HUD-VASH Exit Study

Final Report

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development | Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD-VASH EXIT STUDY

FINAL REPORT

September 2017

Prepared for

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Prepared by

Ann Elizabeth Montgomery, VA National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans

Meagan Cusack, VA National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans
HUD-VASH Exit Study ii Final Report

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors acknowledge the following individuals and teams that were integral to this project:

• The Veterans who agreed to participate in the study; 

• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for sponsoring the 

study, as well as the HUD staff who assisted in its development and completion, 

especially Elizabeth Rudd from the Office of Policy Development and Research and staff 

from each of the participating housing authorities: Chelmsford Housing Authority, Harris 

County Housing Authority, Housing Authority of Monterey County, Housing Authority 

of the City of Camden, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, Housing Authority 

of the County of Los Angeles, Housing Authority of the County of Santa Clara, Houston 

Housing Authority, Lynn Housing Authority, Massachusetts Department of Housing and 

Community Development, and Philadelphia Housing Authority; and

• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the staff of the HUD-VA Supportive 

Housing case management teams affiliated with each study site: Edith Nourse Rogers 

Memorial Veterans Hospital, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (VAMC), 

Philadelphia VAMC, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, and VA Palo Alto 

Health Care System.

In addition, we acknowledge the local research staff at each study site who assisted with data 

collection:

• Bedford—David Smelson and Brittany Walker.

• Houston—Marilyn Hinojosa-Lindsey, Laura Marsh, and Takeisha Plowden.

• Los Angeles—Sonya Gabrielian and Nupur Nanda.

• Palo Alto—Mona Bazzi, Dan Blonigen, David Howard, and Luisa Manfredi-Batki.

• Philadelphia—Nora Hunt-Johnson and Janna Manjelievskaia.

We thank the staff from the University of Pennsylvania’s Mixed Methods Research Lab who 

aided with the coding and reporting of qualitative findings: Aderinola Adejare, Aneeza Agha, 

and Rosemary Frasso. 

We also recognize staff from the VA National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans who 

assisted in important ways throughout the design, analysis, and reporting of the study: Thomas

Byrne, Dennis Culhane, Ashley DiSilvestro, Jamison Fargo, Bessie Flatley, Thomas O’Toole, 

Jonathan Rajkumar, Christopher B. Roberts, Dan Treglia, and Irene Wong.

Finally, the authors acknowledge Vince Kane and Mark Johnston, who originally conceived of 

this study, and their tireless efforts to end Veterans’ homelessness.

DISCLAIMER

The contents of this report do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Department of 

Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or the United States 

Government.
HUD-VASH Exit Study iii Final Report

PREFACE

The HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program serves hard-to-house, homeless 

Veterans and their families with deep housing subsidies and intensive supportive services. HUDVASH, a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and 

the Department of Veterans Affairs, has grown from a small program serving fewer than 2,000 

Veterans in 2008 to a major program with the capacity to serve more than 87,000 Veterans in 

2017. With 87,864 VASH vouchers in circulation in April 2017, the program contributed 

substantially to the 47-percent decline in the number of homeless Veterans since 2010.

The HUD-VASH exit study takes a close look at how the HUD-VASH program was 

implemented in four different sites, focusing most on the 2011-to-2014 period, supplemented 

with administrative data covering 2008 to 2014. HUD-VASH served more than 7,000 clients 

during this time at the four sites. Researchers surveyed more than 500 Veterans and conducted 

indepth interviews with 110 Veterans to enhance information that could be derived from 

administrative data. The study analyzes how Veterans moved through the program from 

homelessness to stable housing and why Veterans exit the program. By better understanding why 

Veterans leave the program, we can inform and improve efforts to house this population.

The report finds that about one-half of Veterans who exited the program during the observation 

period simply no longer needed its intensive support, but a substantial minority of exiters would 

probably benefit from continued case management services and housing assistance—the key 

program features. This need is especially strong among Veterans who exit the program before 

accessing housing. The report describes program successes and offers concrete recommendations 

for program improvement. In particular, it describes promising practices for serving the Veterans 

with the greatest barriers to housing stability. This careful analysis of the characteristics of 

exiters from the program should inspire current and future efforts to better address the needs of 

the homeless veteran population.
HUD-VASH Exit Study iv Final Report

MESSAGE FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF 

VETERANS AFFAIRS

In 2010, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) presented the White House 

and Congress with Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, 

which represented the collaborative effort of 19 federal agencies. A primary goal of this plan was 

to prevent and end Veteran homelessness. Since then, the number of Veterans experiencing 

homelessness has decreased 47 percent, due in large part to a key collaboration between the U.S. 

Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Veterans Affairs (VA).

HUD and VA collaborated on a number of significant efforts to address Veteran homelessness 

by providing homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing assistance through the Veterans 

Homelessness Prevention Demonstration Program, advocating for community efforts to end 

Veteran homelessness through the Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness, and 

permanently housing Veterans through the HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) 

program. HUD-VASH is one of the most effective tools for ending Veteran homelessness.

HUD-VASH is jointly funded and implemented by HUD and VA. HUD provides a permanent 

housing subsidy through the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and VA provides case 

management and other supportive services to assist formerly homeless Veterans in accessing and 

maintaining housing. Although the program was originally established in 1992, since the release 

of Opening Doors the number of HUD-VASH vouchers has increased more than 60 percent, and, 

as of FY 2016, 85,097 vouchers are available across the country to house formerly homeless 

Veterans, some who go on to live independently.

