Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins announced $33 million in funding for the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program on June 26. The funds will support 2,532 new HUD-VASH vouchers for homeless veterans across 265 Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in 44 states. 

HUD is also awarding $10 million in administrative fees across 289 PHAs in 46 states that currently administer the program. These funds will support activities that assist in leasing HUD-VASH vouchers and improving program delivery.

“HUD is pleased to work alongside the VA to serve a vulnerable population that honorably served us,” Turner said in a release. “Today’s investment will help provide resources to support more than 2,500 homeless veterans in achieving stable housing and self-sufficiency.”

“No one who served their country should face homelessness,” Collins said. “This funding will help us deliver critical support to thousands of veterans across the nation, and builds on the progress made last year when VA housed more than 51,000 homeless veterans.”

Since 2010, veteran homelessness has declined by 56.1 percent nationwide, with HUD-VASH playing a significant role in that reduction, the release stated.

Including the June awards, the total number of active HUD-VASH vouchers exceeds 118,000 nationwide. Since 2008, over 250,000 veterans have obtained housing through HUD-VASH.

The HUD-VASH program provides rental assistance and supportive services to help veterans experiencing homelessness across the nation. The program is a joint initiative between HUD and the VA, combining HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance for homeless veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the VA. These services are delivered through VA medical centers, community-based outpatient clinics, VA contractors and other designated VA entities.