Many veterans find it hard to re-enter into civilian life after returning home from service in the United States Armed Forces. One of their biggest problems is finding affordable housing. As the American economy has deteriorated over time, finding housing has become more difficult for many. If you are one of these men or women, you don’t have to feel discouraged. You need help from the agencies and institutions that were established to help you during times like this.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has helped veterans find affordable housing for many years now. Although HUD was established in the 1990s, it didn’t receive adequate federal funding until in recent years. In 2018, HUD offered housing vouchers to 87,000 homeless veterans. Housing help is still available through HUD for veterans today, but the application process can be lengthy. HUD has collaborated with the VA Supportive Housing Program to establish HUD-VASH, a program specifically for helping veterans find housing. After filling out the necessary paperwork, a case manager will help you find privately-owned housing options to suit your needs.

Applying for a HUD-VASH Voucher

To apply for a HUD-VASH voucher, you will need to meet with your case manager. He or she will determine if you are capable of completing your daily activities by yourself. Caretakers are not provided in this program. However, the program will provide healthcare, substance abuse treatments, and mental health counseling. Your case manager will determine if you meet the income requirements for obtaining an apartment or home through HUD at discounted rates. Your family’s income, assets, and size will also be evaluated. To qualify, your income cannot exceed fifty percent of the median gross income of the area you will be living in if your application is accepted. Your case manager will push the application forward for you, but you can also apply at your local Public Housing Agency if you prefer.

Homes and Loans for Veterans

If you currently live in Southern California, you now have the option of signing up for the opportunity to buy a home at a considerably discounted price through the SoCalVAHomes program. On their website, you can find homes for sale in Temecula, California. The website also has other resources for finding a home to meet veterans’ housing needs. You have the option of texting a number available on the website to see homes for sale or sign up to attend a showing. You can also enter specific information to search for the home of your dreams. Details such as price range, property type, minimum price, maximum price, and your preferred city can be entered into their search engine to better guide you to housing options available based on your specific needs.

You can also apply for loans to buy a house, refinance a current VA home loan and even get a grant to improve your current home if this applies to your situation. The United States government has many resources for veterans looking for housing or to buy a home, and these can be added too without many veterans knowing about. Staying informed can only benefit you as you find new options and your circumstances change.

Enhanced Use Lease Program

There are numerous Veterans Affairs (VA) locations all over the country. Some of them create spaces for veterans in need of housing to live in. If you choose this option, should it be available, you will benefit in several additional ways. Veterans who live at these locations have access to computer labs, medical facilities, training for jobs, barbershops and hair salons, and more. If you have been suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), you could have access to support groups that are available at some locations.

The administrators of certain VA locations have the authority to designate certain sections for veterans in need of housing under some conditions. Usually, these apartments for veterans are required to be on VA campuses that are close to hospitals and other medical facilities, including dental offices. At present, there are more than 3,000 of these kinds of apartments spread out all over the United States.

If you need assistance with finding a home or apartment in those locations or elsewhere, the VA office close to you will have the information and paperwork you need to start the process. Remember that you can also apply for home loans online, through your current lender and the mail if you need to.