HUD and VA commissioned this study to learn more about how and why Veterans exit the 

HUD-VASH program, the role that HUD and VA resources play in Veterans’ abilities to access 

and maintain housing with a HUD-VASH voucher, and facilitators and barriers to successful 

collaboration between HUD and VA in the administration of the program. Exploring multiple 

perspectives—Veterans and staff from both HUD and VA—and a wide array of data, this study 

found that HUD-VASH is successful at retaining Veterans in housing and that those who exit the 

program often do so because they accomplished their goals and rarely return to VA homeless 

programs. The study also found that the committed partnership between HUD and VA 

contributed to more streamlined internal processes and flexible program requirements, 

contributing to Veterans’ rapid access to housing and long-term housing stability.

This project underscores the importance of interagency collaboration and validates much of our 

joint efforts during these past several years. 
HUD-VASH Exit Study v Final Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary ..................................................................................................................... xiv 

Chapter 1: Introduction and Overview of Study ..............................................................................1 

Background ................................................................................................................................1 

Previous Research ......................................................................................................................3 

Overview of Study .....................................................................................................................6 

This Report.................................................................................................................................7 

Chapter 2: Methods ..........................................................................................................................8 

Study Site Selection ...................................................................................................................8 

Veteran Sample Selection ..........................................................................................................8 

Data Collection ........................................................................................................................14 

Data Analysis ...........................................................................................................................16 

Chapter 3: Characteristics of HUD-VASH Participants ................................................................18 

Demographics ..........................................................................................................................18 

Military History .......................................................................................................................20 

Medical Conditions and Mental or Behavioral Health Conditions ..........................................20 

Descriptive Background Characteristics ..................................................................................21 

Summary ..................................................................................................................................22 

Chapter 4: Features of Study Sites .................................................................................................24 

Population Data ........................................................................................................................24 

Homelessness and Housing Context ........................................................................................24 

HUD-VASH Voucher Allocation ............................................................................................26 

HUD-VASH Processes ............................................................................................................27 

Study Site Processes ................................................................................................................27 

Study Site Outcomes ................................................................................................................33 

Summary ..................................................................................................................................35 

Chapter 5: Program Engagement and Housing Process ................................................................37 

Time to Placement in Permanent Housing ...............................................................................37 

Living Situation Prior to HUD-VASH & Source of Referral .................................................39 

HUD-VASH Enrollment Process ............................................................................................42 
HUD-VASH Exit Study vi Final Report

HUD-VASH Housing Process .................................................................................................48 

Facilitators and Barriers ...........................................................................................................50 

Housing Satisfaction ................................................................................................................57 

Program Satisfaction ................................................................................................................60 

Summary ..................................................................................................................................61 

Chapter 6: VA Case Management .................................................................................................62 

Frequency of VA Case Management Contacts ........................................................................62 

VA Case Management Satisfaction .........................................................................................64 

Facilitators and Barriers ...........................................................................................................65 

Summary ..................................................................................................................................71 

Chapter 7: VA Health Services Use...............................................................................................73 

VA Health Services Use during Housing Process ...................................................................73 

VA Health Services Use Before and After Exit .......................................................................74 

Self-Reported Health in HUD-VASH .....................................................................................75 

Summary ..................................................................................................................................78 

Chapter 8: Exits from HUD-VASH ...............................................................................................79 

Frequency & Timing of Exits ..................................................................................................79 

Administrative Data .................................................................................................................80 

Characteristics Predicting Exit .................................................................................................88 

Profiles of Exiters ....................................................................................................................89 

Veterans’ Status After Exit ......................................................................................................93 

Returns to Homelessness .........................................................................................................93 

Summary ..................................................................................................................................95 

Chapter 9: Program Facilitators and Barriers ................................................................................97 

Facilitators................................................................................................................................97 

Barriers ...................................................................................................................................101 

Recommendations ..................................................................................................................106 

Summary ................................................................................................................................114 

Chapter 10: Conclusions ..............................................................................................................116 

HUD-VASH is Successful .....................................................................................................116 

Veterans Leave HUD-VASH Housing for a Variety of Reasons ..........................................116 
HUD-VASH Exit Study vii Final Report

Some Veterans Never Use their HUD-VASH Vouchers .......................................................117 

Facilitators and Barriers .........................................................................................................118 

Opportunities for Program Improvements .............................................................................119 

Strengths and Limitations ......................................................................................................123 

Next Steps ..............................................................................................................................124 

Appendix A: Glossary..................................................................................................................125 

Appendix B: Terms ......................................................................................................................127 

Appendix C: Methods ..................................................................................................................129 

Veteran Interview Materials ..................................................................................................129 

Staff Interview Materials .......................................................................................................146 

Quantitative Variables and Analyses .....................................................................................156 

Qualitative Coding Dictionary ...............................................................................................169 

Appendix D: Study Respondents .................................................................................................180 

Study Respondent Subsample ......................................................................................................180 

Demographics ........................................................................................................................181 

Military History .....................................................................................................................183 

Medical and Mental or Behavioral Health Conditions ..........................................................183 

Representativeness of Study Respondent Subsample ............................................................184 

Appendix E: Houston Site Description ........................................................................................186 

Housing Context ....................................................................................................................186 

VA Case Management ...........................................................................................................187 

Houston Housing Authority ...................................................................................................195 

Harris County Housing Authority ..........................................................................................199 

Step-by-Step Processes ..........................................................................................................203 

Appendix F: Los Angeles Site Description .................................................................................209 

Housing Context ....................................................................................................................209 

VA Case Management ...........................................................................................................210 

Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles ......................................................................217 

Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles .................................................................223 

Step-by-Step Processes ..........................................................................................................228 
HUD-VASH Exit Study viii Final Report

Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description ......................................................................................231 

Housing Context ....................................................................................................................231 

VA Case Management ...........................................................................................................232 

Housing Authority of the County of Santa Clara ...................................................................246 

Housing Authority of Monterey County ................................................................................250 

