NAA is supporting an effort by the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness to end veterans' homelessness across the country. In December 2014, efforts to help assist the homeless were featured in units.

This is an achievable goal but there is a lot of work to do. In January 2014, 49,933 veterans were experiencing homelessness in the United States, and veterans accounted for more than 10 percent of all adults within that population. There are many programs around the country in which NAA members participate in response to this challenge and the broader crisis of homelessness in our society. For veterans, in particular, there is a key role for apartment owners, who may open available units in their communities to veterans who bring in HUD-VASH rental assistance.

HUD-VASH is a collaborative program between HUD and the VA through which eligible veterans experiencing homelessness receive a Housing Choice rental voucher from HUD, paired with VA-provided case management and supportive services to sustain housing stability, support recovery from physical and behavioral health issues, and address other challenges. Program goals include housing stability, while promoting maximum veteran recovery and independence in the community for the veteran and the veteran's family. Participants in the HUD-VASH program access case management and/or support services, which provides a safety net for tenants, additional assurances that lease terms are met and a reduced default risk.

This effort is an opportunity to either reinforce an existing relationship with local elected officials or build one anew. For those in areas where homelessness among veterans is particularly acute, apartment owners might hear directly from the USICH in regards to closer coordination of efforts.

If you are participating in the program, alert Carole Roper. NAA would like to highlight these efforts in units Magazine and other outlets.