VA awards $17.2 million to address veteran homelessness in Missouri

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo., (KBSI) — The Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded more than $17.1 million to 17 Missouri organizations that assist veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their homes.

The grants will support services during fiscal 2027. The Missouri funding is part of a record $1.17 billion awarded to 680 organizations nationwide, according to the VA.

Funding distributed through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program will help prevent veterans from losing their homes, locate suitable housing and quickly rehouse veterans and their families.

Additional funding through the Grant and Per Diem program will support transitional housing, service centers and programs designed for women, older veterans and veterans experiencing chronic mental illness. The program also supports housing arrangements that allow veterans to remain in their current units while receiving assistance toward permanent housing.

The VA said its programs helped place 51,936 veterans in permanent housing during fiscal 2025, the highest number in seven years.

“VA medical centers across Missouri remain committed to ensuring veterans have access to safe, stable housing and the supportive services they need to thrive,” said Kevin Bass, director of the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center.

Veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their housing can call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838.