Step-by-Step Processes ..........................................................................................................254 

Appendix H: Philadelphia Site Description .................................................................................260 

Housing Context ....................................................................................................................260 

VA Case Management ...........................................................................................................261 

Philadelphia Housing Authority ............................................................................................269 

Housing Authority of the City of Camden .............................................................................273 

Step-by-Step Processes ..........................................................................................................277 

Appendix I: Supporting Data .......................................................................................................280 

Characteristics of HUD-VASH Participants ..........................................................................280 

Features of Study Sites...........................................................................................................286 

Program Engagement and Housing Process ..........................................................................289 

VA Case Management ...........................................................................................................295 

VA Health Services Utilization .............................................................................................296 

Exits from HUD-VASH .........................................................................................................301 

Appendix J: References ...............................................................................................................312 
HUD-VASH Exit Study ix Final Report

LIST OF EXHIBITS

Summary Exhibit 1 Veteran Data Sources and Sample Sizes ......................................................xv 

Summary Exhibit 2 Reasons for Exits Reported by VA Case Managers, HUD-VASH 

Participants ................................................................................................................................. xviii 

Summary Exhibit 3 Profiles of Leased-Up Exiters, HUD-VASH Participants ........................... xix 

Summary Exhibit 4 Profiles of Nonleased Exiters, HUD-VASH Participants .............................xx 

Summary Exhibit 5 Overview of HUD-VASH Processes .......................................................... xxii 

Exhibit 2.1 Study Group Pathways Into and Out of HUD-VASH ..................................................9 

Exhibit 2.2 HUD-VASH Participant Count ...................................................................................10 

Exhibit 2.3 Year of Program Admission, HUD-VASH Participants .............................................11 

Exhibit 2.4 Days in HUD-VASH, by Quartile, HUD-VASH Participants ....................................11 

Exhibit 2.5 Years in HUD-VASH Housing, HUD-VASH Participants ........................................11 

Exhibit 2.6 Study Site Recruitment and Enrollment .....................................................................12 

Exhibit 2.7 Study Respondent Count .............................................................................................13 

Exhibit 2.8 Qualitative Respondent Count ....................................................................................13 

Exhibit 2.9 Administrative Data Sources and Variables ...............................................................14 

Exhibit 3.1 Age, HUD-VASH Participants ...................................................................................18 

Exhibit 3.2 Race and Ethnicity, HUD-VASH Participants ...........................................................18 

Exhibit 3.3 Marital Status, HUD-VASH Participants ...................................................................19 

Exhibit 3.4 VA Enrollment Priority Group, HUD-VASH Participants ........................................19 

Exhibit 3.5 Period of Service and Combat Exposure, HUD-VASH Participants .........................20 

Exhibit 3.6 Medical Conditions and Mental/Behavioral Health Conditions, HUD-VASH 

Participants ....................................................................................................................................21 

Exhibit 3.7 Background Characteristics, Qualitative Respondents ...............................................21 

Exhibit 4.1 Adult Population, 2013 ..............................................................................................24 

Exhibit 4.2 Homeless Population, 2009–2014 ..............................................................................25 

Exhibit 4.3 Veteran Homeless Population, 2009–2014 ................................................................25 

Exhibit 4.4 Proportion Sheltered/Unsheltered Veteran Homeless, 2014 ......................................26 

Exhibit 4.5 Rental Market, 2013 ....................................................................................................26 

Exhibit 4.6 HUD-VASH Voucher Allocation, 2008-2014 ...........................................................26 

Exhibit 4.7 Overview of HUD-VASH Processes ..........................................................................27 

Exhibit 4.8 Houston HUD-VASH Processes .................................................................................28 
HUD-VASH Exit Study x Final Report

Exhibit 4.9 Los Angeles HUD-VASH Processes ..........................................................................29 

Exhibit 4.10 Palo Alto HUD-VASH Processes .............................................................................31 

Exhibit 4.11 Philadelphia HUD-VASH Processes ........................................................................32 

Exhibit 4.12 HUD-VASH Days to Placement in Permanent Housing, 2009–2014 .....................33 

Exhibit 4.13 VA Performance Measures, 2014 ............................................................................34 

Exhibit 4.14 Ease of HUD-VASH Enrollment Process, Study Respondents ...............................34 

Exhibit 4.15 Ease of HUD-VASH Housing Process, Study Respondents ....................................35 

Exhibit 5.1 Days to Placement in Permanent Housing, HUD-VASH Participants ......................37 

Exhibit 5.2 Summary of Multiple Regression Analyses, HUD-VASH Participants .....................38 

Exhibit 5.3 Living Situation at Voucher Receipt, Study Respondents .........................................39 

Exhibit 5.4 Living Situation at Apartment Selection, Study Respondents ...................................40 

Exhibit 5.5 Living Situations, Qualitative Respondents ................................................................40 

Exhibit 5.6 Exposure to Program/Referral Source, Qualitative Respondents ..............................40 

Exhibit 5.7 Ease of HUD-VASH Enrollment Process, Study Respondents ..................................41 

Exhibit 5.8 Enrollment Process Experiences, Qualitative Respondents ........................................42 

Exhibit 5.9 Negative Program Orientation Experiences, Qualitative Respondents .......................43 

Exhibit 5.10 Program Rules and Regulations, Qualitative Respondents .......................................46 

Exhibit 5.11 Ease of HUD-VASH Housing Process, Study Respondents ...................................47 

Exhibit 5.12 Number of Apartments Visited During Housing Search, Study Respondents .........48 

Exhibit 5.13 Services Received During Housing Process, Study Respondents ...........................49 

Exhibit 5.14 Services Received During Move-In, Study Respondents ........................................50 

