The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched a groundbreaking initiative to tackle one of the most persistent challenges facing former service members: homelessness caused by unresolved legal issues. Through the Legal Services for Veterans (LSV) Grant Program, the VA is making \$42 million in funding available to legal service providers who support at-risk Veterans.
The program aims to address civil and criminal legal barriers—including eviction, denied benefits, and outstanding fines—that often lead to or prolong housing instability. Organizations interested in applying must submit proposals by 4:00 p.m. ET on July 7, 2025.
Grant Program Targets Legal Causes of Homelessness
The LSV Grant Program is designed to help Veterans overcome legal challenges that frequently contribute to homelessness or unemployment. According to the VA, legal support can play a critical preventive role in avoiding housing loss or facilitating long-term stability.
The grants will support a range of legal services, including:
- Eviction defense and landlord-tenant disputes
- Child support, custody, and estate planning
- Disability and pension benefits assistance
- Legal defense for unresolved warrants, fines, or driver’s license suspensions
These issues, often ignored or deprioritized, can create long-term barriers for Veterans attempting to reintegrate into civilian life or secure stable housing.
Funding and Duration of Support
Each awarded organization may receive up to \$500,000 in funding. The grant covers a two-year service window, running from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2027.
Grants are intended to cover personnel, casework, legal technology, and community outreach, with an emphasis on delivering measurable outcomes for Veterans in need.
Who Can Apply for the VA LSV Grant?
The VA expects to issue between 80 and 100 grants nationwide. Eligible applicants include:
- Nonprofit legal organizations
- Law school clinics
- Public legal aid agencies
- Veteran service organizations (VSOs)
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate:
- Proven legal expertise in relevant issue areas
- Experience working with Veteran populations
- Capacity to deliver services in underserved or high-need areas
Proposal Requirements and Evaluation Criteria
Interested organizations must submit a detailed proposal through the VA’s online grant portal. The proposal must include:
- Types of legal services to be offered
- Target Veteran demographics and service regions
- Proposed staffing models and caseload estimates
- Strategies for coordination with VA medical centers, housing partners, and other community stakeholders
The VA will evaluate submissions based not only on legal capability but also on the organization’s ability to reach marginalized Veterans and demonstrate impact.
Legal Support as Part of Broader VA Strategy
The LSV Grant complements a range of existing VA programs targeting Veteran homelessness, including:
- Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) – provides transitional housing and case management
- HUD-VASH – a joint effort with the Department of Housing and Urban Development offering housing vouchers and support services
While these programs meet immediate housing needs, the VA recognizes that unresolved legal problems—like criminal records, denied benefits, or court-ordered payments—can lead to recurring homelessness if left unaddressed.
Veteran Homelessness by the Numbers
The January 2024 federal Point-in-Time (PIT) Count revealed that more than 35,000 Veterans were homeless across the U.S. on a single night. These numbers highlight the urgency of legal intervention to prevent repeat instances of homelessness.
The LSV Grant is one of the VA’s most ambitious legal-focused investments to date, signaling a strong commitment to not only housing but also legal stability for Veterans.
How to Apply: Key Deadlines and Next Steps
Organizations must respond to the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and submit applications through the VA’s official grants portal. All submissions are due by 4:00 p.m. ET on July 7, 2025.
Following the application review process, award notifications will be issued by September 2025, and funded programs are expected to begin providing services on October 1, 2025.
The VA strongly encourages early submissions to avoid last-minute technical errors or incomplete documentation that may lead to disqualification.
A Call to Action for Legal Aid Providers Nationwide
With \$42 million in funding available and up to 100 grants ready to be awarded, the VA is calling on legal aid providers, clinics, and nonprofits to join the mission to end Veteran homelessness.
By removing the legal barriers that too often keep Veterans in cycles of instability, this program offers a real opportunity to transform lives, strengthen communities, and honor those who served.
Organizations that wish to apply or learn more can visit the VA’s grant portal and review the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).