Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV)

What you get

Outreach that connects homeless veterans to VA care, and short-term residential treatment through community agencies VA contracts with, while you work toward permanent housing.

Where to start: contact VA homeless programs

1. 1Homeless, or about to lose housingVA uses the McKinney-Vento Act definition of homelessness, as amended by the HEARTH Act. It includes having no full-time or adequate place to stay at night; sleeping in a car, park, or other place not meant for sleeping; staying in a shelter, hotel, or motel set up as temporary housing; leaving an institution where you stayed for a short time; being about to lose your housing, including a place you share with others or a motel room; and fleeing violence or other danger where you live.
2. 2A veteran, and the dischargeVA homeless programs serve veterans, and a dishonorable discharge can put a veteran outside them. VA says a veteran with an other than honorable discharge may get some kinds of care without being enrolled in VA health care, so contact VA even if your discharge is not honorable. Local Continuum of Care partners must serve everyone experiencing homelessness, including veterans outside VA homeless programs.

Source: VA Homeless Programs: frequently asked questions (opens in new tab); VA.gov: homeless help (opens in new tab)

Which part of HCHV are you looking for?

• Outreach and a way into VA care

  Outreach is the core of HCHV. VA staff reach out to homeless veterans who are not getting services and engage them in treatment and rehabilitation programs. Many HCHV programs are also a hub for housing and other services that offer entry to VA care. Contact VA even if you are not sure a program fits; VA staff work that out with you.

  Source: VA Homeless Programs: Health Care for Homeless Veterans (opens in new tab); VA Homeless Programs: frequently asked questions (opens in new tab); VA Homeless Programs: HCHV questions (opens in new tab); VA.gov: homeless help (opens in new tab)

• A contract residential bed

  HCHV Contract Residential Services gives interim housing and therapeutic services through community organizations. Local VA medical centers contract with these agencies for short-term residential treatment while veterans look for permanent housing and more care. The models include emergency residential services, low demand safe havens, and medical respite. The program puts veterans with complex needs first, such as mental health and substance use conditions together.

  1. 1Homeless, or about to lose housing, and a veteranThe same two rules as for outreach, above: homelessness as VA defines it, and veteran status, where a dishonorable discharge can put a veteran outside VA homeless programs.
  2. 2A referralTo get a contract bed, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 to ask for a referral. Referrals can also come through other VA and non-VA programs.
  3. 3A screening for the programVA screens veterans for entry to HCHV Contracted Residential Services to check medical and psychiatric stability and fit for the program.

  Source: VA Homeless Programs: HCHV Contract Residential Services (opens in new tab); VA Homeless Programs: HCHV questions (opens in new tab); VA Homeless Programs: frequently asked questions (opens in new tab); VA.gov: homeless help (opens in new tab)

What to gather, and what it shows VA

You talk with VA staff directly, and papers go to them when they ask. BeneVets does not ask for copies of anything.

Steps, in order

1. If you are in crisis

   If you are having thoughts of suicide or emotional distress, call or text 988, then press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.

   Source: VA.gov: National Call Center for Homeless Veterans (opens in new tab)

2. Call or chat with VA's homeless line

   Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838, open 24/7, free and confidential, or start an online chat. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA.

   Source: VA Homeless Programs: Health Care for Homeless Veterans (opens in new tab); VA.gov: National Call Center for Homeless Veterans (opens in new tab)

3. Or go to a VA medical center

   If you cannot call, you can visit your local VA medical center and ask for a Homeless Coordinator. VA.gov says staff at some VA facilities may be able to help, but encourages calling or chatting first when you can.

   Source: VA.gov: National Call Center for Homeless Veterans (opens in new tab); VA.gov: homeless help (opens in new tab)

4. Ask about a contract bed

   Ask to be referred to HCHV Contract Residential Services. VA screens for medical and psychiatric stability and fit for the program.

   Source: VA Homeless Programs: HCHV questions (opens in new tab)

5. Or visit a Community Resource and Referral Center

   If one is near you, a CRRC offers one-stop access to VA and community help. VA's CRRC page lists locations, phone numbers, and hours. VA suggests calling first so you reach the right support.

   Source: VA Homeless Programs: Community Resource and Referral Centers (opens in new tab); VA.gov: homeless help (opens in new tab)

6. Gather your ID and papers

   Collect a photo ID and your DD214 or other discharge papers if you have them. If papers are lost, VA homeless program staff can help you get an ID or the documents you need.

   Source: VA.gov: homeless help (opens in new tab); VA.gov: request your military service records (opens in new tab); VA.gov: types of Veteran ID cards (opens in new tab)

7. Free help with a separate VA claim

   HCHV is not a VA claim, so there is nothing for a VSO to file for it. If you also file a VA claim, such as for disability compensation, a VSO can help with that claim. Free help: an accredited VSO can file this with you. Find one near you in the BeneVets VSO directory at Find an accredited VSO near you.

   Source: VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab); VA Homeless Programs: services for homeless and at risk veterans (opens in new tab)

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