Bennington, VT News
New VA Grants for Homeless Veterans Vermont Boost Regional Housing Efforts
Southern Vermont organizations will receive a portion of over $18 million in federal funding to combat veteran homelessness. The VA grants will support housing programs, including Supportive Services for Veteran Families, helping veterans in Bennington County find stable homes.
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Veterans in Bennington County and across Southern Vermont will soon see expanded housing support. The federal government is sending millions of dollars to local organizations to fight veteran homelessness. This funding will help former service members secure safe, stable places to live.
What are the Vermont veteran housing grants designed to do?
Federal officials designed these grants to provide immediate relief and long-term housing stability for former service members. The funding flows through two main programs that help veterans find permanent homes, prevent eviction, and access transitional housing. These resources will directly support veterans across Southern Vermont and the wider region.
In mid-September 2026, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced a massive funding package. The agency awarded $18,499,223 to nine community organizations in Vermont and New Hampshire. These groups will use the funds during Fiscal Year 2027 to assist veterans who lack stable housing.
New Hampshire organizations will receive about $10.27 million of the regional total. Meanwhile, the remaining funds will support vital services in Vermont. Local providers will use the money to run two main federal initiatives. These are the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program and the Grant and Per Diem program.
Why it matters
Housing security remains a critical issue for many local families. When a veteran faces homelessness, the entire community feels the impact. This new federal funding ensures that local service agencies have the tools to help. Therefore, veterans in our area can access quick, dedicated support when they need it most.
How does Supportive Services for Veteran Families Vermont help local households?
The Supportive Services for Veteran Families Vermont program helps veterans and their families by offering rapid re-housing and critical eviction prevention services. This program provides case management, financial assistance, and housing searches to keep veterans in stable homes.
This program focuses on quick action to prevent homelessness before it starts. For example, case managers help veterans who face imminent eviction. They also assist unhoused veterans in finding suitable apartments quickly. This rapid intervention keeps families together and off the streets.
The second major funding channel is the Grant and Per Diem program. This initiative funds transitional housing and specialized care. For instance, the program offers targeted support for women veterans and elderly individuals. It also helps those who experience chronic mental illness.
Brooke Whalen works as the Grant and Per Diem liaison at the White River Junction VA Medical Center. She confirmed that these funds will support transitional housing facilities in Northfield and Bradford. Two organizations, Veterans’ Place and Veterans Inc., operate these sites. They help veterans transition into permanent housing within a single year.
What is the current state of veteran homelessness Vermont?
Recent data shows that veteran homelessness Vermont has risen slightly, making these federal resources incredibly timely. While veterans make up a small percentage of the unhoused population, local advocates and the White River Junction VA work hard to ensure every former service member has a safe home.
According to the 2025 State of Homelessness in Vermont report, veterans represented 3% of the state’s unhoused population. This percentage accounted for 111 individuals. This figure represents a 3% increase from 107 individuals in 2024. However, local teams are making steady progress. The White River Junction VA Medical Center successfully placed 107 local veterans into permanent housing during 2025.
Background and Context
This regional funding is part of a massive national effort. The federal government awarded $1.17 billion to 680 organizations across the country. This national package includes $855 million for supportive services and $318 million for transitional housing. Nationally, the VA placed 51,936 homeless veterans into permanent housing during Fiscal Year 2025. This achievement marked the highest annual total in seven years.
Local leaders expressed great optimism about the new funding. Kelley Saindon is the Acting Executive Director of the White River Junction VA Healthcare System. She stated that regional medical centers remain committed to ensuring veterans have safe housing. These grants strengthen partnerships with local community groups. Therefore, providers can reach veterans exactly where they are.
Katherine Tang serves as the Public Affairs Officer for the White River Junction VA Medical Center. She noted that solidifying this funding ensures veterans are seen and heard. It gives them a real chance to get back on their feet. Additionally, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins emphasized that the grants expand critical services. The ultimate goal is long-term stability for those who served.
Sources
- https://www.va.gov/white-river-junction-health-care/stories/va-awards-18499223-million-in-grants-to-fight-veteran-homelessness-in-vt-and-nh
- https://www.va.gov/wilmington-health-care/stories/va-awards-117-billion-in-grants-to-fight-veteran-homelessness
- https://vtdigger.org/2026/09/21/federal-grants-invigorate-efforts-to-address-veteran-homelessness-in-vermont
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
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