The Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System in Charleston has made significant progress in addressing veteran homelessness in the Lowcountry by permanently housing over 300 veterans in the fiscal year 2025. This is part of a national effort where the VA housed nearly 52,000 homeless veterans across the U.S. in the same year, breaking a seven-year record. The primary challenge remains affordable housing, as Charleston’s housing market is quite expensive, making it tougher for veterans to find permanent homes.
The VA’s “Getting Veterans Off the Street” initiative, launched in May 2025, contributed to moving 25,000 unsheltered veterans into permanent housing nationwide. The Ralph H. Johnson VA uses HUD-VASH vouchers, a program that provides veterans vouchers to secure housing in the community. The VA is also actively recruiting landlords willing to rent to veterans to expand housing options.
Veterans facing homelessness or those in need of assistance are encouraged to seek help through the VA crisis line at 988 or visit the community resource and referral center at 2424 City Hall Lane in North Charleston. The VA is increasing staff and resources to continue to support homeless veterans, emphasizing stable housing as a key element to overall health and well-being for veterans who may face military-related challenges as well as everyday issues.
Additional local support efforts include the Lowcountry Veterans organization, which partners with the VA to provide transitional housing and supportive services such as food, transportation, and employment assistance to help veterans regain stability. This combined effort represents a committed community approach to ending veteran homelessness in the Charleston area and the broader Lowcountry region.
