How to run a successful VASH program: Tip #1

Leasing our nation's veterans has recently been a top priority for HUD, as well as for many PHAs awarded special funding under the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) grants.

Studies have shown that the mortality rate for those experiencing chronic homelessness is four to nine times higher than that of the general population. To save the lives of the most vulnerable homeless veterans, it's vital that they be placed in safe, permanent housing as quickly as possible.

Also, as a PHA, you don't get paid an administrative fee for unleased vouchers — so the sooner a veteran is leased, the sooner fees are earned for you to administer the program. In working with PHAs and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) through the Housing First initiative, we've discovered some best practices to quickly and effectively lease up homeless veterans and run a successful program.

Tip #1: Streamline eligibility.

Your PHA must work hand-in-hand with the VA to ensure that screening criteria and prioritization for veterans don't include factors such as criminal background checks (other than lifetime sex offender registry), credit checks, eviction history, minimum income requirements, or the ability to obtain employment. It's critical to make the eligibility requirements as easy as possible for veterans who may have had some bumps in the road called life.

The VA and your PHA should work closely with the Continuum of Care (CoC) providers to offer a network of referrals for the VASH vouchers, with everyone in the continuum providing referrals to the VA and case management services. One best practice is found at the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA).

The VA partners with the Department of Human Services (DHS) to make VASH referrals. Since the DHS manages the homeless shelter system, they provide a direct link to the VA for potentially homeless veterans. This then helps the VA provide a steady stream of referrals to the DCHA to cover new allocations as well as turnover vouchers and keep the VASH utilization up to HUD's minimum standard, which is 95 percent leased.

Additionally, your PHA must be certain that staff at all levels understand and can describe the VASH program's target population, its eligibility criteria, and how to gain access. There's nothing worse than losing a veteran in need of housing assistance due to lack of information on the front lines.

Next: How to run a successful VASH program: Tip #2

With an exceptional knowledge of HUD regulations, NMA senior trainer and consultant Cydney Jones is expert in providing a wide range of technical assistance, management training, and on-site expertise for multifamily assisted programs and the HCV program. Ms. Jones recently headed operations for NMA’s contract with one of the largest public housing authorities in the country, including administration of VASH vouchers.

Nan McKay and Associates has assisted a number of agencies across the country with their VASH voucher programs and can leverage that experience to help your PHA be more successful. For information, contact sales@nanmckay.com.