The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has expanded veterans’ access to rental assistance and affordable housing programs to combat homelessness.
The federal policy changes implemented by HUD will end the agency’s policy of counting veterans’ service-connected disability benefits as income for the purposes of rental assistance. This will enable thousands of homeless and low-income veterans to become eligible for housing vouchers.
California is home to around one third of all homeless veterans in the U.S. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ January 2024 point-in-time count, there were 865 homeless veterans in San Diego County.
The new HUD policy will allow more veterans to access HUD housing vouchers for Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing. Before the change, some veterans’ income exceeded eligibility thresholds.
HUD has announced that they are working with the Treasury Department to ensure that this policy change extends to units funded by the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program. The agency is also in contact with state and local governments to encourage them to adopt the updated definition of income.
“These policy changes will make a tremendous impact in getting homeless veterans off the streets and into affordable housing units for a stable future,” said Rep. Mike Levin. “We know that having a stable home produces better life outcomes and our veterans deserve nothing less.”
For almost two years, Levin, D-San Juan Capistrano, has been in contact with HUD and the White House’s Domestic Policy Council to push for the policy changes. The effort, dating back to December 2022, included letters, multiple meetings with the Biden administration and the introduction of a bill, H.R. 8340.
Jonathan Castillo, chief regional officer for People Assisting the Homeless, or PATH, said the agency’s teams have encountered veterans who had to choose between benefits and housing opportunities.
“Thankfully, this policy shift will allow more veterans not only in San Diego County, but across the country, to get connected to housing and supportive services,” he said.
Isaac Estevez, a U.S. Army veteran, said that when he came home from Iraq, “I was not the same.” PTSD led to homelessness, substance abuse and criminal acts. The VA, PATH and HUD connected him to housing.
“The HUD changes announced today will help more veterans like me find the support and stability they deserve,” Estevez said.
Note: Photo credit, inset: Veteran Isaac Estevez speaks at a news conference, with Rep. Mike Levin on the right. Screen shot, Mike Levin via YouTube.
