What is the HUD-VASH Program?
The HUD-VASH Program was originally started in 1992, with a relatively small number of vouchers issued nationwide. West Texas VA Health Care System in Big Spring, TX received 70 vouchers at the time that permitted Veterans the opportunity to receive permanent supportive housing services.
HUD-VASH is a long-term case management program for homless veterans who need case management services to ensure stability. HUD-VASH is funded through a partnership between the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA). The Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Program staff provide case management services designed to resolve current homelessness and prevent future episodes of homelessness.
HUD provides a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), which enables the veteran to obtain affordable housing. The primary goal of the program is to help move Veterans and their families out of homelessness and provide support to sustain these Veteran families residing in the community.
The HCVs are administered through the HASA and ongoing case management is provided as needed by qualified staff affiliated with the local VA medical facility. For additional information or to apply, please visit the West Texas VA Health Care website at http://www.bigspring.va.gov/
Who is Eligible to Participate?
HUD-VASH is designed to support eligible homeless Veterans who need ongoing case management in order to be successful with independent community living. In order to participate in the HUD-VASH program, candidates must be VA health care eligible Veterans, homeless, and have a clinical need for and willingness to participate in case management. Veterans in transitional housing or residential treatment programs who were homeless prior to entering those programs are also eligible.
HUD requirements prevent vouchers from being issued to a Veteran family if the household income exceeds certain limits or if anyone living in the Veteran's household is required to register on a Lifetime Sex Offender Registry.
The voucher can only be issued to the Veteran, but is designed to allow the Veteran to live with family members. For continued eligibility, Veterans must follow the fules of the HASA and landlord to maintain their housing assistance.
As part of the HASA application process, Veterans may also have their name placed on the waiting list for HCV (Section 8) Program. Eligible Veteran families may pariticpate in HUD-VASH while waiting for a standard HCV (Section 8) voucher to become available if intersted in transferring programs.
How are Veterans referred?
Any VA clinician or community service provider may refer Veterans for the program. Veterans may also refer themselves. Homeless Veterans not currently working with a VA clinician should contact the Health Care for Homeless Veterans Outreach Specialist or a Social Worker at the VA Medical Center to discuss available housing support options, including the HUD-VASH program. Veterans will be screened for the program, to ensure eligibility and clinical need.
Where can the HCV be used?
HUD-VASH vouchers can be used to subsidize rental units from any landlord willing to accept a HCV (Section 8) housing voucher with HASA. Vouchers are also portable, within specific limitations.
What does the case manager do?
Case management through the VA is central to the HUD-VASH Program and is a requirement for continuing participation, even after the Veteran is housed. VA case managers work in partnership with Veteran participants to provide support and assistance to promote stability, housing permanence, and recovery. Case management will last as long as it is needed by the Veteran.
The case manager can assist with the following:
- Obtaining PHA required documentation
- Resolving credit problems
- Support during the HASA process
- Locating an unit to lease
- Planning the move
- Money management
- Connecting with the community
- Monitoring health and stability
- Supporting recovery
- Referring to indicated treatement, assistance services, or other family services
The case manager will work with the Veteran to establish recovery and housing goals. The case manager will meet with the Veteran individually in the office, as well as in the Veteran's home. Group meetings may be offered as well to provide peer support and develop community.
The case manager may determine at some point (in agreement with the Veteran) that case management is no longer needed. When this occurs, Veterans may graduate from this part of the program. The Veteran family may continue to live in their home utilizing a PHA-provided "Housing Choice" voucher as long as it is needed (either HUD-VASH or a newly issued voucher).
What cost is involved?
Veterans must pay a portion of the monthly rent directly to the landlord. This is equal to 30-40% of their adjusted monthly income, with a minimum of $50/mo. The HASA pays the remaining portion of the rent.
Security Deposits, along with any other up front fees are the responsibility of the Veteran. Some community resources may be available to assist with these expenses.
Other incidental and monthly expenses should also be planned for, such as:
- Food & transportation
- Utilities
- Household supplies
- Basic home furnishings
- Phone, cable, internet, etc.
How to get started:
The HASA requires the following basic documents for applicant families (note: this list is not exhaustive as additional verifications may be requested):
- Birth certificate for all household members
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Photo IDs for all adult household members
- Proof of income/assets