apartments for homeless veterans

From Streets to Suites: Housing Options for Veterans

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Apartments for homeless veterans are more than just shelter; they represent a vital path to stability and self-sufficiency for those who have served our nation. For a recently discharged veteran, finding a secure place to live can be the first step in transitioning to civilian life. Homelessness among veterans is a critical issue, with root causes ranging from lack of personal support systems, financial instability, to mental health challenges.

But there is hope and tangible solutions. Housing programs like HUD-VASH, community resources, and rental assistance options provide essential lifelines. These initiatives aim not only to provide a roof over a veteran’s head but also to integrate vital supportive services needed for a sustainable future.

If you are a veteran in need or anyone trying to understand how veterans can access safe housing opportunities, this guide will explore the available options and support systems in place. With effective resources, no veteran should find themselves without a home.

Infographic showing statistical data on veteran homelessness and available housing programs including HUD-VASH, SSVF, and emergency housing options - apartments for homeless veterans infographic infographic-line-5-steps-dark

HUD-VASH Program

The HUD-VASH Program is a lifeline for many veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability. This collaborative effort between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) combines Housing Choice Section 8 vouchers with crucial supportive services.

How the Program Works

Eligible veterans receive housing vouchers that help cover rent costs, making it easier to find stable, permanent housing. These vouchers are managed by participating Public Housing Authorities and are specifically designated for veterans. To qualify, veterans must be eligible for VA Health Care, homeless, and willing to participate in case management services.

Supportive Services

The program doesn’t just stop at providing housing. Veterans in the HUD-VASH program receive long-term case management and supportive services. This can include assistance with healthcare, mental health services, and substance use treatment, all aimed at helping veterans maintain independence and stability in their new homes.

HUD-VASH Program Impact - apartments for homeless veterans infographic 3_facts_emoji_grey

Success Stories and Impact

Since its inception, the HUD-VASH program has dispensed over 112,000 vouchers, significantly reducing veteran homelessness. Many veterans have shared stories of how this program changed their lives, offering not just a home but a chance to rebuild.

For veterans like John, a former Marine who found himself on the streets after struggling with PTSD, the program was a turning point. “HUD-VASH gave me a second chance,” he says. “With a stable place to live and the support I needed, I could finally focus on healing and moving forward.”

For more information, veterans are encouraged to contact their nearest VA Homeless Coordinator or visit the HUD-VASH Eligibility page.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program is a vital resource for low-income veterans and their families. It focuses on housing stability through a combination of case management and support services.

How SSVF Works

The SSVF program provides grants to nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives. These agencies work directly with veterans to deliver a range of supportive services aimed at preventing homelessness and promoting stable housing.

Case Management and Support

At the heart of SSVF is case management. This involves personalized support for veterans, helping them to steer the challenges of securing and maintaining housing. Case managers assist with everything from finding housing to accessing healthcare and employment services.

Nonprofit Agencies Making a Difference

Many nonprofit agencies participate in the SSVF program, each playing a crucial role in supporting veterans. These organizations offer services custom to the unique needs of veterans, such as financial planning, legal assistance, and mental health support.

The impact of SSVF is profound. By addressing the root causes of housing instability, the program helps veterans and their families achieve long-term stability. Veterans like Sarah, who struggled to find housing after leaving the military, have benefitted greatly. “SSVF connected me with the resources I needed to get back on my feet,” she shares. “I finally feel secure in my home.”

For more details about SSVF, veterans can visit the VA Homeless Resource Page or call (877) 737-0111.

Emergency and Transitional Housing Options

For many veterans, finding a safe and stable place to live is the first step toward rebuilding their lives. Emergency housing and transitional housing play crucial roles in this process, providing immediate relief and a pathway to permanent housing.

Emergency Housing

Emergency housing offers a quick, temporary solution for veterans and their families who find themselves without shelter. These facilities provide low-barrier access, meaning that veterans can quickly get a safe place to stay without a complex application process. Locations like Long Beach, Inland Empire, Wai’anae, and Barber’s Point are known for offering such emergency housing options.

