County Receives More HUD Funding to Assist Homeless Veterans

News release from the Riverside County Economic Development Agency:

Riverside, CA – The Housing Authority of the County of Riverside was recently awarded additional federal funds by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to further expand the agency’s Veteran’s Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program. The VASH program is a specialized housing program designed to combat homelessness among veterans. The program combines a Section 8 voucher provided by the Housing Authority with case management services provided by the Loma Linda Veterans Affairs Medical Center (LLVAMC) to ensure that homeless veterans have all the resources necessary to return to self-sufficiency. 

The Riverside County VASH program was implemented in 2009 with an initial award of 105 Section 8 vouchers earmarked for homeless veterans and their families. Since that time, the program has continued to grow in part due to an increased need but also due to the successful partnership between the Housing Authority and LLVAMC. The additional funds which were awarded by HUD this week will expand the program to 385 vouchers and will provide $3,112,154 in funding annually. This represents an increase of 70 vouchers and $616,041 annually.

Homelessness among veterans is a growing problem nationally. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, on any given night 76,000 veterans are homeless. In Riverside County, the most recent homeless count conducted in 2011 indicated that there are 890 homeless veterans in shelters and on the streets on any given day in the County. 

To address the troubling issue, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors recently formed the VALOR committee which is tasked with formulating a “No Veteran Left Behind” strategy and program for Riverside County. 

“This is great news for our homeless veterans,” said Supervisor Jeff Stone, whose Third District includes Temecula, Murrieta, Hemet and surrounding unincorporated areas. “Our veterans are heroes who put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms and liberties we all enjoy. The neglect of our military veterans cannot be condoned and the Riverside County Board of Supervisors will be proactive in addressing this issue.”

Addressing veterans housing needs will be a critical component of the No Veteran Left Behind strategy. Recent surveys of veterans indicate that housing, employment job training and medical care are the most vital needs. Affordable housing is very important not only to homeless veterans but also lower income veterans that are returning home.  Imagine trying to find a job and transitioning back to civilian life without a stable place to live.

Special thanks to Senators Feinstein and Boxer and Congressional members Hunter, Takano, Calvert, Hunter, and Ruiz for their support of veterans funding.