{"id":3788,"date":"2026-04-06T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/?p=3788"},"modified":"2026-08-20T19:40:09","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T19:40:09","slug":"what-is-hud-vash-and-how-does-it-help-homeless-veterans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/what-is-hud-vash-and-how-does-it-help-homeless-veterans\/","title":{"rendered":"What is HUD-VASH?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull va-page-title-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-179 size-large\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/academic-affiliations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/05\/Hero2.png?w=1024\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#085795\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide has-text-align-left\">Featured Article<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"va-body-wrapper wp-block-create-block-body-wrapper\"><div class=\"va-body-wrapper__inner\">\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<form role=\"search\" method=\"get\" action=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/\" class=\"wp-block-search__button-outside wp-block-search__text-button wp-block-search\" ><label class=\"wp-block-search__label\" for=\"wp-block-search__input-1\" >Search Articles<\/label><div class=\"wp-block-search__inside-wrapper\" ><input class=\"wp-block-search__input\" id=\"wp-block-search__input-1\" placeholder=\"\" value=\"\" type=\"search\" name=\"s\" required \/><button aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"wp-block-search__button wp-element-button\" type=\"submit\" >Search<\/button><\/div><\/form>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide va-intro-page va-intro-page-1 is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is HUD-VASH?<\/h2>\n\n\n<div style=\"background-color: #0073aa\" class=\"wp-block-create-block-colored-spacer has-0073-aa-background-color has-background\"><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>By Meghan Deal, National Director for HUD-VASH, VHA Homeless Programs Office<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>April 6, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"taxonomy-category wp-block-post-terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/category\/featured-articles\/\" rel=\"tag\">Featured Articles<\/a><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"taxonomy-post_tag wp-block-post-terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/tag\/housing\/\" rel=\"tag\">Housing<\/a><span class=\"wp-block-post-terms__separator\"> <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/tag\/hud-vash\/\" rel=\"tag\">hud-vash<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-c00f5982\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/03\/coupleboxing.png\" alt=\"A formerly homeless Veteran and his wife moving into their new home.\" class=\"wp-image-3789\" style=\"width:900px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/03\/coupleboxing.png 1200w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/03\/coupleboxing.png?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/03\/coupleboxing.png?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/03\/coupleboxing.png?resize=1024,683 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide va-intro-page va-intro-page-1 is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For many Veterans navigating the complexities of homelessness, the biggest hurdle isn\u2019t just finding housing\u2014it\u2019s having the stability to keep it. The Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (<a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/hud-vash\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"483\">HUD-VASH<\/a>) program, a collaborative initiative between the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hud.gov\/helping-americans\/housing-choice-vouchers-homeless-veterans\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)<\/a> and VA, was created to address both challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By combining HUD\u2019s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance with VA\u2019s comprehensive case management and supportive services, HUD-VASH provides a path to permanent, independent housing for Veterans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"HUD-VASH: Providing Safe Housing, Quality Health Care for Veterans\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cYgCgyZMppM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-c00f5982\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How it works<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">HUD-VASH prioritizes getting Veterans into safe, stable housing as quickly as possible\u2014without preconditions\u2014under the belief that it is much easier to manage one\u2019s health, sobriety, and employment when you don\u2019t have to worry about where you\u2019ll sleep each night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After a Veteran is housed, the &#8220;VASH&#8221; (VA Supportive Housing) component of the program continues. Every participant is paired with a trained VA case manager who provides:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Clinical Support:<\/strong> Direct connection to primary care, mental health services, and substance use treatment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Life Skills:<\/strong> Practical help with budgeting for rent, understanding a lease, and maintaining a positive relationship with their landlord.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Long-Term Support:<\/strong> Ongoing case management that adapts to a Veteran\u2019s needs and continues for as long as needed to help them remain stable in their home.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When basic needs are met first, Veterans are empowered to focus on the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-1ac3d91d\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is HUD-VASH right for you or a Veteran you know?