Tag Archive for: rural veterans

Working together to house America’s rural veterans

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The Housing Assistance Council proudly supports the women and men who have served our country. Unfortunately, more than 3 million of our nation’s veterans live in sub-standard housing. According to HUD’s 2018 National Point In Time Homeless Count nearly 40,000 veterans are homeless. As a nation, we can do better to ensure those who have given so much for our country have decent, safe, and healthy places to call home. Together with critical backing from The Home Depot Foundation, HAC’s Affordable Housing for Rural Veterans (AHRV) initiative supports local nonprofit housing development organizations that provide and or maintain affordable housing needs of veterans in rural places. Since 2013, HAC and The Home Depot Foundation have partnered to invest approximately $3 million in grant funding to 61 nonprofits to support the rehabilitation, modification and or development of 615 units of veteran housing.

Together, we can give back and help meet the housing needs of rural veterans!

HAC is currently accepting applications for its AHRV Initiative through 5PM ET on Friday, November 15, 2019.

Learn more about the recipients of the 2019 Affordable Housing for Rural Veterans awards.

How many veterans live in your community? Visit Veterans Data Central to find data and information about veterans across the country.

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Register Now: Housing & Services for Rural Veterans – Symposium

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Register-Now-Button

Description

Join the Housing Assistance Council (HAC) for its 5th Annual National Symposium on Veterans Housing Issues. This year’s theme centers upon addressing the critical needs around housing, homelessness and aging solutions for rural veterans, within the context of the Delta Regional Authority’s eight-state service area set forth by the Delta Regional Authority’s map. In addition to introducing HAC’s services, the symposium will feature (policy-makers, elected officials, university officials/students), rural/small-town practitioners and practical program models that are providing both rental and homeownership options, in addition to home repairs and critical housing and workforce development service to aging and other vulnerable veteran populations.

Day 1: Thursday, April 18, 2019 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Day 2: Friday, April 19, 2019 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

There is no registration fee to attend this symposium. However, space is limited and advance registration is required. Lunch will be provided. For more information on the symposium contact Cheryl Cobbler at cheryl@ruralhome.org.

Location

Arkansas State University
Carl R. Reng Student Union -Spring River Room
101 N. Caraway
Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401

Sponsored By The Home Depot Foundation

The Home Depot Foundation works to improve the homes and lives of U.S. veterans, train skilled tradespeople to fill the labor gap and support communities impacted by natural disasters. Since 2011, the Foundation has invested a quarter of a billion dollars in veteran-related causes and improved more than 40,000 veteran homes and facilities in 2,500 cities. In 2018, the Foundation committed an additional $50 million dollars to train 20,000 skilled tradespeople over the next 10 years starting with separating military members and veterans, at-risk youth and members of the Atlanta Westside community. To learn more about The Home Depot Foundation and see Team Depot in action, visit thd.co/community and follow us on Snapchat, Twitter and Instagram @teamdepot and on Facebook at facebook.com/teamdepot.

Materials Posted – Part 1 – Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH): An Overview

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Materials Posted

PowerPoint Presentation | Webinar Recording

Permanent supportive housing has been identified in both the Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness and the Ending Veteran Homelessness Initiative as a critical resource for ending homelessness. Within VA, HUD-VASH is the primary service that provides permanent supportive housing. Through collaboration with HUD, HUD-VASH provides Housing Choice Vouchers designated to participating Public Housing Authorities (PHA) to assist with rent payment. VA provides clinical case management and services to assist Veterans obtain and sustain permanent housing while also assisting Veterans with access to treatment and other supportive services that promote their quality of life and full reintegration back into their communities.

HUD-VASH operates on the Housing First principles and is intended to target and care for the chronic and most vulnerable homeless Veterans. Housing First is an evidence-based approach based on the premise that housing is a basic human right and does not have prerequisites such as sobriety or clean time. It prioritizes housing, then assists individuals with access to health care and other supports that promote stable housing and improved quality of life.

The primary goal of HUD-VASH is to move Veterans and their families out of homelessness into permanent supportive housing while promoting maximum Veteran recovery and independence in the community. A key component of the program is VA’s case management services. These services are designed to assist Veterans in obtaining and sustaining permanent housing and engage in needed treatment and other supportive services that improve the Veteran’s quality of life and end their homelessness. Because Veterans experience homelessness for a variety of reasons, case management is individually tailored to meet the needs of each HUD-VASH Veteran.

This webinar, the first in a two part series that will provide information to community providers on housing services available to Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The webinar will provide an overview of the HUD-VASH program including who is eligible for services and how to make a referral for a Veteran to be assessed for admission. There will also be information on how HUD-VASH vouchers are allocated and the difference between tenant-based and project-based HUD-VASH vouchers.

HAC Seeks Proposals for Housing Projects Serving Rural Veterans

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January 2017

homedepotfoundationlogoSupported by The Home Depot Foundation, grants will go to nonprofits, tribally designated housing entities, and housing authorities serving veterans at or below 80% of area median income in rural areas. Projects may be new construction or rehab, temporary or permanent housing, in progress or beginning within 12 months. Letters of Interest are due Feb. 3, 2017.

