Homeless Veterans Could Get Free Food, Phones and Transport Under VA Plan
The $29 million funding will help provide essentials to veterans experiencing homelessness.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a $29 million assistance program aimed at supporting homeless veterans. The initiative, authorized by the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, will provide eligible veterans with a range of goods and services, including food, smartphones, rental assistance, hotel stays, and transportation.
The program, which is set to begin in October 2026, will initially allocate $11 million for goods and services distributed through VA medical centers, with an additional $18 million earmarked for transportation. VA Secretary Doug Collins emphasized the importance of the program in preventing veterans from becoming homeless. Eligible veterans may receive assistance with rent, utility payments, security deposits, and short-term storage, as well as essential items such as furniture, bedding, cookware, and cleaning supplies.
The assistance cannot be provided directly as cash, but rather through the purchase of necessary goods and services. The program also includes support for veterans participating in the HUD-VASH program, which combines housing vouchers with VA case management services.
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