By Jheri Hardaway
Staff Writer
Durham, N.C. — The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced this week that it has permanently housed 51,936 homeless veterans across the country in Fiscal Year 2025, marking the largest number of veterans housed in a single year since 2019. This national milestone had a significant impact here in North Carolina. According to recent data, 1,379 North Carolina veterans were permanently housed this fiscal year. Locally, the Durham VA Health Care System played a pivotal role, helping 394 veterans in our region find permanent homes.
The nationwide total represents an increase of more than 4,000 veterans compared to last year. Officials attribute the success to a more rigorous tracking methodology and aggressive new outreach campaigns. "This is life-changing and in many cases life-saving work," said Dr. Alyshia Smith, Executive Director of the Durham VA Health Care System. "We are proud of the progress Durham VA is making to get Veterans off the streets and are redoubling our efforts to continue this momentum moving forward."
In May 2025, the VA launched the "Getting Veterans Off the Street" initiative. This nationwide surge saw VA healthcare systems hosting dedicated outreach events to locate unsheltered veterans and offer them immediate access to housing programs, healthcare, and benefits. This specific initiative alone helped move over 25,000 veterans into interim or permanent housing. These efforts align with a broader federal push, including President Trump’s May executive order establishing a National Center for Warrior Independence for Homeless Veterans. Located at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, the center aims to support up to 6,000 homeless veterans by 2028.
For veterans and their families in the Carolinas who may still be struggling, the VA and local partners have highlighted several critical resources available right now:
Housing Assistance: The central hub for all housing resources is available at VA.gov/homeless.
Heating and Energy Bills: With winter approaching, veterans with limited income who are struggling to pay heating bills are encouraged to apply for the Low Income Home and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). More information is available through the NC DHHS website.
Food Insecurity: Veterans facing food shortages have multiple local options:
Dial 2-1-1: By dialing 2-1-1 on any phone, operators can connect veterans to the nearest veteran-friendly pantry or emergency food program.
Find a Food Pantry: A complete map of food pantries and distributions in North Carolina can be found at foodfinder.foodbankcenc.org.
Community members aware of a veteran in need are urged to share these resources or contact the local VA for assistance.
