Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing

The Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) is a combination of Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless veterans and clinical services provided by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). These services are specially designed to assist the homeless veterans and their families to find not only permanent housing but also access other crucial services such as health care, mental health treatment, substance use counseling, and other desired support to recover and maintain housing in the community.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides these services at VA medical centers (VAMCs) and community-based outreach clinics to the participating veterans. VASH is a rental assistance program for homeless veterans. If you are a veteran looking for housing assistance, feel free to reach out to the nearest medical center and confirm your interest in the HUD-VASH program.

Eligibility for the VASH program

Veterans who have served on active duty and are homeless or at risk of homelessness are considered to be eligible for the VASH program. Once the veterans are approved for the VASH program, a case manager will work closely with them to identify suitable housing options and provide the desired support.

Benefits of the VASH program

Success rate

The foremost benefit of the VASH program is its success rate. The studies conducted on the VASH program reveal that veterans participating in the program are less likely to become homeless again compared to those who didn’t receive any such assistance. The program not only fulfills the housing needs of veterans but also addresses multiple needs like mental health, substance abuse, and job support.

Impact on public spending

The VASH program’s impact on public spending is another significant benefit of the program. Homelessness is associated with factors like increased healthcare utilization and incarceration. Fortunately, the program reduces these costs by providing stable housing to veterans which in turn reduces the risk of homelessness and promotes better health among veterans.

HUD and VA jointly award the HUD-VASH vouchers depending on the current geographic need and public housing agency performance. Due to the limited funds and lack of coordination and collaboration between VA and local service providers, it gets difficult to serve the vast majority of homeless veterans. The program can assist more and more veterans by dedicating more resources to the program.

Besides the VASH program, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also provides the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program. The program offers rental assistance to eligible veterans, low-income families, and people with disabilities.

If you or someone you know is a homeless veteran, reach out to your Local Public Housing Authority to start the process of seeking stable housing. Additionally, it is important to be knowledgeable about all resources available to our Veterans. Assistance with healthcare including medication assistance, mental health counseling, employment guidance including job training, in addition to benefits for assisted living care or home care.

Call The National Homeless Veterans Call Center at: 1-877-4AID VET (1-877-424-3838) 24/7 For Veterans Assistance