Built for Zero [formerly Zero: 2016] is a rigorous national change effort designed to help a committed group of U.S. communities 
end veteran and chronic homelessness. The initiative is the successor 
to the highly successful, nationally recognized 100,000 Homes Campaign, and it is led by the New York-based 
non-profit organization Community Solutions. 

Washtenaw County launched its participation in the Built for Zero initiative during its Point-In-Time Count of 
unsheltered and sheltered homeless individuals and families in January 2015.

Goal
FUNCTIONAL ZERO

Where the number of veterans experiencing homelessness or persons experiencing chronic homelessness is equal or less than the community’s 6-month average housing placement rate for that group.

In order for us to achieve our goal, we need to engage elected officials, housing resources, the behavioral health system, and other systems of care. And, we need to decrease barriers to integrate all people experiencing homelessness into our community. When we have accomplished this, homelessness will be rare, brief and non-recurring. We invite all Washtenaw County community members to join us in this effort!  

Strategy

Progress

Since joining Built for Zero, our homeless system of care has decreased Veteran homelessness by 59%
We housed  
58 Veterans
in 2025.
​
We housed  
84 Chronically* Homeless people
in 2025.
​
*How is chronic homelessness defined?

Recent Timeline to End Veteran Homelessness

Veteran Homelessness in Washtenaw County
April 2025 through April 2026
 This chart shows four data sets. First, is a line graph showing the number of veterans on the Community Housing Prioritization (CHP) List, or By-Name List. Second, is a blue bar graph showing the inflow number of veterans entering the homeless system of care in the county each month. Third, is a red bar graph showing the number of veterans exiting to housing each month. Last, is a yellow bar graph showing the number of veterans who moved to inactive from the By-List.

This chart shows four data sets.

First, is a line graph showing the number of veterans on the Community Housing Prioritization (CHP) List, or By-Name List.

Second, is a blue bar graph showing the inflow number of veterans entering the homeless system of care in the county each month.

Third, is a red bar graph showing the number of veterans exiting to housing each month.
​
​Last, is a yellow bar graph showing the number of veterans who moved to inactive from the By-List.
In 2025, Continuum of Care (CoC) partners together identified 70 Veterans experiencing homelessness in Washtenaw County. On average, it took 86 days to move a Veteran from identification as homeless to permanently housed as shown by the line graph at the bottom of the page. By the end of 2025, our community housed a total of 58 Veterans in permanent housing. Some became inactive after losing contact with all providers or moving outside of Washtenaw County. The remaining Veterans our partners track on a By-Name-List are working to secure housing in 2026. As of March 2026, there are 22 Veterans on the By-Name-List who are experiencing homelessness in the county.

In early March 2026, several CoC partners, collaborating as the Veterans System Improvement Team for Washtenaw County, gathered for an in-person convening. The group spent time reflecting on the work that was done in 2025 and identifying priorities and projects for 2026, such as:
  • Making sure our Prevention resources are well known and well utilized in the community.
  • Communicating more directly with our broader community about the work on ending Veteran homelessness we are moving forward.
  • Providing opportunities for our local businesses, elected officials, and all community members to learn more about Veteran homelessness.
  • Sharing about the challenges our Veterans face, especially our Veterans who are aging in place.
  • Finding flexible funding to support creative solutions to ending Veteran homelessness.

Read more on our Improvement Team's work in Washtenaw Housing Alliance's March blog, Proof Point: Our Community's Commitment to End Veteran Homelessness.

In 2026, we are hoping to end Veteran homelessness! Stay involved and join us in this work! Please share how you can commit to the work to end Veteran homelessness by submitting a brief contact form here.
Length of Time to Housing for Veteran in County
​January 2025 through December 2025
This line chart shows in blue the number of days on average it takes the homeless system of care to permanently house a veteran experiencing homelessness every month. In January 2025, the average was 93 days. In December 2025, it was up to 129 days.
This line chart shows in blue the number of days on average it takes the homeless system of care to permanently house a veteran experiencing homelessness every month. In January 2025, the average was 93 days. In December 2025, it was up to 129 days.
This pie chart shows the percentage of clients who were housed in Washtenaw County in 2025. The most Veterans were housed with VASH vouchers, and the next largest group, 29% were supported in reconciling with family or roommates or finding housing in the private market with no ongoing rental support.

Current Veterans Data

These charts are updated monthly by the Veteran System Improvement Coordinator. Check back to stay up to date on the latest with Veterans in Washtenaw County.
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​The graph to the left shows the age ranges of Veterans currently experiencing homelessness in Washtenaw County.
 PictureThe box above shows the current number of Veterans experiencing homelessness in Washtenaw County.



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​The pie chart to the left shows the Race Distribution of Veterans currently experiencing homelessness in Washtenaw County.
 PictureThe box above shows the number of Veterans housed in April 2026.



​​
last updated 5/15/2026
Other Related News
The 100-Day Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness in Washtenaw County
Washtenaw United interview with Washtenaw Housing Alliance talking about the community's challenge and its results. The challenge started in late September 2024 and ended on January 23, 2025.
2021 The Built For Zero Movement in Washtenaw County
a Washtenaw Housing Alliance blog post recapping BFZ in 2021
There's No Cure For Coronavirus. But Housing Is the Best Protection.
a Community Solutions article on BFZ communities' response to COVID and getting people to safety; published April 2020
2019 Bright Spot 
​a Community Solutions article highlighting Washtenaw County
Research: Community Solutions, Urban Institute Partner To Understand Inflow Into Veteran Homelessness
a Community Solutions briefing on results from the Community Strategies to Understand and Reduce Veteran Inflow into Homelessness report (below); published November 2020
Housing Access for Washtenaw County
(734) 961-1999

Image 1: by Moonson Eninsche, Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development
Image 2: via todaypublication.com
Image 3: by Avalon Housing
Image 4: by Heather Nash