Why is Emergency Housing Important?

  • Immediate Shelter: Provides a roof over the heads of veterans and their families in times of crisis.
  • Safety and Security: Ensures that veterans are protected from the dangers of living on the streets.
  • Access to Support Services: While in emergency housing, veterans can connect with case managers and other support services to assist in finding permanent solutions.

Transitional Housing

Transitional housing serves as a bridge between emergency shelters and permanent housing. At U.S.VETS, veterans receive not just a place to live but also become part of a supportive, therapeutic community. This environment helps veterans transition from military life to civilian life with comprehensive support.

Key Features of Transitional Housing:

  • Supportive Community: Veterans live alongside others who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of camaraderie and understanding.
  • Wraparound Services: Includes career counseling, mental health services, and case management to help veterans overcome barriers to permanent housing.
  • Locations: Available in various places such as Long Beach, Barber’s Point, Wai’anae, Inglewood, Inland Empire, Phoenix, Prescott, Houston, Las Vegas, and Washington, D.C.

Success Stories

Veterans like Mike, a Marine Corps Veteran, have found transitional housing to be a lifeline. After experiencing homelessness, Mike was able to secure a job and an apartment with the help of transitional housing programs. “The support I received was incredible,” he says. “It was the stability I needed to move forward.”

Emergency and transitional housing are critical steps in helping veterans achieve long-term housing stability. These options provide not just a temporary solution but a gateway to a brighter future.

Apartments for Homeless Veterans

Finding permanent housing is a crucial milestone for veterans transitioning from homelessness to stability. Programs like HUD-VASH and other VA initiatives provide essential rental assistance and support services to make this possible.

Permanent Housing Solutions

For veterans ready to move into permanent homes, the path often begins with rental assistance programs. HUD-VASH offers housing vouchers that cover a significant portion of rent, making apartments more affordable. This support ensures that veterans can focus on rebuilding their lives without the constant worry of housing costs.

Why Permanent Housing Matters:

  • Stability: Provides a stable environment where veterans can focus on personal growth and healing.
  • Long-term Support: Access to case management and other supportive services helps veterans maintain their housing and address any challenges.
  • Community Connection: Living in a stable home allows veterans to connect with their community and build a support network.

Community Living

Community living is an essential aspect of housing for veterans. It offers a sense of belonging and shared experience, which can be incredibly healing. Many housing programs for veterans are designed to foster a community atmosphere, providing opportunities for veterans to connect and support each other.

Benefits of Community Living:

  • Shared Experiences: Veterans live alongside others who understand their unique challenges and experiences.
  • Support Network: A built-in community offers emotional support and camaraderie.
  • Access to Resources: Community living often includes access to shared resources, such as counseling services and group activities.

Real-Life Impact

Veterans like Mike, who once faced homelessness, have found new hope through permanent housing programs. With the help of HUD-VASH and community support, Mike secured stable housing and regained control of his life. “Having a place to call home made all the difference,” he shares. “It gave me the foundation I needed to rebuild.”

Permanent housing solutions, supported by rental assistance and community living, provide veterans with the stability and support they need to thrive. These programs are not just about finding a place to live but creating a home where veterans can heal and grow.

Frequently Asked Questions about Housing for Veterans

Does VA have a rent assistance program?

Yes, the VA offers rent assistance through the HUD-VASH program. This initiative provides housing vouchers to veterans experiencing homelessness. These vouchers help cover a significant portion of rent, making housing more affordable. Veterans also receive access to supportive services, such as case management, to help them maintain their housing and improve their quality of life.

Can I get an apartment with VA disability?

Veterans receiving VA disability benefits can also benefit from voucher assistance. The amount of assistance is often adjusted based on family income. This means that veterans with lower incomes, including those on disability, may receive more substantial support. The goal is to ensure that all veterans, regardless of their financial situation, can access stable and affordable housing.

