HUD-VASH: A Stable Home, A Second Chance

Too many veterans in Central Florida and across the country know what living on the edge is like. One missed paycheck, a medical emergency, or the end of a lease can suddenly turn into a crisis—especially for those already dealing with service-related trauma, physical disability, or chronic health issues.

At NVHS, we’ve met veterans sleeping in their cars, in the woods, or bouncing between couches—people who’ve served our country but are struggling to stay afloat. Finding affordable housing isn’t just difficult for these veterans—it can feel completely out of reach. And even if housing vouchers exist, navigating the systems to access them is often confusing, discouraging, and slow.

If you’re a veteran facing housing uncertainty or know someone who is, don’t try to figure it out alone. Contact us today. We’ll walk with you, advocate for you, and help you access the housing support you’ve earned.

A Lifeline for Long-Term Stability

HUD-VASH is a joint program between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that provides permanent housing assistance to homeless veterans. It is one of the most effective long-term housing tools for veterans experiencing homelessness and offers what many other programs can’t: permanent, affordable housing backed by supportive case management.

Here’s how it works:

• Veterans receive a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher to find a private rental.
• They pay a small portion of their income toward rent, and HUD covers the rest.
• Through the VA, they also receive ongoing case management and health support to help them stay housed, healthy, and stable.

It’s not just about getting a roof overhead—it’s about staying there for the long haul. This program is especially important for veterans who may not thrive in time-limited housing programs or who need stable housing to address other challenges like PTSD, chronic illness, or unemployment.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for HUD-VASH, veterans must:

The local VA medical center and Public Housing Authority (PHA) jointly assess eligibility. At NVHS, we can guide veterans through this step to ensure they don’t miss anything or fall through the cracks.

How to Apply for HUD-VASH

Veterans can start their HUD-VASH application by contacting:

• Their local VA medical center or Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC)
• The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838)

If you are unsure where to start, call us; we’ll help guide you through every step.

Stability, Support, and a Fresh Start Through HUD-VASH

HUD-VASH is more than just a housing program; it’s a pathway to long-term stability, dignity, and a chance to rebuild. This program provides the structure and support for veterans facing homelessness to create a sustainable, healthy future, not just a temporary fix.

Here’s what HUD-VASH offers:

Affordable Rent

With a HUD-VASH voucher, veterans pay only a small portion of their monthly income toward rent. The rest is covered by the Housing Choice Voucher program, which is funded by HUD. This financial relief can mean the difference between living in a crisis and building a life with confidence and peace of mind.

The Power to Choose Your Home

HUD-VASH participants aren’t limited to government housing. They can rent apartments, townhomes, or single-family homes from private landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers. This flexibility allows veterans to live in safe, accessible communities close to jobs, schools, and services.

Ongoing Support from the VA

Stable housing is just one part of the puzzle. Veterans enrolled in HUD-VASH also receive VA case management and clinical services. That includes:

• Mental health counseling for PTSD, depression, and anxiety
• Substance use treatment and recovery support
• Help to access VA benefits and healthcare
• Assistance with employment, transportation, and daily living skills

This wraparound support is designed to help veterans stay housed and thrive in the long term.

A Strong Foundation for the Future

A permanent home does more than keep you out of the elements. It gives you the security to focus on healing, rebuilding relationships, pursuing education or employment, and planning for the future. With a stable address, veterans can receive mail, register for services, apply for jobs, and finally begin to feel grounded again.

NVHS: Local Support You Can Count On

Navigating programs like HUD-VASH isn’t easy, especially for someone already under immense stress. That’s where NVHS steps in.

Our outreach team meets veterans where they are, on the streets, in shelters, or on the edge of eviction, and connects them to the right services based on their needs and goals.

Here’s how we support the HUD-VASH journey:

• Initial Outreach & Screening: We find veterans in need and help them understand their options.
• Eligibility Support: We assist with connecting to the VA, gathering documentation, and advocating for the veteran’s needs.
• Case Management: Even after a referral to HUD-VASH, NVHS continues to support the veterans as they move into and stabilize housing.
• Coordination: We coordinate directly with local housing authorities, landlords, and VA staff to ensure smooth operations.

Our goal is simple: no veteran should fall through the cracks because a process was too complicated to navigate.

Explore More VA Housing Programs

HUD-VASH is part of a broader system of VA-funded housing assistance, which includes:

• SSVF – Supportive Services for Veteran Families: Offers short-term rental assistance and case management to help low-income veteran families prevent or recover from homelessness.
• Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program: This program provides transitional housing and support to help veterans regain stability before moving into permanent housing.
• Emergency Housing and Shelter Options: For veterans in immediate crisis, there are emergency beds, shelters, and VA-funded programs that offer short-term housing solutions.

Explore these and more on our VA Housing Programs resource page.

A Path Back Starts With a Key

Veterans have already given so much. What they deserve in return isn’t just a thank-you; it’s a roof, a door, a place to rest, and a real chance to rebuild their lives with dignity.

HUD-VASH makes that possible. At NVHS, we’re here to walk that road with every veteran who needs support because no one should have to navigate housing insecurity alone.

If you or someone you know is a veteran without housing or at risk of losing it, reach out today. One conversation could be the turning point.

Help Us Continue the Mission

Ending veteran homelessness takes all of us. Whether you donate, volunteer, or help spread the word, you have the power to make a difference.

• Donate today to support our programs
• Volunteer your time to assist with outreach, case support, or community events.
• Follow us on social media to stay informed, support advocacy efforts, and help spread awareness in your community. (Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube)

Together, we can ensure every veteran has a safe place to call home.