D4.5_SQUARES.pdf

This document is an informational overview of SQUARES 2.0, a Department of Veterans Affairs online system designed to streamline access to care and services for homeless and at-risk veterans.

SQUARES 2.0 is an upgraded version of the original SQUARES system that provides VA grantees, contractors, and outreach staff with reliable, detailed information regarding veteran eligibility for VA benefits and homeless services. The system enables immediate eligibility confirmation, military service verification, and VHA enrollment status checks. Key improvements include batch inquiry capabilities allowing shelters, drop-in centers, and other community providers to identify veterans within their populations and refer them to appropriate health or homelessness services. Additionally, SSVF and GPD grantees can offer critical services to homeless and at-risk veterans without requiring documentation or visits to VA Medical Centers solely to establish eligibility. The system operates entirely online, with care providers submitting veteran identification traits through a portal that returns eligibility information for homeless grant programs and VA healthcare. Access is available to VA staff and staff at organizations receiving VA homeless program grant funding (SSVF, GPD, CERS), as well as community-based homeless service organizations that execute data use agreements with VA. Training details and additional information about SQUARES 2.0 are available at https://www.va.gov/homeless/squares.