Nationally, the total number of veterans who experienced homelessness is 33,129, according to the January 2022 Point-In-Time count. This represents a decline of 55.3% compared to 2010. Fairfax County’s most recent Point-In-Time count, conducted on January 25, 2023, found 34 homeless veterans.
“The reductions in veterans’ homelessness in point-in-time count data, while promising, is nothing to celebrate. The reality is that too many veterans remain unhoused, locally and nationally, and it is our responsibility to serve those who served our country,” Tom Barnett, Deputy Director, Office to Prevent and End Homelessness, Fairfax County. “This includes creating affordable housing opportunities and being steadfast in identifying veterans and connecting them quickly with needed services.”
Fairfax County veterans experiencing homelessness have access to a wide variety of local, state, and federal programs, including:
Permanent Supportive Housing vouchers: The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority administers federal housing vouchers to eligible veterans. The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) vouchers provide veterans experiencing homelessness with financial support for housing and supportive services. Recently, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the VA awarded more vouchers to Fairfax County. Veterans seeking housing assistance should contact their local VA medical center and mention their interest to be referred for a voucher.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families: For very low-income veterans, the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program provides case management and supportive services to prevent the imminent loss of a veteran's home or identify a new, more suitable housing situation for the individual and his or her family; or to rapidly re-house veterans and their families who are homeless and might remain homeless without this assistance.
Virginia Housing’s Granting Freedom Home Modification Program: The program provides grants of up to $8,000 per residence or rental unit for home modifications to Virginia’s veterans and service members who sustained a line-of-duty injury resulting in a service-connected disability.
National Homeless Veteran Call Center: 877-4AID VET (877-424-3838). Call for special programs for veterans experiencing homelessness.
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 to access round-the-clock confidential, crisis support for veterans. No VA benefits or other health insurance required.
Fairfax County is home to an estimated 80,000 veterans. Local resources can be found on the County’s military and veterans website.