VA expands grant program for community organizations helping homeless Veterans

WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs published a Proposed Rule, July 29, allowing Grant and Per Diem program grantees to receive reimbursements for costs associated with serving the minor dependents of homeless Veterans.

This includes such costs as child supervision, transportation and additional case management.

This regulation implements section 4204 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D., Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, which updates how VA reimburses GPD grantees by establishing a new rate for each minor dependent cared for by a homeless Veteran. The regulation also implements an increase to the maximum amount that grantees can be reimbursed, up to 115% of the state home for domiciliary care rate, which will support grantees’ ability to provide care to Veterans after the COVID-19 pandemic flexibilities end.

“Our work to end Veteran homelessness depends on our ability to effectively support Veterans and their family members,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “This new regulation will make it easier for Grant and Per Diem grantees to provide the services

Veterans’ families need to achieve independence.”

The GPD program has provided community-based transitional housing with supportive services for Veterans since 1994 as they transition back to permanent housing. By the end of 2022, VA plans to place 38,000 homeless Veterans into permanent housing.

View current GPD grantees and details about the program. The proposed rule is available at the Federal Register.