HUD Announces $78 Million for HUD-VASH Vouchers
By: Tushar Gurjal, Senior Policy Manager
On June 3, HUD published a notice titled “2024 Registration of Interest for HUD-VASH Vouchers” (Notice PIH 2024-18 (HA)). The notice notes that $78 million is available for new HUD-VASH funding for approximately 7,800 new HUD-VASH vouchers. These vouchers are administered in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help veterans experiencing homelessness and their families access affordable housing with supportive services. This program allows veterans and their families to use Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs) with case management provided by Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs), Community-based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), VA contractors, or other VA designated entities.
The HUD-VASH funding will be “awarded based on geographic need, PHA administrative performance, and other factors specified by HUD.” The award will be a two step process. First, eligible PHAs register their interest on the HUD-VASH webpage. Signed letters of support from the VAMC’s medical center director are required. Second, based on a formula, PHAs will receive an invitation to apply for a specific number of HUD-VASH vouchers. The registration of interest form should be completed by August 30, 2024. Current PHAs with HUD-VASH vouchers that meet certain eligibility criteria may also register interest.
Housing agencies must meet certain eligibility criteria. For those PHAs that have over 15 existing HUD-VASH vouchers, a utilization rate of 70% must be met. For those PHAs with over 15 HUD-VASH vouchers that do not meet the 70% utilization rate, they may still be eligible if they intend to project-base the vouchers. Housing agencies must also demonstrate the capacity to successfully administer the HUD-VASH program. Finally, as previously mentioned, registrations of interest must include a letter of support from a partnering VA facility.
A single PHA may be invited to apply for a minimum of five vouchers and a maximum of 500 vouchers.
The full notice can be found here.