ERIE — The Erie VA Medical Center announced it has housed 79 veterans experiencing homelessness in Western Pennsylvania this fiscal year.

A total of 96.2% of these veterans have not returned to homelessness, and 40 unsheltered veterans in this network have been engaged to ensure they have access to the housing and other wraparound services they need.

Nationally, during this same time period, VA housed 43,116 veterans experiencing homelessness, surpassing its fiscal year 2024 goal to house 41,000 veterans a month earlier than anticipated. A total of 96.3% of the veterans housed have not returned to homelessness, and 38,476 unsheltered veterans have been engaged nationally.

Preventing and eliminating veteran homelessness is a top priority for VA and the entire Biden-Harris Administration. Between 2022 and 2023, VA permanently housed nearly 87,000 veterans.

“No person who has served this country should ever have to experience homelessness,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “As a result of this year’s efforts, more than 43,000 formerly homeless veterans now have access to the homes that they deserve. And make no mistake: we won’t rest until every veteran has a safe, stable, accessible and affordable home to call their own.”

Visit the VA.gov/homeless to learn about housing initiatives and other programs supporting veterans experiencing homelessness.