In a complex effort to address the issue of homelessness among veterans, federal authorities established the HUD-VASH program. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive assistance and support to vets and their families.

Between 2022 and 2023, a pattern emerged, showing a 7% increase in the number of homeless veterans. In this article, we’ll look at the housing assistance and other services available through HUD-VASH and how a person in this situation can access them.

What Is HUD-VASH?

Created through a partnership between the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs, this program combines housing vouchers from HUD with support services offered by the VA.

The main objective is to provide stable and lasting housing for veterans dealing with homelessness, along with access to healthcare, mental health services and other support to assist them with reintegrating into the community.

Recently, HUD made $73 million available to help expand this initiative.

Does the VA Have Another Rental Assistance Program?

In addition to its partnership with HUD, the VA runs a program called Supportive Services for Veteran Families, designed to help low-income vets and their families. It focuses on preventing homelessness or quickly finding shelter for those facing housing instability.

Although it may not be as well-known as HUD-VASH, SSVF offers several services, such as case management, temporary financial aid and other supportive resources.

Feature	HUD-VASH	SSVF
Objective	To provide long-term case management, supportive services, and permanent housing support to homeless veterans.	To promote housing stability among very low-income veteran families who reside in or are transitioning to permanent housing.
Target Audience	Homeless veterans with disabilities, chronic mental illness, or substance use disorders who need long-term support to maintain permanent housing.	Very low-income veteran families facing homelessness or at imminent risk of becoming homeless.
Services Provided	Permanent housing through HUD's Section 8 voucher program. Ongoing VA case management, health, and mental health services.	Temporary financial assistance for rent, utilities, security deposits, and moving costs. Case management services to improve housing stability. Assistance in obtaining VA and other public benefits.
Funding Mechanism	Jointly funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). HUD provides housing vouchers, while VA provides supportive services.	Funded by the VA but implemented by private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives that provide direct services to eligible veteran families.
Eligibility Criteria	Must be a veteran. Homeless status as defined by HUD. Need for case management services to obtain and sustain independent community housing.	Veteran families where the head of household or spouse is a veteran. Very low household income (not exceeding 50% of area median income). At risk of homelessness or currently homeless.

What Services Does HUD-VASH Provide?

The program helps veterans by providing them with various types of housing assistance and supportive services.

Rental Support

Through the program, eligible recipients receive housing choice vouchers to help them obtain Section 8 housing in the private rental market. This ensures that they have a secure and affordable place to live.

Housing Counseling

Counseling is also offered to help vets navigate the rental market, understand lease agreements and take care of their homes. The goal is to empower them with the knowledge to handle their housing situations effectively.

Clinical Services

It’s common for homeless veterans to face many healthcare challenges. Understanding this, the VASH program includes access to healthcare and mental health professionals who offer counseling and treatment for various conditions. This support helps vets address their physical and mental health.

Case Management

Each veteran gets a dedicated case manager. These professionals work closely with them to identify their specific challenges and needs. Case managers help vets set and achieve personal goals, connecting them with necessary resources and support.

Substance Use Treatment

HUD-VASH acknowledges the link between homelessness and substance abuse. The program offers support for veterans dealing with addiction, providing access to substance use treatment and counseling. This emphasizes their commitment to addressing the complex issues contributing to their homelessness.

Does the Program Offer Educational Resources?

A range of educational resources are available to support veterans in their pursuit of academic and vocational goals. Through partnerships with various institutions and organizations, veterans enrolled in the HUD program can access counseling services, vocational training and educational grants.

Additionally, information on the GI Bill and other veteran-specific education benefits helps participants navigate available opportunities. These resources aim to empower veterans by enhancing their skills and knowledge, facilitating successful transitions to civilian life, and fostering long-term stability.

Who Qualifies for This Program?

After asking the question, “What is HUD-VASH?” the next thing a potential applicant may wonder is how they can access the program’s benefits. To qualify, veterans must meet specific eligibility requirements. These criteria are in place to guarantee that the assistance reaches those facing the greatest challenges.

Homelessness

Veterans seeking support must be currently homeless. As defined by the VA, this includes individuals residing in shelters or places not intended for human habitation and those at-risk of homelessness. The program aims to address the urgent needs of those without stable housing.

Clinical Eligibility

To be eligible for the VASH program, veterans must be eligible for VA health care services. This ensures that they’ll have access to clinical support.

Discharge Status

While the federal program is open to veterans with various discharge statuses, those with dishonorable discharges may encounter additional considerations. However, the program acknowledges diverse circumstances and aims to accommodate varying discharge statuses when possible.

What Is the Application Process?

In order to provide assistance to those in need, the application process for HUD-VASH is accessible and focused on directing aid to eligible recipients. To apply, here are the steps that an applicant must follow:

1. Confirm Eligibility

Before starting the application process, veterans must determine if they are eligible for the program. During this phase, it’s important to gather the necessary documentation, including discharge papers and income information.

2. Enroll in VA Healthcare Services

If a veteran is not enrolled in VA healthcare services, they must do so before proceeding. This is necessary to ensure that they will be able to access all of the VA services available through the program.

3. Contact the Local Public Housing Authority

To ensure this program is accessible in the appropriate areas, it's administed by local PHA offices around the nation. After confirming eligibility and VA healthcare enrollment, veterans should reach out to their local PHA to apply.

4. Complete the HUD-VASH Application

With the help of PHA staff, veterans must complete an application and submit their supporting documentation. This step involves providing detailed information about their housing needs, preferences and any additional factors affecting their housing situation.

5. Attend a Housing Assessment Interview

After applying, veterans will participate in a housing assessment interview. This interview assesses their specific needs and preferences, ensuring that the housing assistance aligns with their circumstances.

6. Wait for Placement

Following the necessary steps, veterans enter a waiting period. HUD-VASH assistance availability varies, and placements are needs-based. Staying in contact with the PHA for updates on application status is also important.

7. Participate in Supportive Services

Once placed in HUD-VASH housing, veterans enter into a supportive services phase designed to address their unique needs and facilitate a successful transition to stable living. This step involves engaging with various support programs provided by the VA and community partners.

How Does HUD-VASH Benefit the Whole Family?

Having a safe and stable place to live makes life less stressful for the whole family. With this burden lifted, veterans feel more balanced emotionally and mentally, making it easier for them to get back into regular life. The HUD-VASH program understands how connected families are, so it sets up a strong foundation for vets and their families to live better lives.

For more resources on affordable housing and other HUD services, check out the rental assistance overview on our website.