Did you know?
Over 37,000 Veterans in the U.S. experienced homelessness in the year 2019. This is 8% of the total homeless population reported in the U.S. according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Although is 50% less from the year 2009. That’s 37,000 Veterans experiencing homeless is a lot!
However, the VA and other community housing and Veteran programs have been working diligently to put roofs over the heads of homeless Veterans. And obviously, it has made an impact in the last 10+ years.
Hopefully we can continue on this trajectory and end homelessness, not just for Veterans but for all U.S. citizens.
If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who is at risk of homelessness, I’m going to go over some resources that may be helpful for you. These are resources that are available through the VA and non-VA organizations. If you want to continue to receive updates on other resources, make sure you sign up for my Newsletter!
VA Homeless Programs
So there are 2 main homeless programs offered through the VA.
- Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) program
- HUD-VASH (Housing & Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing)
Let’s review the differences and eligibility requirements.
HCHV program
The HCHV program is specifically geared towards homeless Veterans who also need residential treatment for a mental health diagnosis and/or substance use disorders. The purpose of this program is to ensure the Veteran’s basic needs are met. When the basic needs are met, Veterans can focus more towards their treatment, instead of worrying about homelessness, safety and food.
There are community short-term residential treatment programs and shelters that partner with the VA to help homeless Veterans.
You can contact your local VA and ask to speak with someone in their Health Care for Homeless Veterans program. You can also call 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838)
HUD-VASH program
HUD (Housing & Urban Development) and the VA partner together provide public housing vouchers to eligible Veterans. There are a limited number of vouchers that are awarded to this program, and depending on your geographic area and need will determine how soon an eligible Veteran can get a voucher.
The HUD-VASH vouchers work the same as HUD vouchers. HUD is typically known as section 8 housing. A HUD voucher is a subsidy that is paid directly to the participating landlord. The amount can vary depending on a Veteran’s income and the actual rent charged by the landlord. Typically the voucher covers a portion of the rent, and then the Veteran makes up the difference with their own income.
For example, if the landlord charges $800 a month for rent, and the Veteran’s voucher covers $500 of the rent. The Veteran only needs to pay to landlord $300 a month.
In addition to receiving a voucher, the VA provides case management services to the Veteran. They can help them work on skills to maintain their independence and avoid future homelessness.
HUD-VASH eligibility
Because there are limited vouchers, there is not enough for everyone. There are eligibility requirements that determine whether a Veteran can enter the HUD-VASH program.
Eligibility criteria include:
- Veteran must be eligible for VA Healthcare services
- Veteran must meet the federal definition of homelessness
- Federal definition of homelessness is: a person/people who are living in a place not meant for human habitation, in emergency shelter, in transitional housing, street, automobile or have received documentation of eviction from the court.
- Veteran must meet income guidelines determined by Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- Veteran cannot be listed on or required to register with the National Sexual Offenders Registry
- Veteran must be independent with their care and complete their activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Veteran must possess a need for intensive case management services to sustain independent community housing
If you or someone you know meets this requirement and are in need of permanent housing, make sure you ask to speak with a social worker at your local VA medical center or clinic.
Other Homeless Assistance for Veterans
There are some other programs outside of the VA that can help homeless Veterans as well.
The programs vary state by state, but a good start may be to contact one of the Veteran Service Organization groups. They may be aware of local organizations in your community that offer programs to homeless Veterans.
Check out the post about “How Veterans Can Apply for Tax-Free VA Disability Compensation” for more information about Veteran Service Organizations (VSO).
Some national programs to consider include:
Also check out the Veterans Community Project. They build and provide tiny home neighborhoods for Veterans. They have several locations and are growing with donations. If you have the ability, I would encourage you to donate to this amazing project and help change homeless Veterans’ lives.
If you have a primary care physician established with your local VA, you are typically assigned an outpatient social worker. Your VA social worker should be able to connect you to local homeless resources as well.
Check out the other posts on Veteran Services:
6 VA Benefits You Can Receive as a Veteran
How Veterans Can Apply for Tax-Free VA Disability Compensation
How VA Home Loans Work for Veterans & Their Spouses
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