The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has granted the North Little Rock Housing Authority $508,750 to facilitate permanent housing for 105 homeless veterans in Little Rock. This significant funding, announced by HUD Regional Director A. Cynthia Leon on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, underscores the commitment to supporting those who have served the nation.
This initiative is made possible through HUD’s Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH), a collaborative effort between HUD and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The program aims to provide rental assistance vouchers and supportive services to homeless veterans, enabling them to secure stable and permanent housing. The North Little Rock Housing Authority will play a crucial role in administering these vouchers and connecting veterans with suitable housing options in the Little Rock area.
The HUD-VASH program is distributing approximately 10,000 housing vouchers nationwide to 129 public housing agencies. This allocation is strategically determined based on factors such as the number of homeless veterans in a region and the capacity of nearby VA Medical Centers to offer essential case management and support services. In Little Rock, the VA Medical Center will be a vital partner, recommending veterans for the program and providing ongoing social services to ensure their successful transition to stable housing.
“Our veterans have made immense sacrifices for our country, and this program is a testament to our gratitude and dedication to serving them,” stated Ms. Leon. The HUD-VASH program exemplifies this commitment by integrating HUD’s housing resources with the VA’s comprehensive healthcare and support services network. This integrated approach is designed to address the multifaceted challenges faced by homeless veterans, providing not only housing but also the necessary support to maintain their housing stability and overall well-being.
The housing assistance provided through the North Little Rock Housing Authority will utilize HUD’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. This program enables participants to rent housing in the private market, promoting choice and integration within the community. Simultaneously, the VA Medical Center will offer eligible veterans access to clinical and supportive services, including healthcare and case management, through its extensive network across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. In the previous year, the VA provided healthcare to over 100,000 homeless veterans and offered specialized services to more than 60,000 through its dedicated homeless programs, highlighting the significant need and reach of these services.
Looking ahead, the Bush Administration’s proposed FY 2009 Budget aimed to double the funding for programs like HUD-VASH, seeking an additional $75 million to further support the housing and service needs of an additional 10,000 homeless veterans across the country. This proposed increase reflects a growing recognition of the importance of addressing veteran homelessness and providing sustainable solutions.
In Little Rock, the Continuum of Care, a local network of organizations providing homeless assistance, will collaborate closely with the VA Medical Center to identify and refer eligible veterans to the North Little Rock Housing Authority. The VA will conduct screenings to determine eligibility for the HUD-VASH program, and those accepted will receive ongoing case management and support to ensure they can successfully utilize and retain their housing vouchers. VA Medical Center case managers will work in tandem with the North Little Rock Housing Authority to assist veterans in finding suitable housing that meets their needs and preferences. The North Little Rock Housing Authority will also determine income eligibility for the Housing Choice Voucher Program according to HUD guidelines.
This HUD funding represents a crucial step forward in addressing veteran homelessness in Little Rock. By leveraging the resources and expertise of the North Little Rock Housing Authority and the VA Medical Center, this program aims to provide not just housing, but a pathway to stability and a better future for veterans who have served their country.
