Rental Assistance Programs for Homeless Veterans

Many veterans find themselves on the streets and without a place to call home even though they’ve made so many sacrifices for their country. A major reason for this is that the transition to civilian life is challenging for them, particularly when it comes to finding stable and affordable housing. 

In the United states, there are still an estimated 33,000 veterans experiencing homelessness on any given night. The good news is that there are numerous veteran rental assistance programs set up to help them, and technology is making these programs more accessible and efficient than ever before. However, many veterans are unaware of the resources available for them and many others find the application process for these programs overwhelming.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the housing assistance programs available for veterans, how to apply for and access these resources, and how Bell Data Systems is joining the fight against veteran homelessness.

Understanding Veteran Homelessness

Multiple studies conducted by the Department of Veteran Affairs show that veterans face unique challenges when it comes to stable housing, particularly during the first three years of their discharge. Service-related disabilities, the depletion of separation pay, combat-related PTSD, and difficulties in translating military experience to civilian employment are all factors that contribute to the housing crisis among veterans.

And even though overall veteran homelessness has decreased by 55% since 2010 in the United States, the need for more robust housing programs for them is still a critical issue.

Available Rental Assistance Programs for Veterans

The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), along with other government and non-profit organizations, has developed comprehensive programs to help solve the housing challenges faced by veterans. Let’s take a look at a few of these programs below.

HUD-VASH

The Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program is one of the best veteran housing solutions in the United States. This program is a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and provides permanent housing and case management services to eligible veterans and their families.

The key features of HUD-VASH include:

• Housing vouchers that cover a significant portion of rent
• Case management services to help veterans maintain stable housing
• Access to VA medical centers and support services
• Ongoing support for mental health and substance use treatment

In 2024, HUD-VASH successfully housed almost 48,000 homeless veterans, 16% more than its goal of housing 41,000 veterans that year.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

The SSVF program has two purposes; preventing at-risk veterans from becoming homeless and rapidly re-housing veterans currently homeless.

Veterans approved by the program receive monetary assistance to cover immediate rental payments along with support for utility payments, security deposits, and moving costs. Emergency supplies are also available to help them set up their homes.

The program also goes beyond financial aid and includes healthcare, legal services, and child care. Veterans also receive transport stipends to attend appointments and job interviews, and employment assistance programs help them secure stable jobs. In 2023, SSVF served 78,165 veterans, which was a 14% increase from 2022.

Grant and Per Diem (GPD)

The GPD program was designed to help veterans with a range of supportive services to help them achieve stability before moving into permanent housing. GPD does this by helping them achieve residential stability while training them to improve their skill levels, income, and self-determination. 

The program provides grants to community-based organizations that offer transitional housing and support services to homeless veterans. Some specialized tracks offered by GPD are:

• Bridge Housing (short-term accommodation for veterans who need temporary support during the transition to permanent housing).
• The Low Demand track (serves veterans who may be hesitant to engage with traditional services) 
• Clinical Treatment (comprehensive medical and housing support for veterans struggling with substance use or mental health challenges)
• Service-Intensive Transitional Housing (incorporates educational opportunities, employment assistance, and life skills development to support long-term independence)
• Hospital-to-Housing (provides medical respite care and healthcare coordination while working toward permanent housing)

Non-VA Housing Programs

For veterans who don’t qualify for or have access to VA-led initiatives, they can look towards non-VA rental assistance programs, such as Section 8 housing vouchers or local and state-level initiatives.

Some states offer veteran-specific housing grants and property tax exemptions for disabled veterans. Additionally, some communities and municipal programs have even developed veteran-specific housing that combines affordable housing with support services and may also provide veterans priority access to affordable housing developments.

Eligibility Requirements

Understandably, sifting through the eligibility requirements for each of these programs can quickly turn into a headache, but understanding the basics can help you narrow down which programs might be the best fit for you.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Special Population Considerations

Certain categories of veterans receive priority consideration such as:

• Combat veterans
• Veterans with service-connected disabilities or chronic health conditions
• Veterans with dependent family members
• Female veterans
• Elderly veterans
• Recently separated veterans

The Application Process

Now that you know what veteran housing solutions do, are you ready to apply for rental assistance? Here’s a step-by-step guide so that you know exactly what you’re in for once you apply!

Step 1: Initial Assessment

During the initial assessment, you’ll meet with qualified professionals, such as the local VA office or an organization that specializes in veteran services. They’ll conduct a comprehensive needs evaluation to understand your unique situation. This evaluation takes into account your current housing status, income, family composition, service history, and any special needs or circumstances that might affect housing placement. This screening process helps determine which programs you’re eligible for.

They’ll also discuss location requirements, accessibility needs, and if you need support services such as mental health services, substance abuse treatment, employment assistance, or other support programs that would help contribute to long-term housing stability.

Step 2: Documentation Gathering

Many veterans feel overwhelmed by the time-consuming paperwork involved in applying for housing assistance, but knowing what’s required and breaking the process down into categories can make it more manageable. You’ll need to assemble a detailed package of various documentation to establish your veteran status, eligibility for specific programs, and subsidy levels.

