SSVF helps veterans find the housing stability they deserve and has the following characteristics:

 

• A community-based service provider acts as the point of contact for both the household and the landlord. This allows for positive communication between all the parties when there are questions or concerns.

 

• The program is time-limited. Eligible veterans can receive a subsidy for three to six months or may receive additional months of rental assistance depending on need, eligibility, and availability of funds. Households may be reassessed every 3 to 6 months. Veterans continue to be eligible for medical care through the VA for as long as they are eligible for VA services.

 

• Veterans select their own housing—which can include single-family homes, townhouses, apartments, or shared living situations—so long as that housing meets fair rent standards and minimum standards of health and safety.

 

• Each unit must pass an inspection before a household can move in. This includes Housing Quality Standards (HQS) for units housing children, and HUD Housing Habitability standards for units/shared living situations housing individuals. Download the inspection checklist.

 

• Veterans sign their own lease. Through the lease signing process, community-based service providers ensure that everyone understands their rights and obligations for participation in the program, tenancy, and how rent payments are made.

 

• Veterans receive supportive services as part of their participation in the program. Services are available on a case-by-case basis, including short-term intensive case management to remove barriers to housing. Case management services are focused on helping clients stabilize and connect to resources to achieve stable housing.  

 

• Rental assistance payments are administered through the service providers for this program and paid directly to the housing provider.

 

• Veterans can receive financial assistance to cover move-in-costs of the security deposit and the first month's rent.