How Landlords Can Help End Veteran Homelessness

No individual who has served our country should ever be without a home. And yet, thousands of Veterans in America still face the heartbreaking reality of homelessness every single day. The good news is that landlords have the power to help change this story.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is working tirelessly to combat Veteran homelessness, but they cannot do it alone. That’s where landlords come in. By opening rental units to Veterans through VA-supported programs, landlords can make a direct, life-changing difference.

And I want to be clear: I’m not just encouraging landlords to step in — I’m leading by example. As a landlord, I’ve chosen to put my own rental property into the program.

Why Landlords Are Key to the Solution

Housing a Veteran isn’t just about providing shelter. Stable housing leads to better health outcomes, stronger community ties, and financial stability for Veterans and their families.

For landlords, the benefits are equally meaningful:

• Reliable, on-time payments through subsidy programs.

• Support from VA case managers, who help Veterans stay on track with rent and lease responsibilities.

• Stable, long-term tenants, who often remain in place for extended periods.

• And most importantly, the opportunity to give back to those who gave so much for us.

The Programs That Support Landlords

Two major programs make this partnership possible:

1. HUD-VASH (Housing Choice Vouchers + VA Case Management)

This program combines Housing Choice Vouchers from HUD with VA case management. Veterans receive rental assistance while also gaining access to health care, mental health services, and social support.

2. SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families)

This program provides short-term rental subsidies, security deposits, and case management through community-based nonprofits. It helps Veterans get back on their feet and assume full responsibility for their lease and rent.

Together, these programs ensure landlords are supported while Veterans are stabilized.

How to Become a HUD-VASH Landlord

The process is straightforward. Here are the five steps:

1. Contact your local housing authority or VA medical center to learn about HUD-VASH.

2. List your available units through VA’s online landlord connection form.

3. Ensure your property meets HUD inspection standards (NSPIRE checklist).

4. Screen and select a Veteran tenant, then complete the Request for Tenancy Approval form.

5. Finalize the lease and Housing Assistance Payments contract once your property passes inspection.

From there, you’ll have a tenant with guaranteed support and consistent payments.

Other Ways to Help

Not every landlord may be ready to accept vouchers, but there are still meaningful ways to support Veterans:

• Rent to Veterans at a discounted rate.

• Donate furniture or household goods to Veterans moving into new homes.

• Share this information with other landlords and realtors to spread awareness.

My Personal Commitment

As someone with 31 years of military and federal service which has given me a deep appreciation for the importance of stability and readiness — both on the battlefield and in civilian life.

That’s why I’ve chosen to step in personally. I am placing my own rental property into this program, because I believe in leading by example. If my action can help one Veteran and their family find stability, then it’s worth it.

Final Call to Action

Ending Veteran homelessness is possible — but it requires all of us to do our part. Landlords, you have a unique opportunity to be part of the solution.

Every safe, stable home is a step closer to ending homelessness for our Veterans. If I can put my own property into the program, so can you.

👉 Learn more by visiting VA.gov/homeless or calling 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838) to get connected with your local program.

Together, we can end Veteran homelessness.