Progress and Partnerships: Ending Veteran Homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg

Photo by Lucas Sankey on Unsplash

As of September 30, 2025, 138 Veterans were experiencing homelessness in Mecklenburg County. Of these, 37 are chronically homeless, meaning they live with a disabling condition and have experienced homelessness continuously for at least one year, or four or more times over the past three years. Ending Veteran homelessness requires ongoing coordination among multiple partners — including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Mecklenburg County, and a network of dedicated nonprofit organizations. Together, these agencies form a critical safety net that ensures Veterans are connected to the housing and services they’ve earned through their service.

This blog post provides an overview of Veteran homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, recent data trends from the One Number update, and examples of how community collaboration is driving measurable progress toward ending homelessness among Veterans.

UNDERSTANDING VETERAN HOMELESSNESS

Since January 2025, Charlotte-Mecklenburg has achieved a 16% reduction in Veteran homelessness, averaging 15 Veterans housed per month. This progress reflects the power of a coordinated local response involving the Continuum of Care (CoC), the Mecklenburg County Veterans Services Office, the VA, and nonprofit providers such as Veterans Services of the Carolinas, Catholic Charities, and Veterans Bridge Home. These partners work collaboratively to prevent homelessness, when possible, quickly rehouse Veterans who do become homelessness, and provide the wraparound supports needed for long-term stability.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg also participates in Built for Zero, a national initiative led by Community Solutions that helps communities measurably end homelessness. The local Built for Zero partnership has brought major investments to the County, including the purchase of The Park at Ferentino, a 216-unit apartment community with half the units reserved for Veterans with vouchers or subsidies. Charlotte is one of only ten large cities nationwide to receive this level of investment due to its proven progress and strong system partnerships.

LOCAL COLLABORATION AND SYSTEM LEADERSHIP

The Housing Our Heroes workgroup, a subcommittee of the CoC, brings together partners every two weeks to strategize, problem-solve, and coordinate housing efforts for Veterans in Mecklenburg County. Members include the VA, Mecklenburg County, CoC leadership, and community organizations committed to ending Veteran homelessness. Meetings are open to the public, offering an opportunity for anyone interested to engage in this collective effort. The next meeting is scheduled for November 18 at 2 p.m. via Microsoft Teams.

According to the 2024 HUD Annual Homeless Assessment Report, Veterans account for roughly 5% of people experiencing homelessness nationwide. In Charlotte-Mecklenburg, that figure is 6%, slightly higher than the national rate.

Veterans face unique challenges including combat-related trauma and military sexual trauma, physical injuries, family conflict, and behavioral health conditions. These challenges can increase their vulnerability and risk for housing instability. Addressing these factors requires a coordinated system that provides both housing and comprehensive support services.

PROGRAMS SUPPORTING VETERANS IN MECKLENBURG COUNTY

Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV)

The Salisbury VA Health Care System’s Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program provides services and resources to eligible Veterans experiencing homelessness, including Outreach; Residential Programs; Contract Housing or Grant and Per Diem Transitional Housing; Permanent Supportive Housing: HUD-VASH; Veterans Justice Outreach; and Employment Services.

To inquire about and/or be assessed for eligible HCHV services, veterans can access a walk-in clinic in their area in-person or by phone. HCHV Clinics operate Monday-Friday; 9am – 3pm, closed on Federal Holidays.

Local HCHV Clinics include:

• Charlotte: Located at the Charlotte Health Care Center on Tyvola Road – 2nd Floor, Independence Clinic; 704-329-1300 Ext 32109
• Salisbury: Located at the Salisbury VAMC Main Campus – Building 4, 3rd Floor; 704-638-9000 Ext 13137
• Kernersville: Located at the Kernersville Health Care Center – Primary Floor, Mental Health Clinic; 336-515-5000 Ext 21155

For Veterans who aren’t connected to VA Health Care and wish to register or determine eligibility, please contact the Main Phone Line at:  704-329-1300; Press 4 for eligibility/enrollment or visit us online at https://www.va.gov/salisbury-health-care/

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

The SSVF Program provides rapid re-housing and homelessness prevention services for very low-income Veteran households. In Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Catholic Charities and Veterans Services of the Carolinas administer both traditional SSVF and Shallow Subsidy programs.

