LANSING — The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency has granted $1.5 million from the fiscal year 2025 Michigan Veteran Homelessness Prevention Grant program to six nonprofit organizations across Michigan. The MiVHPG is made available to provide financial assistance to in-state nonprofits that assist veterans and their families who are facing homelessness.

The Escanaba-based Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress is among the six recipients.

“MVAA is here to stand beside veterans experiencing housing instability by offering support, resources and a path forward,” said MVAA Director Brian L. Love. “The commitment from our staff and community partners is the foundation of this important work.”

The MVAA distributes homelessness prevention grants of not more than $250,000 each to Michigan-based nonprofits that help veterans and their families who are at risk or experiencing homelessness. Grant funds must be used to support initiatives that offer immediate relief and housing for veterans in need. This includes immediate relief shelters, long-term rental housing and mortgage assistance.

In addition to UPCAP, the fiscal year 2025 MiVHPG recipients are:

— Barry County United Way

— Center for Higher Education Achievement

— Disability Network Eastern Michigan

— 8Cap

— Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency

“We are excited to continue offering this grant to help provide additional housing and assistance within Michigan and to better serve veterans facing homelessness,” said Cassie Smith, MVAA homeless veteran coordinator. “Every connection we make and resource provided is a step toward ensuring that no veteran is left behind.”

More information about the MiVHPG is available by emailing MVAAGrants@michigan.gov.

The MVAA is the central coordinating agency, providing support, care, advocacy and service to veterans and their families. As a state agency, MVAA works to identify and break down barriers veterans face in employment, education, health care and quality of life.

More information about MVAA is available at Michigan.gov/MVAA.