VA Homeless Programs
HUD-VASH Collaborative Case Management with Designated Service Provider Application Process
Purpose
To provide instructions to Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs), Public Housing Agencies (PHAs), and Continuums of Care (CoCs) on the process of applying for Housing and Urban Development – Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Collaborative Case Management (CCM) with Designated Service Provider (DSP) (“HUD-VASH CCM”).
Background
Authorized by section 8(o)(19) of the United States Housing Act of 1937[1], the HUD-VASH program combines HUD Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) for homeless Veterans with case management and supportive services provided through VAMCs or DSPs approved by the VA Secretary. HUD-VASH provides eligible Veterans with increased access to permanent housing and the support necessary to maintain this housing over time.
HUD-VASH CCM uses a flexibility under the existing HUD-VASH program that allows communities to make up to 15% of a PHA’s total HUD-VASH voucher allocation available to eligible Veterans, but a DSP in the community provides the case management services instead of VA. The vouchers and case management services are made available for eligible Veterans through coordination among the local VAMC, PHA, and DSP with an understanding that there is a local need and sufficient HUD-VASH voucher capacity to serve these Veterans.
In HUD-VASH CCM, there must be a designated non-VA provider who will provide case management and supportive services utilizing the principles of Housing First.[2] The DSP is selected locally, through coordination with the PHA and the Continuum of Care (CoC) community partners. The DSP is responsible for providing case management as outlined in the HUD-VASH Operating Requirements.[3] These case management requirements include screening, referral, housing search, supportive services, and record maintenance.
Application Requirements
NOTE: If you are a homeless Veteran looking for assistance or more information about the HUD-VASH program and other VA services for homeless Veterans, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 or online at National Call Center for Homeless Veterans - VA Homeless Programs.
To apply for HUD-VASH CCM, the PHA must submit an application packet to the VA National HUD-VASH Program Office at VACO_HUD-VASH_Admin@va.gov that includes:
- A completed HUD-VASH Collaborative Case Management Application Form.
- A copy of an executed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the PHA and the proposed DSP.
- A letter of support from the VAMC endorsing participation in HUD-VASH CCM.
- A completed “In-Kind Agreement” between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the proposed DSP.
Application Review Process
Upon receipt of the completed HUD-VASH CCM application packet, the VA National HUD-VASH Program Office will review and recommend approval or disapproval to the VA Secretary. If the VA Secretary supports approval, the PHA will receive a designation letter from the Secretary’s office for the service provider, with an immediate effective date for the approval. The VAMC, PHA, and DSP will be informed and services may begin. If not approved, the PHA will receive a detailed explanation of the reason(s) for the denial and what may be needed for approval, where relevant.
There is no funding available from VA to support the supportive services and case management required by the DSP. Funding to cover these costs may potentially be secured by billing Medicaid; pursuing grant, bond, or other local funding opportunities; and/or exploring how services can be absorbed into existing budgets.
Additional Information
If you are a homeless Veteran looking for assistance or more information about the HUD-VASH program and other VA services for homeless Veterans, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 or online at National Call Center for Homeless Veterans - VA Homeless Programs.
VAMCs or PHAs interested in learning more about this application process may contact VA’s National HUD-VASH Program Office at VACO_HUD-VASH_Admin@va.gov.
[1] 42 U.S.C. § 1437f(o)(19)
[2] Housing First is an evidence-based clinical practice that centers on rapid housing for homeless people with high service needs and provides case management and supportive services to sustain housing.
[3] Published in the Federal Register on Monday, September 27, 2021, Volume 86, Number 84 (Pages 53207-53213)
