nation they swore to defend.” The Secretary’s comments underscore the VA’s ongoing dedication to ensuring that no veteran is left without a home.
The VA’s concentrated efforts have also made substantial impacts in specific regions, notably in the Greater Los Angeles area, where 1,854 homeless veterans have been permanently housed this fiscal year. This figure represents the highest number of veterans housed in any American city for the third consecutive year, exceeding the VA’s goals for this region by 15.5%. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority’s recent Point-in-Time count further indicates a promising 22.9% reduction in veteran homelessness in Los Angeles between 2023 and 2024.
The VA’s accomplishments in fiscal year 2024 demonstrate a robust and effective approach to addressing veteran homelessness, with a focus not only on immediate housing solutions but also on the long-term prevention of recurring homelessness. As the agency continues its efforts, the progress made serves as an encouraging beacon for future initiatives aimed at completely eradicating veteran homelessness in the United States.
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