The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) announced nearly $65 million to help more than 9,300 homeless veterans find a permanent place to call home.
The rental assistance is provided through the HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program, which combines rental assistance from HUD with case management and clinical services provided by VA.
Since 2008, more than 69,000 vouchers have been awarded and over 88,000 homeless veterans have been served through the HUD-VASH program.
HUD Secretary Julián Castro announced the latest funding in Seattle. He was joined by Congressmen Denny Heck and Dave Reichert and Seattle Mayor Ed Murray at a residence that houses recipients of HUD-VASH vouchers.
“These vouchers will help thousands of veterans start a new chapter in their lives and build for the future," Castro said. "We look forward to partnering with communities to ensure that every veteran can secure this opportunity and have a place to call home.”
Veterans participating in the program rent privately owned housing and generally contribute no more than 30% of their income toward rent.
President Obama’s fiscal 2016 budget proposal includes a total of $1.4 billion for VA programs that prevent or end homelessness among veterans, including $300 million for Supportive Services for Veterans Families and $374 million for case management and other supportive services.
In addition, several innovative affordable housing developments for veterans have recently opened their doors or are under construction across the country.