Military Documentation

• DD-214 or other discharge papers
• Service medical records
• VA disability rating

Personal Identification

• Government-issued photo ID
• Social Security cards for all family members
• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificate and dependent documentation (if applicable)

Financial Documentation

• Proof of income
• Bank statements
• Tax returns
• Benefit award letters
• Debt obligations

Housing History

• Current or previous landlord information
• Rental history
• Eviction records
• Utility bills
• Information about any periods of homelessness or housing instability

Medical Documentation

This is only required for veterans seeking certain programs or accommodations

• Health insurance information
• Medical diagnoses
• Treatment records
• Prescription documentation

If you have any missing documents, you can work with your case manager to obtain copies or request expedited processing from past and current employers or healthcare providers. 

Step 3: Program Application

Once all your documents have been collected and submitted, the program staff will verify your income. This involves contacting employers and benefits providers to confirm all sources of your household income. Keep in mind that any background checks made are also handled with consideration of service-related factors.

The application processing phase usually takes several weeks. The initial review takes three to five business days and the verification process takes one to two weeks. Finally, acceptance into a program generally takes two to four weeks, though this can vary from program to program.

Step 4: Housing Search and Approval

Once your application is approved, you’ll be provided with the next steps, which may include helping you find a suitable rental property, signing a lease, and attending any required meetings or counseling sessions.

Housing locator services help in identifying available units that meet the program’s requirements such as quality standards and rental limits. Housing specialists then conduct thorough inspections to make sure that the units meet safety requirements, contain any needed accessibility features, and are of the appropriate size for you or your family’s needs.

The program’s staff are also involved in landlord negotiations and explain payment processes and program requirements to property owners. Some programs also provide guidance to veterans on fair housing rights and help with moving expenses or basic furniture needs.

The entire process, from the initial application to placement, typically takes one to three months and you can also count on an additional two to four weeks for coordinating the final move-in.

Success Stories

Michael Pendley

Michael Pendley, a 41-year-old father of three and post-9/11 veteran, found himself facing homelessness after losing his job. When he turned to the Beckley VA Medical Center for assistance, the HUD-VASH case manager worked with him to secure a housing voucher and within two weeks, Michael found permanent housing. With a new stable living situation, Michael restarted his career search and landed a job in pharmaceutical sales near his new home. He is now on the path to exiting the HUD-VASH program.

Ayana Jones

Ayana Jones, a 40-year-old mother of three and veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, experienced homelessness after going through a divorce and domestic violence. The HUD-VASH case manager connected Ayana to the program and helped her access VA medical and mental health care, as well as compensation for her service-connected disability. With the program’s support, Ayana regained her independence and purpose in life. She is now actively engaged in her community and in the process of buying her own home!

Anthea Evelyn

U.S. Army veteran, Antheia Evely, faced homelessness due to a delayed housing allowance after moving to NYC with her husband and three children. She connected with a HUD-VASH outreach coordinator who secured a voucher that allowed the family to move into a permanent home. With her newfound stability, Mrs. Evelyn is now preparing to become a veteran liaison and helping others access VA resources.

Bell Data Systems Role in Transforming Veteran Services

With so many steps, eligibility criteria, and documentation to keep track of, the effectiveness of veteran housing programs depends on efficient technology solutions. That’s where Bell Data Systems comes in, offering comprehensive software solutions to help veteran service providers manage their operations and support veteran communities. 

Our veteran services software solution is HIPAA compliant and helps streamline diverse veteran needs by automating workflows across the entire benefit claims management journey. Some of the benefits of our veteran benefits administration solutions include:

• File for veteran benefits easier
• Veteran needs assessments
• Simplified claims processes
• Efficient task management
• Funding and time tracking

Resources and Support Network

The Department of Veterans Affairs has a large network of support services that are accessible through multiple channels. The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans (1-877-4AID-VET) is a 24/7 lifeline that connects veterans with immediate assistance and resources. And even if you’re unsure about your situation, remember that quick action matters when you’re facing a housing crisis so don’t hesitate to make the call.

Apart from that, the VA Medical Center network provides local access points for services, while Vet Centers offer community-based support specifically tailored for combat veterans and their families.

Online resources also complement these physical locations, with VA.gov offering a comprehensive housing assistance portal where veterans can explore benefits, submit applications, track their cases, and find nearby support services using the facility locator. You can also find veteran resources on the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans website.

Smaller organizations like the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans provide community-level support and advocacy and often serve as the first point of contact for veterans looking to apply for housing assistance.

Building a Stronger Support System

Rental assistance programs play a huge role in helping veterans and their families handle the transition to civilian life. By providing financial aid, connecting them with essential resources, and offering comprehensive case management, these initiatives prevent homeless and at-risk veterans from experiencing housing instability.

If you’re a government agency or non-profit looking to improve your veteran services and would like to see how our software can help automate and simplify your internal processes, reach out to us today to schedule a demo.