VA Reports Strongest Progress in Seven Years on Housing Homeless Veterans

WASHINGTON — The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recorded its strongest performance in seven years for permanently housing homeless veterans, confirming that 51,936 unique veterans were placed into long-term accommodation in fiscal year 2025. The figure represents an increase of 4,011 on the previous year, underscoring the department’s intensified efforts to address veteran homelessness nationwide.

Eastern Oklahoma System Contributes 259 Housing Placements

As part of the national total, the Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System reported that it permanently housed 259 veterans locally. The VA attributed much of this progress to a coordinated nationwide push launched in May 2025, known as the Getting Veterans Off the Street initiative. According to the department, the initiative enabled 25,065 unsheltered veterans to move into interim or permanent housing.

Revised Counting Method Shows Upward Trend

The VA highlighted that its revised methodology—introduced in 2022 and applied retroactively to 2019—provides a clearer indication of the number of individual veterans assisted. Under this approach, the historical series of unique veterans housed reads:

• FY2019: 48,133

• FY2020: 44,048

• FY2021: 38,401

• FY2022: 39,868

• FY2023: 46,051

• FY2024: 47,925

• FY2025: 51,936

The department said the updated method offers greater accuracy by tracking individuals rather than total placements, which may include repeat assistance.

Local Leaders Praise Impact of Housing Initiatives

“This is life-changing and in many cases life-saving work,” said Kimberly Denning, DNP, RN, Medical Center Director. “We are proud of the progress Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System is making to get Veterans off the streets and are redoubling our efforts to continue this momentum moving forward.”

Federal Executive Order Supports Long-Term Capacity

The VA noted that its latest housing achievements align with a May executive order issued by President Trump, establishing a National Center for Warrior Independence for Homeless Veterans at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center campus. The new centre aims to provide housing and support services for up to 6,000 homeless veterans by 2028.

Daily National Effort to Connect Veterans With Homes

Across the country, VA teams and community partners continue to help veterans secure permanent accommodation—whether rented or owner-occupied—often supported by subsidies to improve affordability. In some cases, homelessness is resolved by reconnecting veterans with family or friends, the department said.

The VA emphasised that outreach events offer immediate access to essential services, ranging from healthcare and behavioural support to benefit enrolment, reflecting the complex needs that often accompany veteran homelessness.

Additional Information

Further details on VA housing initiatives and related programmes are available at VA.gov/homeless.
Media enquiries may be directed to Akeam Ashford, APR, Chief of Communications for the Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System, at [email protected] or (918) 310-4477.