Does VA have help for the homeless veterans?

Absolutely. The VA provides various forms of assistance to veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. In addition to HUD-VASH, there are homeless shelters and transitional housing options available. Veterans can also reach out to a VA counselor for guidance and support in navigating these resources. The VA is committed to ending veteran homelessness by connecting veterans with the housing solutions and services they need.

Conclusion

At LifeSTEPS, we believe that every veteran deserves a place to call home. Our commitment to housing stability and veteran support is unwavering. Through collaboration with programs like HUD-VASH and Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), we strive to provide comprehensive solutions that cater to the unique needs of veterans.

LifeSTEPS is dedicated to empowering veterans by offering resources and support that help them transition into stable housing and achieve self-sufficiency. We work closely with veterans to ensure they have access to permanent housing options, rental assistance, and a supportive community where they can thrive. Our approach is holistic, focusing on not just housing, but also on the overall well-being of veterans and their families.

By partnering with various programs and leveraging our expertise, we aim to make a significant impact in reducing veteran homelessness. Our goal is to create a future where no veteran is left without a safe and secure home.

If you or someone you know is a veteran in need of housing support, we encourage you to explore the resources and services we offer. Together, we can provide the stability and support veterans need to lead fulfilling lives.

For more information about our services and how we can help, please visit our Programs & Services page. Let’s work together to ensure that every veteran finds a home.


LifeSTEPS Executive Director, Beth Southorn, Represents at 2023 National Service Coordinator Conference in Maryland

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Maryland, August 31, 2023 – LifeSTEPS announces the attendance of its Executive Director, Beth Southorn, at the 2023 National Service Coordinator Conference held in Maryland from August 27th to 30th.

This year’s theme “Advocacy in Action – United in Purpose,” is organized annually by the American Association of Service Coordinators (AASC), a professional membership association and national resource for service-enriched housing. With over 4,000 members, AASC plays a pivotal role in supporting elderly and disabled residents, as well as families, in affordable housing communities by helping them identify, locate, and acquire the services and support needed for self-sufficiency. Beth Southorn, who also serves as the chair of the board for AASC, played a key role in the conference’s leadership.

The event gathered more than 1,000 attendees, providing a platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among service coordinators. Participants had the opportunity to delve into the latest innovative programs and findings that contribute to the enhancement of service coordination.

LifeSTEPS was honored to be a sponsor of this year’s conference, reinforcing its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote advocacy, unity, and purpose in the service-enriched housing sector.

For more information about LifeSTEPS and its commitment to service-enriched housing, please visit www.lifestepsusa.org.

 

Planning for a Brighter Future

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Carla*, mother of two, hasn’t always had the easiest life. At an early age, Carla was figuring things out on her own.  Although she had a loving grandmother that raised her and her siblings, she lacked guidance when it came to planning for her future. With her parents out of the picture, Carla also took it upon herself to look out for her siblings trying hard to lessen the burden for grandmother. Because of this, Carla’s family has always been the most important thing in her life.

After graduating high school, she married her husband and had two children of her own. Although she and her family faced financial hardships and struggles, Carla also made the decision to take full custody of her nephew after experiencing challenges of his own. By following her grandmother’s lead, she knew how important it was for her nephew to grow up in a loving and supportive home.

With Carla unable to find work, the family relied on one income to help them get by. Living paycheck to paycheck and without a savings account, the family took out credit cards in order to pay for unforeseen expenses and emergencies. Sinking further and further into debt and having three children to support, Carla was desperate to find any kind of relief.

After moving into an affordable housing unit, Carla was introduced to LifeSTEPS and the programs we offer to struggling individuals who were in the same situation as her. She also learned about the Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS), which she immediately applied for. Nervous and not knowing what to expect, Carla was introduced to her Case Manager who went over the different classes and resources available to her.

