Homeless Veteran Resources

The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA case management and clinical services. This is the largest federal program for homeless veterans.

• ✓Provides rent assistance vouchers for private housing
• ✓Includes ongoing VA case management and support services
• ✓Must be eligible for VA healthcare and meet HUD homeless criteria
• ✓Contact your local VA Medical Center or call 877-424-3838 to apply

How to Apply for HUD-VASH (Step by Step)

1. 1
   Contact your local VA Medical Center

   Call the homeless veteran hotline (877-424-3838) or visit the VA's facility locator to find your nearest VA. Ask for the HUD-VASH program coordinator.

2. 2
   Complete an assessment

   A VA social worker will evaluate your housing situation, income, healthcare needs, and veteran status. You must meet the HUD definition of homelessness and be eligible for VA healthcare.

3. 3
   Receive your voucher

   If approved, you will receive a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher. The voucher covers a portion of your rent based on your income (typically you pay 30% of your income toward rent).

4. 4
   Find housing

   Your VA case manager will help you search for landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers. The housing must pass a HUD inspection. You typically have 120 days to find a unit.

5. 5
   Ongoing support

   Once housed, you will continue receiving VA case management including mental health services, substance abuse treatment, employment assistance, and benefits help. There is no time limit on HUD-VASH vouchers.

SSVF provides financial assistance and support to prevent veterans and their families from becoming homeless, or to rapidly rehouse those who recently became homeless.

• ●Help with rent, security deposits, and utility payments
• ●Moving costs and temporary housing assistance
• ●Legal aid, child care, transportation, and credit counseling
• ●Available to veterans with families at risk of homelessness

How to Find an SSVF Provider

1. 1
   Call the National Homeless Veterans Hotline

   Dial 877-424-3838. Operators can connect you directly to your nearest SSVF provider and start the intake process over the phone.

2. 2
   Use the SSVF Provider Locator

   Visit VA SSVF Provider Directory and search by state or zip code to find local organizations that administer SSVF in your area.

3. 3
   Contact your local VA or 211

   Your VA social worker can refer you to SSVF, or dial 211 which connects to United Way's helpline for local housing resources.

Eligibility

• ●Veteran or family member of a veteran (including surviving spouses)
• ●Household income at or below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI)
• ●Currently homeless, at imminent risk of homelessness, or recently housed after homelessness
• ●No VA healthcare enrollment required — SSVF is available to all eligible veterans

The Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program funds community-based organizations that provide transitional housing and services for homeless veterans.

• ✓Transitional housing for up to 24 months
• ✓Job training, counseling, and life skills development
• ✓Substance abuse treatment and mental health services

The HCHV program provides outreach, case management, and residential treatment to homeless veterans. VA outreach workers visit shelters, soup kitchens, and streets to connect homeless veterans with services.

• ✓Outreach to veterans who may not be aware of or seeking services
• ✓Short-term residential treatment for substance abuse, mental health, and medical stabilization
• ✓Connection to ongoing VA healthcare, disability claims assistance, and employment programs
• ✓Contract Residential Services for up to 6 months in community-based facilities

Stand Down events are one-to-three day events that provide services to homeless veterans in a single location. Named after the military term for a safe place behind the lines, these events bring together government agencies, nonprofits, and volunteers.

Services Typically Available

Women are the fastest-growing segment of the homeless veteran population. Homeless women veterans often face unique challenges including childcare needs, domestic violence, and MST. The VA has expanded services to address these specific needs.

• ●Women-only transitional housing at select GPD locations nationwide
• ●Childcare assistance through SSVF for veterans with dependent children
• ●Domestic violence resources: National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233
• ●SSVF rapid rehousing prioritizes veteran families with children

Stable employment is key to ending veteran homelessness. These programs provide job training, placement services, and support specifically for homeless and formerly homeless veterans.

Veteran homelessness has decreased significantly over the past decade thanks to these programs. The data shows these programs work — but there is still more to do.