Housing Works announces the issue of 17 vouchers to homeless veterans in Central Oregon. With the issuance of Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers, veterans in Central Oregon are finally receiving the long-awaited rental assistance. Recent activity involving Housing Works, state and local government and its officials, the Portland branch of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other local non-profit organizations has led to the successful placement of homeless veterans into clean, sustainable housing.
There is a huge need for the VASH vouchers in Central Oregon. According to the most recent American Communities Survey estimate, there are 15,578 veterans in Deschutes County, 2,547 veterans in Crook County and 1,860 veterans in Jefferson County. Currently, 15 of the 25 vouchers have been issued to veterans residing in Deschutes County and 2 veterans in Crook County. The tri-county area has been given 25 vouchers and Housing Works is currently working on issuing the remaining 8 vouchers to local veterans from each of those communities.
”We are excited to finally see a need being addressed in this community that has been long-awaited for many homeless veterans.“ Kenny LaPoint
The need doesn’t end with just housing. Many of these veterans are coming from chronic homelessness and lack the items needed for everyday living. Housing and Resident Services Director, Kenny LaPoint has collaborated with the Bend Community Center Thrift Store and Central Oregon Veterans Outreach (COVO) in the collection of furnishings and household supplies. To donate items needed or for more information, members of the community are encouraged to visit the thrift store located at 184 NE Franklin Avenue, Bend, or call Housing Works at 541-923-1018.
The Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program provides permanent housing subsidies and case management services to homeless veterans. The VA screens homeless veterans for program eligibility and provides case management services to enrollees. HUD allocates rental subsidies from its Housing Choice Voucher program to the VA, which then distributes them to the enrollees.
