Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV)

Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program

Initially serving as a mechanism to contract with providers for community-based residential treatment for homeless Veterans, many HCHV programs now serve as the hub for a myriad of housing and other services that provide VA with a way to reach and assist homeless Veterans by offering them entry to VA care.

Outreach is the core of the HCHV program. The central goal is to reduce homelessness among Veterans by conducting outreach to those who are the most vulnerable and not currently receiving services and engaging them in treatment and rehabilitative programs.

Another aspect of HCHV is the Contract Residential Treatment program, which places Veterans with serious mental health diagnoses into quality, community-based, supportive housing.

I am a Veteran. How do I get a contract care bed?

Apply directly to the contracted provider for Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Contracted Residential Services or get referred from other VA and non-VA programs. Veterans are screened for entry into HCHV Contracted Residential Services to determine medical and psychiatric stability and suitability for the program.

I am a provider. How do I apply for contract care/HCHV funding?

HCHV provides funding to local VA Medical Centers (VAMCs), which contract with community-based agencies to provide short-term residential treatment to Veterans who need an immediate housing placement, even as they seek permanent housing and/or additional care and services. Entities can learn more about providing these services to homeless Veterans by contacting their local VAMC and speaking with the HCHV liaison or homeless services coordinator.

What other services are provided through HCHV?

The central goal of the HCHV program is to reduce homelessness among Veterans by reaching out to those who are the most vulnerable and engaging them in supportive and rehabilitative services. Outreach services are also provided through Community Resource and Referral Centers (CRRCs), located in many large urban areas, and at Stand Down events.

• CRRCs offer Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with one-stop access to multiple VA and community resources at a single location. VA and community partners are on hand to provide immediate assistance and/or referral services.
• Stand Downs are typically one- to three-day community events held in partnership with VA to reach and serve Veterans who are homeless. Services provided include food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, dental care, legal services, VA and Social Security benefits counseling, and referrals to many other necessary services, such as housing, employment and substance use treatment.

What if I am a homeless Veteran or know one?

Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless can call or visit their local VA Medical Center, where VA staff are ready to help. Veterans and their families may also call 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) to access VA services. Explore va.gov/homeless to learn about VA programs for Veterans who are homeless.

1-877-4AID-VET