The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs surpassed its goal to house 41,000 veterans in the 2024 fiscal year. Of that, VA Butler Healthcare housed 109 veterans over the fiscal year.

More than 98% of the veterans aided by the Butler VA Health Care System have not returned to homelessness, and 36 unsheltered veterans have been engaged to ensure they have access to the housing and other wraparound services they need.

A Tuesday, Sept. 24, news release from the Butler VA said the national organization has taken considerable steps this year to combat veteran homelessness, by funding and promoting homelessness programs and agencies over the course of the year.

Nationally, the VA housed 43,116 veterans experiencing homelessness, surpassing its goal a month early.

The VA’s efforts to combat veteran homelessness are grounded in reaching out to homeless veterans, understanding their unique needs and addressing them. These efforts are built on the evidence-based “Housing First” approach, according to the news release.

The housing first approach prioritizes getting veterans into housing, then providing or connecting them with the wraparound services and supports they need to stay housed. Wraparound services include health care, job training, and legal and education assistance.