For many veterans in Baltimore, the transition back to civilian life comes with a new battle — securing safe, stable, and affordable housing. After serving their country, too many former service members find themselves without a roof over their heads or the support systems needed to build a new life.
Fortunately, Baltimore is home to several impactful housing assistance programs designed specifically for veterans. These programs go beyond temporary shelter. They focus on long-term stability, wraparound services, and helping veterans regain independence and dignity. From transitional living programs to permanent supportive housing, the city offers a wide spectrum of help for veterans at every stage of the housing journey.
This blog takes a closer look at the leading housing assistance options for veterans in Baltimore, highlighting the work of the Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training (MCVET), St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore, and other community partners.
MCVET: More Than Just Shelter
The Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training (MCVET) is a national model for comprehensive housing and support for veterans. Located in the heart of Baltimore, MCVET provides transitional and long-term housing options tailored to each veteran’s needs.
The program starts with Emergency Housing, which offers a safe space for homeless veterans while case managers assess their situation and begin crafting a personalized plan. From there, veterans can move into the Transitional Housing Program, where they receive vocational training, mental health support, substance use counseling, and financial education — all under one roof.
MCVET also operates a Single Room Occupancy (SRO) program, which serves as a bridge to full independence. Veterans in this program have their own living space but continue to benefit from on-site support services. This model helps reduce the risk of relapse or re-homelessness while giving veterans the privacy and autonomy they deserve.
MCVET doesn’t just help people find a place to sleep. It builds a path toward a new life, equipping veterans with the tools they need to thrive in the long term.
St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore: A Holistic Approach to Stability
Another vital organization in the city is St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore, which operates housing programs specifically for veterans and their families. Their Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) initiative focuses on prevention and rapid re-housing.
If a veteran is at risk of eviction or currently experiencing homelessness, SSVF steps in quickly to offer financial aid, temporary housing, legal support, and case management. The goal is simple but critical: stop homelessness before it starts, or resolve it as quickly as possible.
St. Vincent de Paul also connects veterans with other community resources, from healthcare and food assistance to education and job training. These partnerships ensure that housing is part of a larger solution, not a temporary fix.
HUD-VASH: Federal Housing Help with Local Impact
The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program is a joint initiative between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the VA. In Baltimore, this program offers housing choice vouchers to veterans experiencing chronic homelessness, paired with intensive case management from the VA.
HUD-VASH helps veterans secure permanent housing in private rentals, which can be critical for individuals who prefer not to live in group settings or shelters. Through the Baltimore VA Medical Center, participants receive wraparound services that include mental health treatment, substance use support, and employment counseling.
What sets HUD-VASH apart is the long-term commitment. It’s not just about finding a home; it’s about maintaining it. Veterans are supported for as long as they need, making this a powerful option for those who have struggled with instability for years.
Project PLASE: A Partner for Permanent Housing
Project PLASE (People Lacking Ample Shelter and Employment) is another key player in Baltimore’s housing ecosystem. While not exclusively for veterans, many of their supportive housing programs include slots for veterans experiencing homelessness.
Project PLASE focuses on serving individuals with complex medical or mental health challenges. Their housing comes with on-site support services that help residents maintain their health, follow treatment plans, and engage with community resources. Veterans who need more than just housing — who also require help with chronic health conditions, trauma recovery, or navigating benefits — often find this environment both stabilizing and empowering.
The Importance of Transitional Housing
For many veterans, jumping directly into permanent housing isn’t the best solution. Trauma, addiction, or long-term instability can make it difficult to succeed in an unstructured environment right away. That’s why transitional housing remains a critical component of veteran housing in Baltimore.
Programs like those at MCVET and Project PLASE provide structured, supportive environments where veterans can adjust gradually. They learn budgeting, resume writing, conflict resolution, and personal goal-setting. Transitional programs provide a bridge between emergency shelter and permanent independence — one that too many veterans need to cross before they can truly thrive.
Peer Support in Housing Programs
What makes many of these Baltimore housing programs especially effective is the peer support model. Veterans often work with case managers or housing coordinators who are also veterans. This shared background fosters trust, reduces stigma, and allows for more culturally competent care.
Whether it’s navigating the VA benefits system, attending group therapy, or simply having a conversation about shared military experiences, peer support brings a level of understanding that can’t be replicated in traditional services.
Barriers to Access and the Need for Continued Investment
Despite the availability of housing programs, many veterans still face barriers to accessing them. Stigma, a lack of awareness, and bureaucratic red tape often prevent individuals from getting the help they need.
Additionally, some veterans may have less-than-honorable discharges, which can limit their eligibility for VA-backed housing options. Fortunately, community-based programs like MCVET and St. Vincent de Paul often serve all veterans, regardless of discharge status.
Still, the need in Baltimore exceeds current capacity. More funding, more beds, and more case managers are needed to meet the full demand. Local leaders, nonprofit organizations, and everyday citizens must continue to advocate for increased support for these critical programs.
How Veterans Can Get Started
If you’re a veteran in Baltimore in need of housing support, here are a few ways to begin:
- Contact MCVET directly at 410-576-9626 to inquire about emergency or transitional housing.
- Reach out to St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore for help with eviction prevention or rapid re-housing at 410-659-4020.
- Visit the Baltimore VA Medical Center to speak with a social worker about HUD-VASH and other supportive housing programs.
- Call the VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 for immediate guidance and referrals.
Whether you’re sleeping in a car, couch-surfing with friends, or at risk of losing your current home, there’s help available. You don’t need to face this alone.
A Community That Supports Its Heroes
Veterans in Baltimore have sacrificed for their country. The least they deserve is a safe place to sleep, a supportive community, and the resources they need to rebuild their lives. Through programs like MCVET, St. Vincent de Paul, Project PLASE, and the VA’s housing initiatives, Baltimore is taking real steps to honor that responsibility.
While challenges remain, so does hope — hope grounded in action, compassion, and community. If you or someone you love is a veteran in need of housing assistance, know this: Baltimore is ready to help, and there are organizations waiting to walk that journey with you.