ELIGIBILITY. The applicant must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, tribally designated housing entity (TDHE), or housing authority acting as a nonprofit, that serves veterans at or below 80% of area median income. RURAL SERVICE AREA. The applicant must apply to support programs working in nonmetropolitan areas or in counties that meet the USDA definition of rural for housing (Sec. 520 of the Housing Act of 1949). Please check the USDA Property Eligibility Site, https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov, to determine rural eligibility.

Contact Shonterria Charleston, Program Manager, 404-892-4824.

Oregon Veterans receives assistance from The Home Depot Foundation and HAC

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The News-Review, the daily newspaper for Douglas County, OR, highlighted the story of Daniel Winder, a disabled veteran who would receive assistance from the program. The grant funding will be used to replace his back door and heating system and make other needed repairs.

I can’t express how thankful I am that this program exists to help us

The grant program, administered by HAC and funded by The Home Depot Foundation, is designed to provide elderly or disabled veterans repair their homes. This funding allows veterans to age in place in the communities they know and love while living in safe, quality housing.

“I can’t express how thankful I am that this program exists to help us, because most of these repairs cost thousands of dollars,” he said. “These improvements have made my life a lot more comfortable and I’m proud to live here now. With all these replacements, I don’t see me leaving this place anytime soon.”

HAC Joins Summit on Addressing the Needs of Aging Veterans

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On Friday, October 20, 2017, the Housing Assistance Council joined The Home Depot Foundation and the National League of Cities to support Purple Heart Homes in their 1st Annual Veterans Aging Summit. Held at the University of North Carolina, the summit convened nonprofit practitioners, Veterans’ service organizations, researchers, educators, public policy makers, community leaders, government representatives, and other interested stakeholders to collaborate on identifying and meeting the needs of aging Veterans and their caregivers.

HAC's Shonterria Charleston, Karen Boyce (The Veteran's Place) and Retha Patton (Eastern Eight CDC) discuss housing rural veteransHAC’s Shonterria Charleston, Karen Boyce (The Veteran’s Place) and Retha Patton (Eastern Eight CDC) discuss housing rural veterans.

HAC coordinated the Aging Veterans and Housing Panel, which featured two of its Home Depot Foundation-funded grantee organizations, The Veteran’s Place (Karen Boyce) and Eastern Eight Community Development Corporation (Retha Patton). Moderated by HAC’s Shonterria Charleston, the panel focused on housing (single and multifamily) and service provisions to aging veterans and provided context to rural challenges, best practices and opportunities for successful projects.

Funding support provided by The Home Depot Foundation

HAC's Joe Belden speaking at the Aging Veterans SummitHAC’s Joe Belden speaking at the Aging Veterans Summit.

Rural Veterans and Local Nonprofits Receive Housing Aid

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homedepotfoundlogoReturn to Press Releases

Contact: Dan Stern, dan@ruralhome.org, 202-842-8600 ext. 137
Janice Clark, janice@ruralhome.org, 202-842-8600 ext. 131

Rural Veterans and Local Nonprofits Receive Housing Aid

Awards Funded by the Housing Assistance Council and The Home Depot Foundation

Washington, D.C., May 9, 2013 – Life will improve for 100 veterans and their families in nine rural communities around the country, thanks to awards given by the Housing Assistance Council with the support of The Home Depot Foundation. HAC is awarding grants totaling $265,000 to nine local nonprofit housing associations to build or preserve housing for veterans in rural America.

“A disproportionately high number of rural Americans have served in the armed forces” said Moises Loza, HAC’s executive director, “and they deserve to have decent, affordable homes. HAC is proud to partner with The Home Depot Foundation and local nonprofit groups to ensure that they do.”

As part of its Affordable Housing for Rural Veterans Initiative, HAC will provide not only grants, but also training, research, and other assistance to rural nonprofits that serve veterans. HAC builds the capacity of local housing nonprofits to help more veterans and others in their communities.

The grantee organizations – described below – provide a range of programs. With the HAC grants, veterans who own homes in Maine, Washington, and Tennessee will receive home repair funds. Veterans in Texas will be able to help build their own new homes. New apartments will be constructed for homeless veterans in Florida. Altogether, nearly 100 veterans and their families will benefit from these grants.

“The Home Depot Foundation is committed to ensuring that every veteran has a safe place to call home,” said Kelly Caffarelli, President of The Home Depot Foundation. “We recognize the great need that exists in rural areas and are proud to partner with the Housing Assistance Council in our efforts to give back to those men and women who have so bravely served our country.”

About the Housing Assistance Council
Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Housing Assistance Council is a national nonprofit corporation dedicated to helping local organizations build affordable homes in rural America by providing below-market financing, technical assistance, research, training, and information services. HAC’s programs focus on local solutions, empowerment, reduced dependency, and self-help strategies. HAC is an equal opportunity lender. To learn more, see https://ruralhome.org/veterans.