Exhibit 5.15 HUD-VASH Housing Process Facilitators and Barriers, Qualitative 

Respondents ...................................................................................................................................51 

Exhibit 5.16 Housing Satisfaction While in HUD-VASH and After Exit, Study 

Respondents ..................................................................................................................................58 

Exhibit 5.17 HUD-VASH Housing Satisfaction Experiences, Qualitative Respondents .............59 

Exhibit 6.1 VA Case Management Requirements .........................................................................62 

Exhibit 6.2 Frequency of VA Case Management During Housing Process, HUD-VASH 

Participants ....................................................................................................................................63 

Exhibit 6.3 Frequency of VA Case Management Following Move-In, HUD-VASH 

Participants ....................................................................................................................................63 

Exhibit 6.4 Self-Reported Number of Monthly Meetings With VA Case Manager, Study 

Respondents ..................................................................................................................................64 

Exhibit 6.5 VA Case Management Satisfaction, Study Respondents ...........................................64 
HUD-VASH Exit Study xi Final Report

Exhibit 6.6 VA Case Management Facilitators and Barriers, Qualitative Respondents ...............65 

Exhibit 7.1 Monthly Outpatient Visits During Housing Process, HUD-VASH Participants

........................................................................................................................................................73 

Exhibit 7.2 Inpatient Stays and Emergency Care During Housing Process, HUD-VASH 

Participants ....................................................................................................................................74 

Exhibit 7.3 Monthly Outpatient Visits Before and After Exit, HUD-VASH Participants ...........75 

Exhibit 7.4 Inpatient Stays and Emergency Care Before and After Exit, HUD-VASH 

Participants ....................................................................................................................................75 

Exhibit 7.5 Self-Reported Health Status, Study Respondents ......................................................76 

Exhibit 7.6 Self-Reported Medical and Mental Health Problems, Study Respondents ................76 

Exhibit 7.7 Self-Reported Being “Troubled” by Drugs/Alcohol, Study Respondents .................77 

Exhibit 8.1 Days Between Receipt of Voucher and Exit, HUD-VASH Participants ...................80 

Exhibit 8.2 Reasons for Exits Reported by VA Case Managers, HUD-VASH Participants ........81 

Exhibit 8.3 Reasons for Exits Identified by Housing Authority and VA Staff ..............................82 

Exhibit 8.4 Main Reason for Exit Reported by Leased-up Exiters, Study Respondents ...............84 

Exhibit 8.5 Main Reason for Exit Reported by Nonleased Exiters, Study Respondents ...............84 

Exhibit 8.6 Reasons for Exit, Qualitative Respondents ................................................................85 

Exhibit 8.7 Logistic Regression Modeling Exits from HUD-VASH, HUD-VASH 

Participants ....................................................................................................................................89 

Exhibit 8.8 Profiles of Leased-Up Exiters, HUD-VASH Participants .........................................90 

Exhibit 8.9 Profiles of Nonleased Exiters, HUD-VASH Participants ...........................................90 

Exhibit 8.10 Latent Class Analysis of Leased-up Exiters, HUD-VASH Participants ...................91 

Exhibit 8.11 Latent Class Analysis of Nonleased Exiters, HUD-VASH Participants ...................92 

Exhibit 8.12 Avoiding Returns to VA Homeless Programs 360 Days After Exit, HUDVASH Participants ........................................................................................................................93 

Exhibit 8.13 Cox Proportional Hazards Survival Analysis for Time to Return to 

Homelessness Within 360 Days, HUD-VASH Participants ..........................................................94 

Exhibit 9.1 Program Facilitators Identified by Housing Authority and VA Staff .........................98 

Exhibit 9.2 Program Facilitators Identified by Qualitative Respondents ......................................99 

Exhibit 9.3 Program Barriers Identified by Housing Authority and VA Staff ...........................102 

Exhibit 9.4 Program Barriers Identified by Qualitative Respondents ........................................103 

Exhibit 9.5 Recommendations Identified by Housing Authority and VA Staff .........................107 

Exhibit 9.6 Recommendations Identified by Qualitative Respondents .......................................110 

Exhibit C.1 Administrative data ..................................................................................................157 
HUD-VASH Exit Study xii Final Report

Exhibit C.2 Survey Respondent Data ..........................................................................................163 

Exhibit D.1 Study Respondent Count ..........................................................................................180 

Exhibit D.2 Year of Program Admission, Study Respondents ....................................................180 

Exhibit D.3 Days in HUD-VASH, by Quartile, Study Respondents ...........................................181 

Exhibit D.4 Years in HUD-VASH Housing, Study Respondents ...............................................181 

Exhibit D.5 Age, Study Respondents ..........................................................................................181 

Exhibit D.6 Race and Ethnicity, Study Respondents ...................................................................182 

Exhibit D.7 Marital Status, Study Respondents...........................................................................182 

Exhibit D.8 VA Enrollment Priority Group, Study Respondents ................................................183 

Exhibit D.9 Period of Service and Combat Exposure, Study Respondents .................................183 

Exhibit D.10 Medical and Mental or Behavioral Health Conditions, Study Respondents ..........184 

Exhibit I.1 Sample Details, HUD-VASH Participants, by Study Group ....................................280 

Exhibit I.2 Demographics, HUD-VASH Participants, by Study Group .....................................281 

Exhibit I.3 Military History, HUD-VASH Participants, by Study Group ..................................282 

Exhibit I.4 Medical and Mental or Behavioral Health Conditions, HUD-VASH 

Participants, by Study Group .......................................................................................................282 

Exhibit I.5 Sample Details, HUD-VASH Participants, by Study Site .........................................283 

Exhibit I.6 Demographics, HUD-VASH Participants, by Study Site ..........................................283 

Exhibit I.7 Military History, HUD-VASH Participants, but Study Site ......................................284 