For the first time in her life, Carla felt empowered. With financial education courses being offered, as well as one-on-one counseling, Carla was able to learn new ways to save money and budget. Through resume building and job training, Carla was also able to find full-time employment, helping her reduce her debt and finally start a savings account. With the services and resources provided by the FSS Program, Carla has finally been able to do something she never thought would be possible –earn her degree.

With life finally on the right track, Carla and her family are now on the path to reaching stability and self-sufficiency. “Always stay positive and don’t be scared to ask for help. Thank you, LifeSTEPS,” Carla says.

*name has been changed

From Homeless to Housed: A Success Story

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When Linda* came to California six years ago, becoming homeless wasn’t part of her plan.

LifeSTEPSShe was a nurse in Texas. However, when she relocated to California her license wasn’t valid in this state. To land a nursing job here would cost $8-10,000 and two years of additional schooling. Knowing she had to work, Linda was trained by Los Angeles County in mental health services and working with those who had Alzheimer’s Disease. For six years she worked as a caregiver and didn’t stop until December 12, 2013.

That’s the day her life changed in ways she could never have imagined.

She took a horrible fall down a flight of stairs, sustaining numerous severe injuries. Unable to work, she no longer had an income sufficient to pay rent. She was eventually evicted from her apartment. Linda was now homeless and hopeless.

What she didn’t know is that there was a new effort being formed through the Housing for Health program between Los Angeles Department of Health Services, AMCAL, FPI Management, Brilliant Corners (the nonprofit contracted to coordinate the HFH program), and LifeSTEPS. Through this partnership Linda was identified as a good candidate – and LifeSTEPS social worker, LaKisha Collman, made outreach to her.

LaKisha helped her complete an application to the Housing for Health program (HFH). The HFH program strives to end homelessness in Los Angeles County, while reducing the inappropriate use of expensive health care resources and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations. Administered by Los Angeles County, the program provides permanent supportive housing and specialized care to homeless people with complex physical and behavioral health conditions. “Linda was the perfect candidate for this program. It was evident that her health was suffering so we worked as quickly as possible to get her into the program.” LaKisha said.

“I was sleeping in my car.” Linda said. She parked in hospital parking lots and other places where she would feel safe. Still recovering from the severity of her injuries, her sleeping arrangement made her condition worse. “I have seven degenerated bones in my back and sleeping in my car has made it worse. I’m sometimes in so much pain I can’t sleep.”

Not long after preparing her application, LaKisha gave Linda some good news: she had been referred to Broadway Villas – an AMCAL affordable housing complex that is a part of the HFH program. Linda, understandably, was quite excited. “I went to see the property and it was beautiful. I knew I was going to be blessed. It was like a dream!”

“There are a lot of heroes in this program,” says Beth Southorn, Executive Director for LifeSTEPS. “The housing part of this program can be complex. With AMCAL agreeing to set aside a number of rent-controlled units at Broadway Villas that fit the program guidelines, they’ve made the transition from homelessness to being housed much easier.” She also cites that all of the partners have done amazing work to make dreams like Linda’s come true.

“What I also find extraordinary is that people like Linda, who have experienced great difficulties, are definitely up to the challenge of making significant positive changes in their lives. They just need a little help.” Southorn says.

LifeSTEPS has housed total of 16 people at Broadway Villas since early 2015. Each unit is fully furnished, and residents will receive ongoing social service support from LifeSTEPS to help make their transition as successful as possible. Linda was one of eight people who moved into Broadway Villas on January 28, 2015. LifeSTEPS has helped a total of 40 people transition into permanent homes through the HFH program at two AMCAL communities.

Overcome with emotion, Linda exclaimed, “Do you know where I was sleeping on the 15th of this month? Outside on the street in front of this building! I’ve been waiting for this day for so long. LaKisha is one of God’s angels and I feel so blessed.”

*Please note:  Some resident names have been changed.