2013 Affordable Housing for Rural Veterans
About the Grantees

  • Ability Housing of Northeast Florida in Jacksonville, Florida, will use $28,000 to support the development of eight units of permanent supportive housing for homeless veterans that live in Duval and Nassau Counties. More information about Ability Housing is available at www.abilityhousing.org.
  • Western Maine Community Action (WMCA) in East Wilton, Maine, will use $28,000 to support a home repair program for rural veterans in Franklin County. Up to ten veterans and their families will have their homes made safe and affordable through WMCA’s repair program. More information about WMCA can be found at https://wmca.org.
  • Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) in Traverse City, Michigan, will use $28,000 to assist five veterans and their families in Northwest Lower Michigan with home repairs. NMCAA’s home repair loan fund offers a zero interest deferred loan for veteran homeowners. More information about NMCAA can be found at www.nmcaa.net.
  • Community Action Network (CAN) in Paris, Tennessee, will use $24,000 to support ten veterans and their families in Henry, Benton, and Carroll counties. CAN will provide home repair, accessibility modification, and energy conservation upgrade support using its volunteer-based home repair program. For more information about CAN visit www.canhomes.org.
  • Proyecto Azteca in San Juan, Texas, will use $28,000 to support a sweat equity homeownership program for five veteran families in Hidalgo County. Each family is required to contribute their own labor to help build their home. This labor significantly reduces the cost of the units, making them affordable to the low-income veteran participants. For more information about this program visit https://www.proyectoazteca.com/.
  • Rebuilding Together Roanoke in Roanoke, Virginia, will use $28,000 to support a home repair program for rural veterans in five Appalachian Virginia counties. Up to six veterans’ households will be provided targeted safety and energy improvements of their homes. More information about Rebuilding Together can be found at www.rebuildingtogetherroanoke.com.
  • Kitsap Community Resources in Bremerton, Washington, will use $28,000 to support a home repair program for rural veterans in Kitsap County. Up to seven veterans’ households will be provided with domestic home repairs, accessibility, and energy conservation measures. More information about Kitsap Community Resources can be found at www.kcr.org.
  • Couleecap in Westby, Wisconsin, will use $20,000 to support the development of rental housing for rural veterans in Monroe, Vernon, La Crosse, and Crawford Counties. At least four units of supportive housing will be developed for homeless veterans and up to three units of affordable housing will be developed for veteran families. More information about Couleecap can be found at www.couleecap.org.
  • Southern Appalachian Labor School (SALS) in Kincaid, West Virginia, will use $28,000 to support multiple repair and development projects in Fayette County. Up to 28 veterans and their families will benefit from their programs. For more information about SALS visit www.sals.info.

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HAC Seeks Proposals for Housing Projects Serving Rural Veterans

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January 2017

homedepotfoundationlogoSupported by The Home Depot Foundation, grants will go to nonprofits, tribally designated housing entities, and housing authorities serving veterans at or below 80% of area median income in rural areas. Projects may be new construction or rehab, temporary or permanent housing, in progress or beginning within 12 months. Letters of Interest are due Feb. 3, 2017.

ELIGIBILITY. The applicant must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, tribally designated housing entity (TDHE), or housing authority acting as a nonprofit, that serves veterans at or below 80% of area median income. RURAL SERVICE AREA. The applicant must apply to support programs working in nonmetropolitan areas or in counties that meet the USDA definition of rural for housing (Sec. 520 of the Housing Act of 1949). Please check the USDA Property Eligibility Site, https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov, to determine rural eligibility.

Contact Shonterria Charleston, Program Manager, 404-892-4824.

A Message for Veterans Day

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HAC recognizes and honors the sacrifices of all those men and women who have served the nation in the armed forces. We can never forget their service. Many of those veterans – in fact a disproportionately large share of the veteran population – come from and still live in America’s rural areas and small towns. This was true historically, when we were a much more agrarian nation, but it continues to be true today. Thank you to all our veterans!

Learn more about HAC’s work with Veterans.

Visit Veterans Data Central.

HAC Featured on Team Depot Facebook Page to Raise Funds for Rural Veterans

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The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) is honored to be one of nine organizations chosen as Service Ambassadors for Team Depot and The Home Depot Foundation’s “Celebration of Service.” This effort runs through November 11, 2015.

The Team Depot Facebook page has published HAC’s spotlight post.

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Likes, comments and shares of these spotlight posts will also equal $1 toward the $1 million goal. Mark your calendar for the HAC’s spotlight post will be published onMonday, September 21!

About HAC’s participation in the Celebration of Service

HAC will be working to raise funds for three grass-roots organizations in rural areas and partnering with Team Depot volunteers to improve housing conditions for aging and service-connected disabled veterans. These are veterans like Ben Mitchell, a cook in the Korean war. With HAC and Home Depot support Western Maine Community Action, one of the local partners, was able to complete an emergency replacement on his septic system to ensure his large family could remain in their home safely. Ben is featured in the Team Depot Spotlight post.

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50 Years for Rural America

Over 50 years HAC has worked in every U.S. state and the territories. Learn more about what our work means for rural communities.

Board Portal

Housing Assistance Council   |  1828 L Street. N.W., Suite 505, Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 842-8600  |  (202) 347-3441  |  hac@ruralhome.org

HAC is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.