Veterans of the U.S. military branches have unique experiences compared to most American civilians. Veterans also have specific housing needs due to a variety of issues suffered and/or caused during active duty. Some of these issues pertain to post traumatic distress syndrome or severe injury as a result of service in which the veteran lost the use of a limb or vital function.
Veterans-only housing assistance is available in a variety of forms through a variety of government and private different agencies. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides veterans-only housing assistance in the form of VA-backed housing loans. VA home loans are provided to veterans by private lenders.
The VA then backs, or insures, a percentage of the total loan amount. How much they are willing to lend is largely dependent on where in the country you live, your credit score and how much you are able to pay for a down payment.
This program allows lenders to offer better rates and terms to veterans.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) also provides veterans-only housing assistance. This cooperative effort between HUD and the VA supplies rental assistance vouchers along with simultaneous mental, physical, mental, medical and emotional help.
Additional veterans-only housing assistance programs and resources include:
- The Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program.
- The VA Enhanced-Use Lease (EUL) Program.
- Native American Direct Loan (NADL) program and adapted housing grants.
- Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF).
- FreeGrantsForVeterans.org.
- Housing & nursing home care for aging veterans