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities administers both a traditional SSVF and a Shallow Subsidy program. Veterans seeking assistance should call the intake line at 704-370-3236.

In addition to SSVF, veterans can also access the Catholic Charities food pantry. The food pantry is located at 1123 S. Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203. The hours are Tuesday – 10:00am– 12:00pm and Thursday – 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Veterans can also access food pantry services by calling 704-370-3262 or texting “FOOD” to 704-268-9821.

Veterans Services of The Carolinas

 Veterans Services of the Carolinas (VSC) also administers both a traditional SSVF and a Shallow Subsidy program.

VSC is a division of Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) that supports our nation’s Veterans and their families by implementing assistance programs across North Carolina. Through Housing, Employment, Outreach, and Call Center Service Coordination, they collaborate with community partners and faith communities to engage with Veterans and meet their critical needs. It is VSC’s core belief to care for those who answered the call to serve our great nation. Our Veterans fought for our freedom; now VSC fights for theirs. Veterans Services of the Carolinas care coordination center can be reached at 855-962-8387 Monday-Friday 8:30pm – 5:00pm to connect Veterans, Military Members, their families and caregivers to resources.

VETERANS BRIDGE HOME

 Veterans Bridge Home (VBH) empowers Veterans in the Carolinas to thrive in the communities they choose to live in by connecting them with the best providers within social determinants of health: housing, healthcare, employment, education, social enrichment, and benefits.

 What They Do:

• Comprehensive Support: VBH takes a holistic approach, addressing the social determinants of health to ensure Veterans flourish in the communities they choose to call home.
• Employment Assistance: They help Veterans navigate the job market, offering guidance and support to kick-start their careers.
• Building Social Connections: They believe in the power of community and help Veterans create lasting bonds and connections in their local areas.
• Tailored Care: As a proud member of the NCServes network, they provide tailored, coordinated care across the Carolinas.

 How to Get Help:

If you’re a Veteran or know someone who needs assistance, it’s easy to connect with VBH. Simply click the ‘Request Assistance’ button on their homepage at https://veteransbridgehome.org/ or leave a message with our Care Coordination Team at 855-425-8838. They’re committed to getting back to you within 48-72 hours.

Veterans Bridge Home is more than just an organization; they are the bridge of support to our nation’s heroes who call the Carolinas home.

Mecklenburg County Veterans Services Office

 Community Support Services’ Veterans Services Division provides counseling and the development of benefit claims for veterans and their families. Veterans Services provides direct, in-depth, quality assistance to Veterans, their spouses, dependent children, and survivors, which may grant them initial – or preserve existing – benefit entitlements from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, State of North Carolina, and/or Mecklenburg County. Services include case coordination, counseling, and the development of benefit claims while assisting with access to health care, housing, education, employment, benefits, and social enrichment. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provides a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care to its customers. The goal of the Veterans Services Office is to share information about these benefits and services to make it as easy as possible for Veterans to receive the care they need.

To speak with a Veteran Service Officer and/or case coordinator, call 704-336-2102 or walk in at one of our Community Resource Center (CRC) locations (Valerie C. Woodard CRC 3205 Freedom Drive Entrance A, Charlotte, NC or Ella B. Scarborough CRC 430 Stitt Road, Charlotte, NC) between Monday – Friday 8am to 5pm

VETERAN HOMELESSNESS BY THE NUMBERS: SEPTEMBER 2025

• 138 Veterans experiencing homelessness in Mecklenburg County
• 37 meet criteria for chronic homelessness
• 15 Veterans housed in September 2025 (median time homeless: 202 days)
• 82% identify as male; 12% as female; 69% as Black or African American
• 57% report a disability
• 51% entered the system from unsheltered settings
• 56% report some income; 31% have earned income

PROGRESS AND NEXT STEPS

Since 2018, Charlotte-Mecklenburg has reduced Veteran homelessness by 55%, including a 15% decline in the past year. These gains reflect strong collaboration, shared goals, and sustained investment across local, state, and federal partners. Key contributors include the Mecklenburg County, the Salisbury VA Health Care System, and the Housing Our Heroes workgroup. Together these partners work to strengthen data sharing, accelerate housing placements, and maintain long-term stability for Veterans. The mission remains clear: to ensure every Veteran in Mecklenburg County has a safe, stable place to call home.