Exhibit I.8 Medical and Mental or Behavioral Health Conditions, HUD-VASH 

Participants, by Study Site ...........................................................................................................285 

Exhibit I.9 Adult Population, 2013 ..............................................................................................286 

Exhibit I.10 Homeless Population, 2009-2014 ............................................................................286 

Exhibit I.11 Rental Market, 2013 ................................................................................................287 

Exhibit I.12 HUD-VASH Program Characteristics .....................................................................288 

Exhibit I.13 Days to Placement in Permanent Housing, HUD-VASH Participants ....................289 

Exhibit I.14 Multiple Regression Analysis for Days Between Admission and HA 

Referral, HUD-VASH Participants ..............................................................................................289 

Exhibit I.15 Multiple Regression Analysis for Days Between HA Referral and Receipt of 

Voucher, HUD-VASH Participants .............................................................................................290 

Exhibit I.16 Multiple Regression Analysis for Days Between Receipt of Voucher and 

Move-in, HUD-VASH Participants .............................................................................................290 

Exhibit I.17 Multiple Regression Analysis for Days Between Admission and Receipt of 

Voucher, HUD-VASH Participants .............................................................................................291 
HUD-VASH Exit Study xiii Final Report

Exhibit I.18 Multiple Regression Analysis for Days Between Admission and Move-in, 

HUD-VASH Participants .............................................................................................................291 

Exhibit I.19 Living Situation During HUD-VASH Housing Process, Study Respondents .........292 

Exhibit I.20 HUD-VASH Enrollment and Housing Process, Study Respondents ......................292 

Exhibit I.21 Housing Selection, Study Respondents ...................................................................293 

Exhibit I.22 Services Received During Housing Process and Move-in, Study Respondents ......293 

Exhibit I.23 Housing Satisfaction While in HUD-VASH and After Exit, Study 

Respondents .................................................................................................................................294 

Exhibit I.24 Program Satisfaction, Study Respondents ...............................................................294 

Exhibit I.25 Frequency of VA Case Management .......................................................................295 

Exhibit I.26 VA Case Management Satisfaction, Study Respondents ........................................295 

Exhibit I.27 VA Services Utilization, HUD-VASH Participants ................................................296 

Exhibit I.28 Self-reported Health in HUD-VASH, Study Respondents ......................................300 

Exhibit I.29 Logistic Regression Modeling Exits from HUD-VASH (Leased-up Exit vs. 

Stay), HUD-VASH Participants ..................................................................................................301 

Exhibit I.30 Logistic Regression Modelings Exits from HUD-VASH (Nonleased vs. 

Leased-up Exit), HUD-VASH .....................................................................................................301 

Exhibit I.31 Reasons for Exits Reported by VA Case Managers, HUD-VASH 

Participants ...................................................................................................................................302 

Exhibit I.32 Reasons for Exits Identified by Housing Authority and VA Staff ..........................302 

Exhibit I.33 Reasons for Exits, Study Respondents ....................................................................303 

Exhibit I.34 Latent Class Analysis of Leased-up Exiters, HUD-VASH Participants .................308 

Exhibit I.35 Latent Class Analysis of Nonleased Exiters, HUD-VASH Participants .................309 

Exhibit I.36 Veterans’ Status Post-exit ........................................................................................310 

Exhibit I.37 Cox Proportional Hazards Survival Analysis for Time to Return to 

Homelessness Within 360 Days, HUD-VASH Participants ........................................................311
HUD-VASH Exit Study xiv Final Report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION AND RESEARCH PURPOSE

Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness was released in 2010. 

This plan included ending Veteran homelessness as one of its top priorities. In fact, homelessness 

among Veterans declined by nearly 47 percent, from 74,087 in 2010 to 39,471 in 2016. The U.S 

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)–U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 

(VA) Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program played a key role in this achievement. HUDVASH provides permanent supportive housing (PSH) to homeless Veterans. To qualify for 

HUD-VASH, Veterans must be eligible for VA health care and meet the homeless definition 

established by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.1 The PSH component links 

subsidized housing with supportive services such as mental and behavioral health care. 

HUD and the VA jointly implement the HUD-VASH program. VA clinicians provide case 

management to Veterans and refer Veterans to the partner public housing authority for housing. 

The housing authority issues Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs) to HUD-VASH program 

participants to lease rental units within the private market. In addition, a small number of HUDVASH participants live in project-based PSH. The HCV subsidizes the portion of rent that 

exceeds 30 percent of a Veteran’s income.

Congress expanded the HUD-VASH program significantly in 2008, with $635,000,000 in new 

vouchers funded between fiscal years 2008 and 2016. With this support, HUD and VA 

transformed HUD-VASH from a small program serving fewer than 2,000 Veterans into a major 

program with the capacity to serve more than 87,000 Veterans in 2016. As part of the effort to 

improve program effectiveness, HUD and VA initiated the HUD-VASH exit study in 2012 to 

develop a better understanding of how and why Veterans exit the program. 

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This study addressed a series of research questions at the participant level:

• Is HUD-VASH successful and what are the facilitators of success?

• What are the reasons that Veterans exit the HUD-VASH program, and do Veterans who 

exit before leasing up have different reasons than Veterans who exit after leasing up?

• What Veteran characteristics or program antecedents (for example, housing stability, 

frequency of supportive services, mental health status, and substance use) predict whether 

Veterans exit the program, the type of exit, and length of stay in the program? 

• What are Veterans’ patterns of VA medical, mental or behavioral health, and homeless 

services use before, during, and after participation in the HUD-VASH program? 

• What are common barriers that prevent Veterans from using HUD-VASH vouchers to 

obtain housing or that make remaining in permanent housing difficult?