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The program is specifically tailored for Veterans experiencing homelessness who have a need for ongoing case management due to more complex challenges, such as chronic health conditions, that can make staying housed feel out of reach. As of March 2026, more than 95,000 formerly homeless Veterans were living in homes under lease through HUD-VASH, and since 2008, the program has housed nearly 250,000 Veterans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is important to know that receiving this help doesn\u2019t cost you your independence. Because the program uses a voucher system, you have the freedom to choose your own housing in the private market, provided the landlord accepts the voucher and the unit meets safety standards. Your case manager is a partner in ensuring that the house remains a home, and the program is designed to honor Veterans\u2019 choices for care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you are currently displaced or at risk of losing your home, trained VA counselors are available around the clock to listen and discuss your needs, check your eligibility, and connect you with local VA Homeless Program team members in your area.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"va-body-wrapper wp-block-create-block-body-wrapper\"><div class=\"va-body-wrapper__inner\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group va-section-title va-section-title-1 is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contact VA for help<\/h2>\n\n\n<div style=\"background-color: #005EA2\" class=\"wp-block-create-block-colored-spacer has-ff-5500-background-color has-background\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are a Veteran who is homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, we strongly encourage you to contact the <strong>National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at <a href=\"tel:+18774243838\">877-424-3838<\/a><\/strong> for assistance.<br><br>The call is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trained professionals are standing by to connect you to your nearest VA for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-blue-icon-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.va.gov\/homeless\/nationalcallcenter.asp\" rel=\"noopener\">Chat with a live professional now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.va.gov\/homeless\/nationalcallcenter.asp\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1385\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png\" alt=\"National Call Center for Homeless Veterans logo. 877-424-3838\" class=\"wp-image-5628\" srcset=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png 1385w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png?resize=300,130 300w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png?resize=768,333 768w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png?resize=1024,444 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1385px) 100vw, 1385px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For many Veterans navigating the complexities of homelessness, the biggest hurdle isn\u2019t just finding housing\u2014it\u2019s having the stability to keep it. The Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program, a collaborative initiative between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and VA, was created to address both challenges.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":201,"featured_media":3789,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"priority":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[4,37],"class_list":["post-3788","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured-articles","tag-housing","tag-hud-vash"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/what-is-hud-vash-and-how-does-it-help-homeless-veterans\/","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"What is HUD-VASH?","url":"http:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/what-is-hud-vash-and-how-does-it-help-homeless-veterans\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/what-is-hud-vash-and-how-does-it-help-homeless-veterans\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/03\/coupleboxing.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/03\/coupleboxing.png"},"articleSection":"Featured Articles","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Shawn Liu"}],"creator":["Shawn Liu"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"VA Homeless Programs","logo":""},"keywords":["housing","hud-vash"],"dateCreated":"2026-04-06T08:00:00Z","datePublished":"2026-04-06T08:00:00Z","dateModified":"2026-08-20T19:40:09Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"What is HUD-VASH?\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/department.va.gov\\\/homeless\\\/what-is-hud-vash-and-how-does-it-help-homeless-veterans\\\/\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/department.va.gov\\\/homeless\\\/what-is-hud-vash-and-how-does-it-help-homeless-veterans\\\/\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/department.va.gov\\\/homeless\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/72\\\/2026\\\/03\\\/coupleboxing.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/department.va.gov\\\/homeless\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/72\\\/2026\\\/03\\\/coupleboxing.png\"},\"articleSection\":\"Featured Articles\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Shawn Liu\"}],\"creator\":[\"Shawn Liu\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"VA Homeless Programs\",\"logo\":\"\"},\"keywords\":[\"housing\",\"hud-vash\"],\"dateCreated\":\"2026-04-06T08:00:00Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-04-06T08:00:00Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-20T19:40:09Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/department.va.gov\/p.js"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3788","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/201"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3788"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3788\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5625,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3788\/revisions\/5625"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3789"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3788"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3788"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3788"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}