The Biden administration announced initiatives to reduce homelessness, including expanded partnerships, funding for veterans, and updated regulations for repurposing surplus federal properties for affordable housing.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will award $39.8 million through the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. The funding provides rental assistance and supportive services to veterans experiencing homelessness. HUD reported that nearly 90,000 veteran households have secured stable housing and services through this program as of the end of Fiscal Year 2024.
HUD, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), also announced a second cohort of the Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator. This program offers technical assistance to states aiming to reduce homelessness by addressing health-related social needs and connecting older adults and people with disabilities to housing.
HUD, HHS, and the General Services Administration (GSA) outlined plans to streamline the repurposing of federal properties for housing and services. Over 140 properties have been repurposed, and new modernization efforts aim to expand the program.
GSA Deputy Administrator Katy Kale said the updated rule will simplify the assessment of federal properties for use in housing efforts and improve access for state and local governments and nonprofits.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the importance of using surplus federal properties and technical assistance programs to address both housing and health-related needs.
The administration highlighted its broader efforts to address homelessness, including major funding initiatives such as the $3.5 billion Continuum of Care Competition and the $175 million CoCBuilds grant program. Officials reiterated the administration’s commitment to increasing the availability of affordable housing and ending veteran homelessness.
Key Announcements
$39.8 million in funding through HUD-VASH for veterans.
Launch of the second cohort for the Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator.
Streamlined processes for repurposing surplus federal properties for housing.
The Biden administration reports that veteran homelessness is at its lowest level on record.