 

1 Pub. L. 100-77, July 22, 1987.
Executive Summary

HUD-VASH Exit Study xv Final Report

The study also addressed program-level questions regarding implementation and collaboration:

• What community factors affect the success of local housing authorities and VA medical 

centers in administering the program? 

• How do HUD and VA work together to implement HUD-VASH at the community level?

• To answer the research questions, the VA National Center on Homelessness Among 

Veterans studied HUD-VASH programs in four U.S. cities: Houston, Texas; Los 

Angeles, California; Palo Alto, California; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As shown in 

summary exhibit 1, the research team collected and analyzed administrative data on 7,383 

Veterans, surveyed 508 Veterans, and conducted indepth, qualitative interviews with 110 

Veterans. Data were complemented by site visits and interviews with program staff.

Summary Exhibit 1. Veteran Data Sources and Sample Sizes

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters Total N

VA administrative data 2,788

(38%)

3,088

(42%)

1,507

(20%) 7,383

Survey data 370

(73%)

80

(16%)

58

(11%) 508

Qualitative interviews 56

(51%)

28

(25%)

26

(24%) 110

VA = U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Source: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System 

The administrative data gathered from VA medical records, as well as the VA Homeless 

Operations Management and Evaluation System (HOMES), included information such as 

demographics, diagnoses and frequency of VA healthcare visits, case management, HUD-VASH 

program enrollment start and exit dates, and reasons for exiting HUD-VASH case management 

recorded by case managers. The research team used administrative data to describe Veterans’ 

characteristics, their paths through the program, and use of VA services. The researchers 

analyzed the data to identify types of exiters, factors predicting exit, and profiles of exiters. 

Administrative data also enabled researchers to identify potential respondents for the study’s 

survey and open-ended qualitative interviews. 

A survey of 508 Veterans, conducted either in person or by telephone, and indepth interviews 

with 110 Veterans contextualized the findings from VA administrative data. Researchers 

examined the following themes in the survey questions:

• Housing and homelessness history.

• Experiences with the HUD-VASH housing process.

• Housing satisfaction.

• Relationships with case managers.

• Medical and mental health conditions.

• Substance use status.

• Reasons for program exit. 
Executive Summary

HUD-VASH Exit Study xvi Final Report

Researchers also gathered program-level information through qualitative interviews with local 

housing authority staff and VA case managers.

To determine why Veterans exit the HUD-VASH program, the study examined three categories 

of program participants: 

1. Stayers—Veterans who obtained a lease with a HUD-VASH voucher and remained in the 

housing unit with the voucher for 600 days or longer and had not exited the program at 

the time of selection into the study.

2. Leased-up exiters—Veterans who exited HUD-VASH after leasing a housing unit.

3. Nonleased exiters—Veterans who exited HUD-VASH after obtaining a voucher but 

before leasing a housing unit. 

Exit from the HUD-VASH program was defined as exit from VA case management as recorded 

by case managers in the VA administrative data.

MAJOR FINDINGS

Successes of HUD-VASH

A major success of the HUD-VASH program was that among both stayers and leased-up exiters, 

87 percent remained in the program for at least 1 year and 60 percent for at least 2 years. Of 

those who exited, nearly 93 percent of leased-up exiters and 90 percent of nonleased exiters did 

not return to VA homeless programs during the observation period.

Veteran Respondents. | Most of Veteran survey respondents indicated that HUD-VASH met 

their needs (96 percent of stayers, 90 percent of leased-up exiters, and 88 percent of nonleased 

exiters). Furthermore, during the qualitative interviews, Veterans indicated that maintaining a 

relationship with VA case managers was important and that VA peer support specialists provided 

valuable support from someone who shared their experience. As indicated by Veterans, the 

following facilitated successful outcomes in the HUD-VASH program:

• Cooperative landlords who waived screening processes or application fees.

• Move-in assistance.

• Quick move-in processes.

• Supportive VA case managers. 

• Ability to meet requirements imposed by the HUD-VASH program and property owners.

• Lists of available housing.

Program Staff. | At the program level, relationships with community partners and the ability to 

connect Veterans to community resources contributed to successful outcomes. The following 

common themes and activities, as articulated by program staff, contribute to the program’s success: 

• Collaboration with community partners to identify Veterans in need of assistance.

• Connecting Veterans to community resources.

• HUD-VASH boot camps as workshops to learn how to better respond to Veterans’ needs.
Executive Summary

HUD-VASH Exit Study xvii Final Report

• Program flexibility. 

• Reliance on VA specialists for employment and peer support.

• Building trust between Veterans and program staff. 

• Promoting Veteran independence so that Veterans can rebuild rental and credit history.

Reasons for Exiting HUD-VASH

Veteran Respondents (Leased-Up Exiters and Nonleased Exiters). | Among the leased-up 

exiters interviewed (N=74), the most common reason for exiting the program was an increase in 

income—a positive outcome for 27 percent of leased-up exiters. Another 11 percent indicated 

they left to move in with family or friends. The remaining 62 percent of leased-up exiters 

indicated reasons for exit such as worsening medical or mental health, difficulty paying rent, 

eviction, and dissatisfaction with the neighborhood. 

Nonleased exiters (N=53) often indicated that difficulty in finding housing was the main reason 

for exiting the program prior to moving into an apartment. Of nonleased exiters, 23 percent 

indicated that having the voucher revoked was the main reason for their exit, and 21 percent 

reported difficulty with housing, citing examples such as dissatisfaction with available 

apartments, inability to find an apartment to rent with the voucher, and insufficient funds to pay 

for the security deposit or furniture. Most of the remaining nonleased exiters indicated reasons 

for exit such as getting an offer to move in with family or friends, worsening medical or mental 

health, difficulty with HUD-VASH case management, and legal trouble; 13 percent indicated 

exiting for the positive reasons of increased income and improved health.

