Are you a veteran facing homelessness or know someone in a similar situation? You may be eligible for the Veterans Affairs’ Homeless Shelter Program (HSP).
This program is created to end homelessness by providing shelter to qualified veterans and their families and related support services such as health care and employment.
The VA has been helping veterans achieve homeownership with an array of
home loans or transition to long-term housing.
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The Program
Pursuant to
VA Handbook 2602, the program does not directly hand out housing for qualified veterans and their families who have been homeless for three years, or at the risk of being one.
This is the role of preferred organizations (POs) and qualified nonprofit organizations (QNOs) — vetted and approved by the VA — who have been engaged in helping veterans.
These organizations will facilitate veterans, non-veterans and their families find and acquire shelter. The housing shelter will serve as their place to stay for 12 consecutive months in the hopes that they can transition to a long-term or permanent housing arrangement.
Examples of POs are American Red Cross, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans. QNOs must show financial stability and a track record of ending homelessness.
The Property
Eligibility
In order for a property to qualify as shelter housing under the program, it must be vacant with a title approved by VA Regional Counsel. The property must have also been listed for sale for more than 30 days and does not have any repairs in progress.
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Occupancy
The PO/QNO can administer the housing for veterans in single or multiple households as (i) a rental property for cash with rent not exceeding the standard for affordable housing, (ii) a rental property with subsidized rent in partnership with government and private bodies, or (ii) a shelter for free.
The Process
The VA has an array of properties it has purchased and a VA-acquired property that has been on the market for 30 days can be eligible for the program.
It can sell such properties at a discount to approved organizations that will submit the necessary purchase offer and forms, providing that the properties shall be used for shelter for veterans who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness.
Discounts on properties can be between 20% and 50%, depending on the length of time they have been listed for sale.
For more details on how to apply, contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838).
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