Using a model developed at Harvard University, the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Service Members team is working to identify Veterans who are most in need of intervention before issues such as homelessness, unemployment, and suicide present themselves.
The HEARTH Project
According to an article posted in June 2024 by the VA, “[the] VA is committed to ensuring every Veteran’s transition from military to civilian life is as seamless and supportive as possible, regardless of how long they served or the condition of their exit from service.” The article continued, “building on our collaboration with the Department of Defense, we are excited to introduce Help with Employment, Agency, Risk, Transitions, and Housing, an innovative project to bridge existing gaps in our support systems.”
The VA’s Homeless Evidence and Research Roundtable project is the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs initiative to improve services and research surrounding homelessness among veterans. The HEARTH project focuses on understanding the root causes of homelessness in the veteran community, evaluating the effectiveness of current interventions, and advancing new strategies to prevent and address homelessness.
What Does the VA Hearth Project Do?
Launched in 2023, the HEARTH project is a quality improvement demonstration designed to enhance the Post-9/11 Military2VA process. The goal of the HEARTH Project is to ensure at-risk veterans are enrolled in VA at their local VA, connect veterans with primary care teams, promote reintegration into civilian life by securing employment and housing, and link veterans experiencing suicidal ideations with appropriate services.
The VA HEARTH project does the following:
1. Research and Data Collection
It compiles research on the unique challenges faced by veterans, such as mental health issues, substance abuse, and economic instability, which contribute to homelessness.
2. Policy Recommendations
It uses data to inform policies and practices that can reduce homelessness and improve the health and well-being of veterans. This includes strategies for prevention, intervention, and housing stabilization.
3. Collaboration with Stakeholders
The project brings together experts, researchers, and practitioners to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions to homelessness among veterans.
4. Evidence-Based Interventions
Through its research, the HEARTH project identifies evidence-based interventions that can be scaled or adapted to better serve homeless veterans. This includes strategies for rapid rehousing, supportive housing, and integrated healthcare services.
By focusing on evidence and collaboration, the VA HEARTH project plays a key role in shaping VA homelessness programs and guiding initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness. These services are provided at no cost to the veteran.
If You Are In Crisis
If you are a veteran in crisis, please reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1, or you can text 838255. You can also chat with someone at VeteransCrisisLine.net, which is a 24/7 confidential helpline for veterans in crisis, connecting them to mental health professionals.
