VRCN partners build pathways from homelessness to stability

Organizations within the VetResources Community Network (VRCN) are working nationwide to end Veteran homelessness. The groups featured here provide housing, community and essential support services to Veterans, regardless of the obstacles they face. Each highlighted nonprofit is committed to helping Veterans achieve stable, permanent housing.

Genesis Joy House Homeless Shelter Inc.

Genesis Joy House, founded by Dr. Margaret Queen-Flowers and now led by Chelsea C. Crawford, is Georgia’s first transitional housing facility exclusively for unhoused female Veterans and their children. The organization offers safe transitional housing, individualized case management, workforce development, life-skills training, and connections to community and Veteran resources. Genesis Joy House supports successful transitions into permanent housing and celebrates 15 years of service, continuing its mission to break the cycle of homelessness.

Visit the Genesis Joy House Homeless Shelter website to learn more, seek assistance or volunteer.

Footprints Heroes Home Gate

Founded in 2009 by Vietnam Veteran Wayne D. White, Heroes Home Gate provides short-term, transitional housing for Veterans in Kansas City, Missouri. Veterans receive meals, support services, and one-on-one case management to help secure permanent housing, employment and vital documents. The organization partners with VA Health Care for Homeless Veterans and reports an 85% success rate in placing Veterans into permanent housing.

Learn more about the work and impact of Footprints Heroes Home Gate on their website.

Haven for Hope

Located in San Antonio, Texas, Haven for Hope serves Veterans experiencing homelessness, regardless of service length or discharge status. Its Unsheltered Placement Program assists Veterans and others with chronic homelessness in transitioning to permanent housing. Services include income and skills development, legal services, case management and VA benefits navigation. Haven for Hope operates two campuses for transitional housing and emergency shelter, and conducts community outreach, including support for those reintegrating from incarceration.

More information about services and opportunities through Haven for Hope, please visit its website.

Volunteers of America – Florida (VOAF)

VOA Florida serves 16 communities, providing supportive housing, behavioral healthcare, and wraparound services for Veterans and their families at risk of homelessness. Its Supportive Services for Veteran Families program helps low-income Veterans obtain or retain permanent housing. VOA Florida offers peer-to-peer support and connects Veterans to benefits, regardless of status, age or challenges. The Veteran Home Repairs program, supported by the Home Depot Foundation, assists Tampa Bay-area Veterans facing homelessness due to critical home issues.

To learn more about VOA Florida, please visit its website.

Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard

Veterans Place in Pittsburgh offers transitional housing and supportive services to prepare homeless Veterans for permanent housing. The organization addresses challenges affecting long-term stability, including substance misuse and mental health needs. Veterans Place provides workforce development, recovery support, a wellness center and a drop-in Veterans Resource Center offering meals, showers and tailored support.

To learn more, visit the Veterans Place website.

Operation Stand Down Tennessee

OSDTN delivers wraparound services to Veterans and their families, addressing immediate needs and building long-term stability. Programs include housing and homelessness prevention, emergency financial assistance, legal services, benefits navigation, food assistance, suicide prevention, and connections to behavioral and mental health resources. OSDTN also offers career coaching, employment assistance and community connections.

To learn more about Operation Stand Down Tennessee, visit its website.

Get involved or seek help

For information on homeless programs for Veterans, landlords, employers or to get involved, please visit VA Homeless Programs. Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness can get 24/7 confidential help by calling 877-424-3838 or via live chat at the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans.