VOA Florida to provide 18 emergency residential services beds for veterans under new VA contract
Press release from VOA
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – VOA Florida is pleased to announce a new Veterans Affairs Contract Emergency Residential Services, or CERS, contract that will transition 18 existing beds in Gainesville to the CERS program beginning October 1, 2026. The new contract will also provide 48 existing beds in Tallahassee and 36 existing beds in Ocala.
Through the new contract, VOA Florida will provide a total of 102 dedicated CERS beds across three Florida communities. The contract period runs from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.
The CERS bed capacity includes:
- Tallahassee: 48 beds
- Tallahassee/Leon County Continuum of Care, FL-506
- Gainesville: 18 beds
- Keys to Home / North Central Florida Continuum of Care, FL-508
- Ocala: 36 beds
- Ocala/Marion County Continuum of Care, FL-514
These beds were previously operated as VA Grant and Per Diem, or VA-GPD, beds. Under the new CERS contract, the beds will transition to the CERS program while continuing to provide vital residential support for veterans experiencing homelessness or facing an immediate risk of homelessness.
The CERS model provides veterans with residential support and services designed to help them move toward stability and independence. Services include case management, housing navigation, meals, laundry access, and connections to VA healthcare and other essential services.
“Every veteran deserves a safe place to stay and the support needed to build a more stable future,” said Janet Stringfellow, President and CEO of VOA Florida. “This new CERS contract strengthens VOA Florida’s ability to provide immediate, person-centered support to veterans in three key Florida communities while helping them take the next steps toward permanent housing.”
VOA Florida remains committed to serving veterans with compassionate, practical support. In addition to residential services, the organization connects veterans to healthcare, benefits, community resources, and long-term housing solutions.
VOA Florida welcomes community partnerships that help meet essential needs for veterans, including hygiene products, bedding, laundry and cleaning supplies, nonperishable food, and financial contributions. These resources help create supportive, stable environments for veterans as they work toward independence.
For more information about VOA Florida veteran services, visit www.voaflorida.org.