Rodney Cress, Veterans Advocate
♦ Received great news today that the HUD/VASH program for homeless veterans offered Rowan another 15 vouchers. When I started the program in 2008 under Rowan Housing Authority, we were approved for the first 35 vouchers. Within 18 months under the new program, we were offered another 20 vouchers. 4 months ago we were offered and received another 15 vouchers and today this 15 will make a total of 85 homeless veterans in Rowan that will qualify under Section 8 for free or reduced housing, depending on their disability rating. Paperwork is currently being filled out to be sent back to the HUD/VASH coordinator.
Rowan Housing has been on top of the program after I left in 2008 but I have still been involved. It was such a pleasure to have had a hand in making dreams for homeless veterans come true.
When the program started in 2008, there was an estimated 200,000 homeless veterans. The figure used now is slightly under 50,000.
The HUD/VASH program has been a success under federal guidelines. Let’s hope there is more funding in the future to keep taking care of our veterans who sacrifices so much.
