Having a place to call home

At Memphis Housing Authority, we believe that everyone deserves stability and a place of their own that they can call home — our veterans, service members and their families are no different. One of the ways that we serve this group of brave men and women is with the Veterans Assisted Supportive Housing — or VASH — program. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is VASH?
VASH is a combined effort between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veteran Affairs. HUD provides rental assistance for veterans who are experiencing homelessness, and the VA assists with case management and clinical services. Not only does this program work to provide stable housing for veterans, it also helps provide health care, mental health services and substance use counseling. Basically, this program’s goal is to support veterans in obtaining housing and any other recovery treatments they might need. 

VASH has provided Memphis Housing Authority with nearly 500 more housing vouchers to give out to veterans experiencing homelessness. This has allowed us to dramatically decrease the homeless veteran population in our county – and we continue to add to that total with every new development and RAD conversion. We also have a dedicated VASH housing specialist on staff who works alongside the VA in an effort to find accessible, suitable housing for veterans with disabilities. 

How can you apply?
If you are or know a homeless veteran who needs help in Shelby County, reaching out to Memphis Housing Authority to learn more about the program and how to apply is a great start. We are here to support our community by providing stable, affordable housing to those who need it most. Having a VASH housing specialist on staff makes it easier to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process. 

Another way you can start the process of applying for VASH assistance is by getting in touch with your local VA. For Memphis residents, that would be the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. Medical Center at 1030 Jefferson Ave. Once you get into contact with them, you should tell them that you are interested in the HUD-VASH program, and they can help guide you through the steps you need to take. 

How can you add a unit to VASH?
If you’re a property owner looking to get one or multiple units involved in this program, you should get into contact with Memphis Housing Authority. VASH is an extension of the Housing Choice Voucher program, so steps for listing your properties will be similar to those. HUD has compiled a list of steps to follow for potential HCV landlords. 

Memphis Housing Authority is committed to providing those who need it with safe, affordable housing, and that includes our veterans. Through providing housing assistance, we hope to create more sustainable communities in the city of Memphis. If you’re someone looking for housing assistance or a property owner or landlord looking to get units involved in one of our programs, give us a call today!