Columbia VA Landlord Fair strengthens partnerships to expand housing for Veterans

The event focused on recruiting new landlords to participate in the Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing program, known as HUD-VASH, while also strengthening relationships with existing partners who support Veteran housing efforts.

“The goal was to obtain new landlords to house Veterans in the HUD-VASH program and introduce the program to those who may not be familiar with it,” said Amanda Bonner, Columbia VAHCS’ Healthcare for Homeless Veterans program coordinator. “We want more participation from landlords.”

A total of 31 landlords attended the event, including 14 new participants and 17 who are already involved in the HUD-VASH program. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with VA staff, housing authorities, and community organizations that provide critical support services to Veterans.

The HUD-VASH program helps Veterans transition from homelessness to permanent housing through Housing Choice Vouchers and ongoing case management. At the Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center, the program serves more than 700 Veterans annually, with 789 vouchers dedicated to supporting housing placement. Currently, approximately 92% of Veterans enrolled in the program are housed, with about 30 actively searching for housing or in the process of being rehoused.

“Our mission is to permanently house homeless Veterans in safe, affordable housing,” Bonner said.

Landlord engagement remains a key component of that mission. By participating in HUD-VASH, landlords help ensure Veterans have access to stable housing and the support needed to maintain it.

“Strong partnerships with landlords are at the heart of our mission to end Veteran homelessness,” Bonner said. “When landlords open their doors, they become critical allies in providing Veterans a fresh start and a place to call home.”

Community partners also played a vital role in the event, offering resources and support to both landlords and Veterans. Among them was One80 Place, a nonprofit organization focused on ending and preventing homelessness across South Carolina.

“One80 Place provides emergency shelter, supportive and rapid rehousing, and individualized case management to help individuals and families move toward stability,” said Husani Holder, housing case manager with One80 Place. “Our approach is holistic—we focus not only on meeting immediate needs, but also on removing barriers and supporting long-term independence and housing stability.”

Holder said participating in the Landlord Fair was a natural extension of the organization’s collaboration with the VA.

“Because we receive funding from the VA, our Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program works closely with HUD-VASH to support Veteran housing,” he said. “The event was well executed and provided a valuable opportunity for community partners to connect and strengthen relationships.”

The fair also created opportunities for Veterans to engage directly with housing resources and support services. Several landlords offered on-site housing applications and waived application fees, helping reduce barriers to securing housing.

Events like the Landlord Fair are critical in building confidence among both landlords and Veterans, Holder said.

“For Veterans, it provides a clear understanding of available resources to support their stabilization in a way that feels accessible and not overwhelming,” he said.

The event highlighted the comprehensive support available through VA and its partners, including case management, financial assistance, employment resources, and access to health care services. These supports are designed to help Veterans not only secure housing but also maintain long-term stability.

A recent success story shared during the event underscored the impact of these partnerships. With the support of a participating landlord and HUD-VASH case management, one Veteran secured stable housing and later obtained full-time employment at the VA as an occupational therapy assistant.

The fair also facilitated real-time connections between landlords, Veterans, and case managers. In one instance, a landlord, a HUD-VASH social work associate, and a Veteran seeking housing met during the event and began discussing available housing options, creating a potential placement opportunity.

“This is exactly what the event was designed to do,” Bonner said. “When those working with homeless Veterans come together, lives can be changed in a single afternoon.”

Jeffrey Soots, Columbia VA Acting Executive Director, emphasized the importance of continued collaboration in addressing Veteran homelessness.

“Events like the Landlord Fair demonstrate the power of partnership in ensuring Veterans have access to safe, stable housing for Veterans,” Soots said. “By strengthening our collaboration  with landlords and community organizations, we are accelerating our ability to offer Veterans  real opportunities to rebuild their lives.”

Program officials plan to continue building on the relationships established during the event by maintaining communication with landlords, addressing questions, and connecting them with local housing authorities to begin the leasing process.

All agreed that efforts like the Landlord Fair remain essential to expanding housing opportunities and ensuring Veterans have access to the stable housing they deserve.