To help end veteran homelessness, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs today (Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018) awarded $508,424 to provide a permanent home to an estimated 78 veterans experiencing homelessness across Illinois, including $114,125 awarded to the Housing Authority of Elgin to house 15 homeless veterans.

The rental assistance is provided through the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program, which combines rental assistance from HUD with case management and clinical services provided by VA.

Credit: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

HUD-VASH reduces veteran homelessness because it provides funding for both the housing and supportive services that are essential for ending homelessness for veterans, many of whom are living in unsheltered locations. These vouchers are critical tools in helping communities effectively end homelessness among veterans.

“We have few responsibilities greater than making sure those who have sacrificed so much in service to their country have a home they can call their own,” said HUD Secretary Carson. “The housing vouchers awarded today ensure homeless veterans nationwide have access to affordable housing and the critical support services from the VA.”

“The brave men and women who have served in our armed forces and their families have made incredible sacrifices to protect our freedoms. We must uphold our obligation to support those who have answered the call of duty,” said HUD Midwest Regional Administrator Joseph P. Galvan. “While, we have made great strides in reducing veteran homelessness in half nationally since 2010 and by nearly 24 percent across Illinois, these housing vouchers will help continue this trend by providing safe and affordable housing in conjunction with vital wrap-around services from the VA. We are proud to support those who have served.”

“Affordable housing provided by HUD to homeless veterans is the essential first step towards complete recovery,” said Elgin Mayor David Kaptain. “When a home with an address is available, local groups can provide care that will ensure adequate services such as access to food, mental health, addiction and medical assistance. The city of Elgin is honored to be included in this partnership to improve the lives of those men and women who have served our nation.”

(CREDIT: Housing Authority of Elgin)

“The VASH award is historic for the Housing Authority of Elgin,” said Damon E. Duncan, CEO of the Housing Authority of Elgin. “As an agency, we are sensitive to the fact that thousands of Veterans who risked their lives for this country do not have a place to call home.  To work collaboratively with HUD and the Hines VA to help end homelessness for our veteran population is a true honor.”

Since 2008, more than 93,000 vouchers have been awarded and approximately 150,000 homeless veterans have been served through the HUD-VASH program. More than 600 PHAs administer the HUD-VASH program, and this most recent award includes 22 additional PHAs, increasing HUD-VASH coverage to many communities.

Rental assistance and supportive services provided through HUD-VASH are a critical resource for local communities in ending homelessness among our nation’s veterans.

In the HUD-VASH program, VA Medical Centers assess veterans experiencing homelessness before referring them to local housing agencies for these vouchers. Decisions are based on a variety of factors, most importantly the duration of homelessness and the need for longer term, more intensive support in obtaining and maintaining permanent housing.

The HUD-VASH program includes both the rental assistance the voucher provides and the comprehensive case management that VAMC staff offers.

Veterans participating in the HUD-VASH program rent privately owned housing and generally contribute no more than 30 percent of their income toward rent. VA offers eligible homeless veterans clinical and supportive services through its medical centers across the U.S., Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

About HUD

HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.

More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and http://espanol.hud.gov. You can also connect with HUD on social media  or sign up for news alerts on HUD’s Email List.

 You can follow Carson on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

• FEATURE PHOTO CAPTION:  Donald Donahue-Hines VA, Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain, Emi Morales Salazar, commissioner, Housing Authority of Elgin, Damon E. Duncan, executive director/CEO, Housing Authority of Elgin, Joseph P. Galvan, HUD Midwest regional administrator, Rose Martinez, veteran and city of Elgin City Council.