Montana VA says it has exceeded goal helping homeless veterans

The VA and administration took steps to combat veteran homelessness. This week, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness developed framework that included detailed steps to develop a communitywide, cross-system approach to homelessness prevention, defined categories of homelessness prevention, shared promising practices for homelessness prevention programs and listed federal resources that can be used for homelessness prevention.

“Despite a challenging housing market, our homeless program staff, with help from our community and housing authority partners, had the privilege of assisting over 200 veterans and their families exit homelessness,” Adrian Spencer, the Montana VA Homeless and Vocational Rehabilitation Program manager, said.

“While we take pride in what we have achieved, we know there is still more to be done and are motivated to continue our work toward ending veteran homeless in Montana and nationwide,” Spencer said.

Duane Gill, the Montana VA executive director, added that his team was excited to exceed its goal and that it was a testament to the hard work everyone has put into the efforts.

On Sept. 24, the VA Rocky Mountain Network said it housed more than 2,030 homeless veterans in five states during the 2024 fiscal year.

Representatives said 97.6% of them did not return to homelessness and more than 2,010 ensured they had access to housing and other services.

“No person who has served this country should ever have to experience homelessness,” VA Secretary Denis McDonough said in a news release. “As a result of this year’s efforts, more than 43,000 formerly homeless veterans now have access to the homes that they deserve. And make no mistake: we won’t rest until every veteran has a safe, stable, accessible and affordable home to call their own.”

Veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness should call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838) or visit VA.gov/homeless.