Program Staff. | Staff from local housing authorities and VA case management teams described 

their perspectives as to why leased-up and nonleased exiters left the program. The main reasons 

identified by program staff are as follows:

• Incarceration.

• Increase in income, which can make Veterans ineligible for the program.

• Lease or program violations. 

• Loss of contact.

• Lack of motivation to complete the process required to access housing.

• Withdrawal because Veterans may no longer need case management.

Case Managers. | When a Veteran exits HUD-VASH, VA case managers record in HOMES 1 of 

the 12 reasons listed in summary exhibit 2 to indicate why the Veteran ended his or her involvement

in HUD-VASH case management. According to VA case managers, the most common reason 

for exit among leased-up exiters is that the Veteran accomplished his or her goals or obtained 

access to services and no longer needed the program. Eviction or selecting other housing were 

also identified frequently, although fewer than 1 in 10 leased-up exiters were considered to have 

left the program for either of those reasons. Nonleased exiters were more evenly split across exit 

categories. VA case managers indicated that a common reason for nonleased exiters to leave the 

program was that they were no longer interested in participating, followed by the case manager 

being unable to locate the Veteran or the Veteran selecting other housing.
Executive Summary

HUD-VASH Exit Study xviii Final Report

Summary Exhibit 2. Reasons for Exits Reported by VA Case Managers, Percent of HUDVASH Participants

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 

Supportive Housing. 

Note: N = 4,925, including 3,070 leased-up exiters and 1,855 nonleased exiters.

Source: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System

Veterans’ Characteristics

About 90 percent of Veterans who participated in HUD-VASH programs at each of the study 

sites were men, regardless of the study group. Other characteristics varied among the study 

groups. Most stayers and leased-up exiters identified as Black and non-Hispanic, whereas most 

nonleased exiters identified as White and non-Hispanic. 

Leased-up exiters were more likely than others to have a medical or mental or behavioral health 

condition, and nearly one-half of them received HUD-VASH vouchers while living in a 

supportive environment. Before program entry, leased-up exiters used emergency and acute care 

more frequently than stayers, but use declined after program entry. HUD-VASH participants 

with a service-connected disability2 were 37 percent more likely to leave HUD-VASH after 

obtaining housing, perhaps indicating that they had sufficient income to live independently.

Compared with Veterans who accessed HUD-VASH housing, nonleased exiters tended to have 

deployed during the period after September 11, 2001, serving in Operations Enduring Freedom, 

Iraqi Freedom, or New Dawn. Nearly one-third of nonleased exiters received vouchers at a time 

when they were literally homeless. They received less frequent VA case management between

referral to the housing authority and voucher receipt and reported finding the housing process 

more difficult. Nonleased exiters were the most likely to report poor health during their time in 

the program and used emergency and acute care more frequently both before and after entry than 

did Veterans who moved into housing. Among exiters, Veterans with a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder were more likely to exit before moving into housing.

 

2 A disability incurred during military service is termed a service-connected disability and may entitle a Veteran to 

disability compensation, a monetary benefit paid to Veterans who the VA determines to be disabled by an injury or 

illness incurred or aggravated during active military service.

20.0

2.1

1.7

10.1

21.9

6.0

3.6

14.2

0.1

1.2

16.6

1.9

8.4

1.5

1.6

2.7

5.7

4.9

3.7

8.1

9.1

8.7

3.0

42.5

Other

Transferred to another HUD-VASH program site

Too ill to participate in HUD-VASH

Noncompliance with HUD-VASH case management

No longer interested in participating in HUD-VASH

No longer financially eligible

Incarcerated

Found/chose other housing

Evicted by HA or landlord or other housing issues

Deceased

Cannot be located

Accomplished goals/no longer needs program

Leased-Up Exiters Non-Leased Exiters
Executive Summary

HUD-VASH Exit Study xix Final Report

Researchers used demographic, health, and exit data about Veterans to conduct a series of latent 

class analyses that grouped study sample members into subgroups. The latent class analyses 

included variables that describe Veterans’ demographic and clinical characteristics and case 

managers’ characterizations of reasons for exit. Results of these analyses describe the 

heterogeneity among exiters. Summary exhibits 3 and 4 describe the subgroups of leased and 

nonleased exiters, arranged in order from most to least successful exits. Subgroups with most of 

the Veterans exiting the program because they had accomplished their goals or become 

financially ineligible are considered more successful than subgroups for whom negative exit 

reasons such as eviction or incarceration are more common.

Summary exhibit 3 describes five classes of leased-up exiters. This analysis suggests that about 

one-half of leased-up exiters left the program for positive reasons, based on case managers’ 

characterization of reasons for exit. The first three classes can be considered successful, because

most Veterans left HUD-VASH for reasons such as accomplishing goals or making too much 

money to qualify for the program. The smallest and least successful class had high needs with 

little income and used acute or intensive services more frequently. This class tended to exit the 

program for reasons such as noncompliance or incarceration.

Summary Exhibit 3. Profiles of Leased-Up Exiters, HUD-VASH Participants

Demographics Clinical Characteristics Reasons for Exit

Class 1

(20.9%)

Younger female, SC 

disability

Low rates of chronic medical and 

behavioral health conditions.

Accomplished goals

Found other housing

Financially ineligible

Class 2

(16.4%) 

Older male, no SC 

disability

Low rates of chronic medical and 

behavioral health conditions. Accomplished goals

Class 3

(16.6%)

Middle-aged male and 

female, SC disability

High rates of behavioral health 

conditions or substance abuse problems; 

chronic medical conditions.

