Interim housing: A bridge to permanent stability for homeless Veterans

More than a temporary place to stay

Interim housing is much more than a temporary place to stay. For Veterans experiencing homelessness, it provides a safe place to sleep while connecting them with the healthcare, housing, employment and other supports they need to work toward permanent housing.

VA provides interim housing through two programs: the Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Contract Residential Services (CRS) program and the Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program.

HCHV CRS provides short-term emergency housing through community-based providers, while GPD provides longer-term transitional housing through grants awarded to nonprofit organizations and local and tribal governments.

Both programs connect Veterans with services tailored to their individual needs, including case management, clinical treatment and connections to permanent housing.

Interim housing provides more than shelter

Unlike traditional shelters that serve a broad population, VA-funded interim housing focuses specifically on homeless Veterans. Participants work one-on-one with case managers who help them navigate everything from healthcare and mental health services to employment, benefits and permanent housing opportunities based on their own goals and readiness.

Because every Veteran’s situation is different, many interim housing providers offer services tailored to specific needs. Some locations even welcome pets, giving Veterans peace of mind that they won’t have to choose between seeking housing and staying with their trusted companions.

From the moment a Veteran arrives, providers help them understand what to expect through welcome materials, regular check-ins and personalized guidance, working alongside them every step of the way.

Interim housing supports different stages of recovery

Some Veterans may worry that they need to be sober before seeking help. However, interim housing is often designed to support Veterans who are working through recovery challenges, wherever they are in their recovery journey with a low barrier approach.

This approach, used by CRS and GPD providers, recognizes that recovery isn’t always a straight line. Veterans aren’t required to complete a period of sobriety before being considered for interim housing. If a Veteran experiences a relapse, providers work alongside them to connect them with the care and support they need while helping them stay focused on their housing goals.

VA is improving access to interim housing

Veterans should not have to wait longer than necessary to access a safe place to stay. Historically, accessing interim housing has taken several weeks due to factors such as available bed capacity, referral processes and coordination between outreach teams and housing providers.

VA is working to ensure sufficient capacity, including funding more than 11,000 GPD beds through conditionally accepted grants. VA is also working with providers across the country to improve access and expand same-day admission whenever possible.

Interim housing helps Veterans transition to permanent housing

Even under the best circumstances, searching for an affordable home, applying for benefits, securing employment and addressing healthcare needs can take several months.

With a safe place to stay, Veterans can concentrate on strengthening their recovery, accessing healthcare services, pursuing employment opportunities and preparing for the responsibilities of independent living. With the support of direct service providers in GPD and CRS, including case managers, Veterans actively work toward permanent housing, making interim housing a bridge to long-term stability rather than simply another stop along the way.

Interim housing isn’t a pause in the process or a delay on the path to permanent housing, it’s an important part of the journey. By providing Veterans with a safe, stable place to stay while those goals are being met, interim housing protects Veterans from the physical and mental health challenges associated with homelessness and creates the foundation needed to move forward.

VA maintains standards for safe, quality interim housing

Organizations that apply to provide interim housing through a VA grant or contract must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the funding notice. Following the contract or grant award, VA conducts initial and annual inspections, which include experts from multiple disciplines: fire safety review, nutrition, clinical, security/law enforcement, medication review and network homeless coordinator or designee. VA also conducts unannounced visits throughout the year, ensuring Veterans consistently receive safe, high-quality care and housing. If an inspection identifies an issue, the provider must work to address it. In some cases, resolving the issue may require a formal corrective action process.

Every Veteran’s journey out of homelessness looks different. Interim housing is centered on honoring Veterans’ choices while guiding them toward permanent housing. When a Veteran is ready for the next step, VA and its partners will be there with resources, services and support to help them move forward.

Learn about VA programs

• If you are a Veteran who is homeless or at risk of homelessness or need to connect with a Veterans justice outreach specialist, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877- 424 -3838.
• Learn more about how VA helps aging homeless Veterans.
• Visit the VA Homeless Programs website to learn about housing initiatives and other programs for Veterans exiting homelessness.
• Get involved with housing homeless Veterans.