Homelessness Avoided for Most Veteran Families Served by VA Program, Report Finds

The majority of Veterans and their families who sought assistance to prevent or end homelessness achieved that goal in 2012 through a program funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), according to a just released study by Abt Associates.  The study found that 86% of the persons who exited the  Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSFV) Program in 2012 either maintained or obtained permanent housing at an average cost to the program of approximately $2,800 per household.   The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted resources to prevent or end homelessness and provide support for the further expansion of SSVF to help the nation’s Veterans.     SSVF is the centerpiece of the VA’s initiative to prevent and end homelessness among the nation’s Veterans.  In its first year alone, the program assisted 21,100 Veteran households, including more than 35,000 adults and children.