The ssvf program's purpose is to provide supportive services grants to private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives, who will coordinate or provide supportive services to very low-income…

The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration awarded $2.181 million to Homeward Bound of Western North Carolina, Inc., on October 1, 2025, under the VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program (CFDA 64.033).

The award funds outreach services, case management, and assistance obtaining VA benefits and other public benefits for very low-income veteran families residing in or transitioning to permanent housing in North Carolina. Homeward Bound will also provide temporary financial assistance paid directly to third parties on behalf of participants for child care, emergency housing assistance, transportation, rental assistance, utility and security deposit payments, moving costs, and general housing stability assistance. The organization may additionally offer legal assistance and financial management services.

The recipient is a tax-exempt nonprofit based in Asheville, North Carolina, that specializes in housing-first interventions for homeless and at-risk populations. Homeward Bound operates as the lead agency for the community's Coordinated Entry System and reports an 89 percent housing retention success rate under its programs.

The award covers the period October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, with performance conducted in North Carolina.

The ssvf program's purpose is to provide supportive services grants to private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives, who will coordinate or provide supportive services to very low-income veteran families who are residing in permanent housing, are homeless and scheduled to become residents of permanent housing within a specified time period; or after exiting permanent housing within a specified time period, are seeking other housing that is responsive to such very low-income veteran family's needs and preferences. Grantees will use supportive services grant funds to provide supportive service. All grantees are required to provide outreach services, case management services, assistance in obtaining VA benefits and assistance in obtaining and coordinating other public benefits. In addition to the required services, grantees may also provide temporary financial assistance paid directly to a third party on behalf of a participant for child care, emergency housing assistance, transportation, rental assistance, utility-fee payment assistance, security deposits, utility deposits, moving costs, and general housing stability assistance (which includes emergency supplies), in accordance with 38 CFR part 62. Additional optional supportive services may include legal assistance and financial management services. Grantees will use supportive services grant funds to provide supportive service. All grantees are required to provide outreach services, case management services, assistance in obtaining VA benefits and assistance in obtaining and coordinating other public benefits. In addition to the required services, grantees may also provide temporary financial assistance paid directly to a third party on behalf of a participant for child care, emergency housing assistance, transportation, rental assistance, utility-fee payment assistance, security deposits, utility deposits, moving costs, and general housing stability assistance (which includes emergency supplies), in accordance with 38 CFR part 62. Additional optional supportive services may include legal assistance and financial management services.