Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

The “Housing and Urban Development – Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing” (VASH) Program provides permanent housing subsidies combined with extensive case management services to homeless veterans with disabilities including mental and addictive disorders. This program is a collaboration of the Federal Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Veterans Affairs (VA), and includes local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) selected to participate through a nationwide competitive application process. Every year since 2008, VASH vouchers have been awarded based on geographic needs and PHAs administrative performance. In the first year, a priority was given to housing authorities that were located in communities that have a VA Medical Center. The Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA) received its first award of 70 VASH vouchers in 2009. OCHA is a Division of OC Community Services. Through close collaboration with numerous partner organizations and demonstrated success in moving veteran households from homelessness to safe, permanent, and affordable housing, OCHA has been able to receive four additional allocations and expand the program to assist 470 veterans by 2013. OCHA implemented internal strategies to streamline and accelerate the admission process for VASH veterans and to prioritize initial leasing activities that have been recognized and replicated by other agencies.