USICH Report to Congress on Homeless Veterans
WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 09, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — For Fiscal Year 2012, the Senate Committee on Appropriations asked the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) to provide an assessment of the progress of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program and of efforts to address homelessness experienced by veterans in rural communities and on Native American reservations. USICH has released the resulting report: USICH Report to Congress on Homeless Veterans.
The report credits the 17 percent reduction in homelessness among veterans since 2009 to increased collaboration between HUD and VA at the federal and local level and federal investment in innovative programs and practices for veterans experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. One of the most effective programs for veterans is the HUD-VASH program, which as of Sept. 30, 2012 has provided over 40,000 veterans with permanent supportive housing through rental vouchers provided by HUD and case management provided through VA.
The report assesses the progress of the HUD-VASH program against its performance measures concerning voucher utilization, targeting, and lease-up times. It highlights innovative practices that government and community stakeholders are utilizing to improve the performance of this program. The report also details the programs and improvements needed to address veteran homelessness in rural areas and on Native American reservations. The report calls for improved coordination of resources among federal agencies serving Veterans in rural areas and reservations and increased engagement with tribal government.
To read the full report, click here.
