The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center placed 108 homeless veterans into permanent housing in fiscal year 2025, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs National Homeless Program Office. (Contributed photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center has secured the top ranking in the nation for placing homeless veterans in permanent housing, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs National Homeless Program Office.

Serving veterans over an area of 21,000 square miles and across 15 counties in the Upper Peninsula plus nine in northern Wisconsin, the Iron Mountain VA has made significant strides in ending veteran homelessness, VA officials said in a news release.

The initial goal for fiscal year 2025 was to find permanent housing for 51 homeless veterans. The efforts of the Iron Mountain Homeless Prevention team resulted in placing 108 homeless veterans into permanent housing, achieving 212% of the target

“We believe every veteran deserves a safe place to call home,” said Rich Holmstrom, OGJVAMC Homeless Program supervisor. “Being ranked first nationally is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team. Our priority has always been to provide the support and resources necessary for our veterans to secure stable, permanent housing. We are incredibly proud of this achievement and the positive impact it has on our veteran community.”

The achievement highlights the impact of dedicated teamwork and community support, Holmstrom added.

VA officials thanked Supportive Services for Veteran Families, the Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress and other community organizations for their partnership, adding this success would not be possible without them.