Blog: Homelessness Ends Here

President Obama recognizes that far too many veterans are homeless and has promised to adopt a “zero tolerance” policy for homelessness among those who served their country.  One step (among many) President Obama can take is ensuring that HUD-VASH supportive housing vouchers (an affordable housing subsidy combined with case management services) go to those who need them most―chronically homeless veterans.  Another step is making more HUD-VASH vouchers available.  In 2007 and 2008, Congress appropriated funding for 20,000 additional HUD-VASH vouchers.  By National Alliance to End Homelessness estimates, there are 44,000-64,000 chronically homeless veterans, so another 20,000-40,000 HUD-VASH vouchers to a tightly targeted pool could deal chronic homelessness a one-two punch. And one more thing: making sure the HUD-VASH program gets implemented properly so vets get vouchers quickly and efficiently is critical. Right now, implementation is slow-going in many communities.

That’s government’s role.  But philanthropy can speed and smooth the HUD-VASH program’s implementation too by:

• Providing Financial Assistance for Security Deposits.  HUD-VASH implementation lags in many communities because participants can’t easily find willing landlords. The first month’s rent and security deposit may be too steep too.  Foundations could fund security deposit loan programs to up participants’ odds of securing an apartment.

• Supporting Landlord Outreach Programs.  Nerve-jangling for all, navigating the private

rental market is especially difficult for chronically homeless veterans. Many successful programs thus round up a pool of landlords as program partners.Foundations could fund a staff position to conduct landlord outreach. 

• Increasing the Case Management Client to Caseworker Ratios. Current funds support a 1 to 35 client to caseworker ratio. Caseloads this size may shortchange veterans with serious mental illness and service needs.  Nonprofit groups that provide Housing First services could step in to help the VA reduce client caseworker ratios, but not without funding.

• Providing Capital for “Project-Basing.”  HUD regulations allow PHAs to convert tenant-based vouchers (those subsidies that move with the tenant) to project-based subsidies that remain attached to a particular unit.Using HUD-VASH funds as an operating subsidy for project-based units can attract veterans who want to live among other veterans and also make service provision more efficient.  Foundations could fund planning grants and capital investments in supportive housing development.

• Funding PHA/VA Cross Training and Technical Assistance.  Only a strong partnership between the local VA and the PHA can implement HUD-VASH effectively.  Foundations could fund cross training so VA staff understand how PHAs administer HUD-VASH and learn the ropes of expediting voucher lease- up rates.

As President Obama often points out, government can’t do it alone. But with strategic foundation support, homelessness among veterans could be cut down to size.