Washington County to serve more homeless Veterans after additional voucher award

The Housing Authority of Washington County (HAWC) thanks the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) for their $301,998.00 award on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. With the award, HAWC will now be able to offer rent assistance to 25 more Veterans in Washington County. This recent announcement brings the total number of Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers up to 272, from the previous 247.

“At HAWC we are strongly committed to ending Veteran homelessness in our county,” shared Rental Assistance Division Manager Liz Morris. “This is made possible with the partnership of the VA Portland Health Care System and VASH caseworkers. Since the national program launched in 2008, the number of Veteran’s experiencing homelessness has decreased by half across the country. VASH continues to be one of the most effective methods in combatting Veteran homelessness, providing life-changing housing and wraparound services to empower some of our community’s most vulnerable members.” 

Washington County’s VASH program is a joint effort between HUD and the VA. HUD allocates Housing Choice Vouchers, formerly known as Section 8, to help homeless Veterans and their families to afford rent in market-rate units while the VA provides crucial case management and high-quality clinical services.  HAWC receives referrals through the local Portland VA’s Community Resource and Referral Center. 

For more information on VASH vouchers, please visit our website. 

ABOUT HOUSING AUTHORITY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY: The Housing Authority of Washington County has been providing and developing affordable housing opportunities for over 50 years. Today, the effort continues with the County’s Department of Housing Services, formed in 1992 to administer both its housing activities and programs and that of Washington County. Its mission is to provide a continuum of affordable housing options that promote community strength. 

                                                                                                              ###