Veterans are selfless heroes who’ve sacrificed themselves to protect and bring peace in and out of the country. As such, they deserve all the honor, recognition, and benefits they’re entitled to.
As of 2021, there were around 19 million veterans in the United States, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Of this figure, it’s estimated that more than 40,000 former soldiers live on the streets at any given night. Despite the alarming number, this represents a 40% reduction since 2011. In addition, homeless veterans only account for about 11% of the total homeless population in the country.
While this may not be an acceptable excuse, veterans aren’t immune to the challenges of seeking shelter. Fortunately, there are government, non-profit organizations, and other housing options that can be explored. In this article, you’ll find a few affordable home solutions for veterans.
- Tear Down Option
Some sellers may offer structurally deficient housing units for sale. These homes are typically offered at much lower prices because of the hefty repair costs. Thus, the only way to use them is to tear them down and rebuild a more up-to-date home.
This may be the best option for you if you’re an aging veteran and want to build a place according to your needs. Depending on the home’s current condition, you may choose to demolish or perform selective or total deconstruction. To know more about this affordable housing option, visit helpful online sources like boutiquehomeplans.com.
For disabled veterans who need additional funding to rebuild or remodel a home, the Veterans Affairs can provide you with Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grants. Eligibility for these programs varies, so it’s best to call the VA hotline to ask where you may qualify.
Government-Backed Housing Programs For Veterans
Besides the housing grants mentioned above, the government, through its various agencies, offers several affordable housing options for those who’ve served the country. The following resources are primarily provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs exclusively or in partnership with other departments.
- Housing And Urban Development-Veterans Affairs (HUD-VA) Supportive Housing
This comprehensive assistance program primarily targets homeless veterans alongside their families to access permanent shelters and other support programs run by the VA. By collaborating with public shelter institutions, HUD provides rental vouchers to assist former soldiers who find themselves living on the streets.
Aside from shelter services, case managers are assigned to determine whether the beneficiary needs mental and health care assistance. This is crucial in ensuring proper care, as substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, social isolation, and unemployment are the most common reasons for veterans’ inability to keep their homes. HUD has reported that over 105,000 vouchers were distributed to veterans in December 2020.
- Enhanced-Use Lease (EUL) Program
The VA also runs the EUL program, which partners with private housing companies to lease buildings and properties exclusively to support war veterans. This supportive community provides skills training and comprehensive social services to qualified individuals and their families.
A similar concept was hatched in this reasonably priced veterans’ housing community in Pomona, California, which opened its doors to 60 eligible homeless former soldiers in 2021.
- Supportive Services For Veteran Families (SSVF)
Low-income families who are at risk or are already experiencing homelessness may avail of this program, which provides additional services to ensure stability and improve resiliency. SSVF offers swift rehousing through referrals to non-profit agencies.
- Housing Choice Voucher Program
Under this assistance scheme, low-income families of veterans can also apply for housing subsidies through the program. Note that this initiative is run by public housing agencies and covers vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and persons with disabilities.
- VA Home Loan
If you’re in a better fiscal position, you may not qualify for the programs discussed earlier. Still, you can avail of affordable home plans through the VA housing loan. Apart from waiving downpayment costs, the agency may exempt qualified veterans from paying additional VA loans, including funding fees.
- Non-Profit Housing Programs
In addition to partnering with the government, some non-government and charitable organizations run exclusive, affordable housing programs for low- to middle-income veterans and their families. A few of such entities include:
- The American Veterans Assistance Group’s Veterans Assistance Program
- Habitat for Humanity’s Veterans Build Program
- Operation Finally Home, which builds free homes for wounded and ill soldiers
- Restoring Independence, Supporting Empowerment, or RISE Program run by the Gary Sinise Foundation
- Homes For Our Troops, which is a program that focuses on the heroes of the 9/11 attacks
- Building Homes for Heroes, another mortgage-free assistance program for 9/11veterans
- Operation Homefront, which manages private sector housing donations through its Homes on the Homefront program
- Operation: Warrior’s Path’s mortgage-free houses under its The Warrior’s Project
Conclusion
Like others, most veterans may struggle to keep their homes for various reasons. Fortunately, private and public entities work overtime to cover their housing demands and social needs through various programs.
Through the affordable and often mortgage-free housing options discussed in this article, the country can show its recognition and gratitude to struggling military members who put their lives on the line so that others could live freely.
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