Accomplished goals

Financially ineligible

Class 4

(32.2%)

Older male, no SC 

disability

Low rates of chronic medical and 

behavioral health conditions.

Accomplished goals

Loss of contact with VA

Incarceration

Noncompliance

Eviction

Class 5

(13.9%)

Older male, no SC 

disability

High rates of chronic medical and 

behavioral health conditions; inpatient 

care.

Loss of contact with VA

Incarceration

Noncompliance

Eviction

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing. SC = Service-connected.

Note: N = 2,959.

As shown in summary exhibit 4, researchers identified three profiles of nonleased exiters. About 

one-fourth of nonleased exiters were younger, female Veterans who left the program for positive 

reasons. Nonleased exiters in class 3 had high rates of medical, mental, and substance use

conditions and typically left the program due to illness or incarceration. 
Executive Summary

HUD-VASH Exit Study xx Final Report

Summary Exhibit 4. Profiles of Nonleased Exiters, HUD-VASH Participants

Demographics Clinical Characteristics Reasons for Exit

Class 1

(25.2%)

Younger female, SC 

disability

Few medical, mental and behavioral 

health, or substance abuse problems.

Found housing elsewhere

Were no longer interested in 

HUD-VASH

Class 2

(44.9%)

Older male, no SC 

disability

Some medical problems, but few mental 

and behavioral health or substance 

abuse problems.

Typically did not accomplish goals

Class 3

(29.9%)

Younger to middleaged male, no SC 

disability or more than 

50% disability

High rates of medical, mental and 

behavioral health, or substance abuse 

problems. Use of inpatient care prior to 

exit.

Loss of contact with VA

Illness

Incarceration

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing. SC = Service-connected.

Note: N = 1,307.

Veterans’ Patterns of VA Services Use

The research team examined Veterans’ patterns of use of VA medical and mental health services 

before entry into the program and, if applicable, after exit from the program. Across all study 

groups, administrative records demonstrated that the frequency of medical, mental or behavioral 

health, and substance use visits, and of inpatient stays of any kind, declined after admission to 

the HUD-VASH program. Nonleased exiters received more healthcare services than leased-up 

exiters in the 90 days before exit and in the 180 days after exit, although Veterans’ use of 

inpatient and emergency care either remained flat or declined for both groups of exiters after 

exit.

Common Barriers To Obtaining Housing

Veteran Respondents. | Qualitative interview respondents indicated critical barriers to accessing 

HUD-VASH housing. Some Veterans indicated that case managers were impersonal, 

overworked, and held irregular meetings that were insufficient to forge a supportive relationship. 

Several respondents indicated that they experienced discrimination from property owners, who in 

some instances charged higher amounts for security deposits or failed to return phone calls. 

Nonleased exiters tended to find the HUD-VASH housing process to be more difficult than did 

stayers and leased-up exiters. Common challenges articulated by Veterans during qualitative 

interviews included:

• Housing located in undesirable, high-crime neighborhoods.

• Limited accessible housing.

• Limited funds for move-in.

• Conflicts with property owners, who were slow with paperwork or had issues 

coordinating rent and using HUD-VASH vouchers.

• Unsuitable housing (for example, plumbing and electrical issues and bug infestations).

• Unwillingness of landlords to rent to Veterans with criminal backgrounds.

• Limited transportation resources for Veterans to visit housing units of interest.
Executive Summary

HUD-VASH Exit Study xxi Final Report

• Lengthy apartment inspection process.

• Medical and mental health conditions that hindered apartment searches.

Program Staff. | Program staff responses about barriers to obtaining housing overlapped with 

Veterans’ responses in the areas of affording move-in costs; Veteran background characteristics 

such as poor credit, past evictions, or criminal background; and medical and mental health 

conditions. Program staff also added that Veteran readiness in transitioning from homelessness 

to new housing units was a barrier to obtaining housing.

Effect of Community Factors on the Success of HUD-VASH

Qualitative interviews with local housing authority and case management staff revealed a variety 

of resources unique to the study sites that contributed to the local success of the program. For 

example, VA case management in Los Angeles includes a nurse who assists Veterans with 

ongoing medical issues, sometimes directly within Veterans’ homes. Life skills groups in Palo 

Alto teach Veterans the tools to get and stay housed. The Philadelphia VA team indicated that 

housing, peer support, and substance use disorder specialists, as well as resources to assist 

Veterans interested in furthering education or finding employment and transitioning out of HUDVASH, were vital to their team. The Houston Housing Authority has a waiver enabling the 

housing authority to pay up to 110 percent of the Fair Market Rent for HUD-VASH participants 

in high-opportunity areas, enabling Veterans to move to areas with higher performing schools 

and more community resources.

HUD and VA Collaboration

The process for moving a Veteran into HUD-VASH housing is depicted in summary exhibit 5. 

Although some components of the HUD-VASH program are standardized across the country, 

flexibility exists in how the local housing authorities and VA case management teams 

collaborate to fulfill requirements. In communities with multiple housing authorities the steps 

may differ in number or execution across agencies. Program staff identified elements of HUD 

and VA collaboration that facilitate the program, including co-location of housing authority and 

VA case management, HUD-VASH boot camps, and streamlining the application process. For 

example, VA case managers are collocated with the Harris County Housing Authority in 

Houston; the teams share a vision and collaborate to determine how best to serve Veterans. The 

Los Angeles city and county housing authorities created a single, uniform HUD-VASH 

application that makes paperwork easier for VA staff. VA staff complete the voucher application 

for the Housing Authority of the County of Monterey, which shortens turnaround time. 
Executive Summary

HUD-VASH Exit Study xxii Final Report

Summary Exhibit 5. Overview of HUD-VASH Processes

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 

Supportive Housing. SSVF = Supportive Services for Veteran Families.

LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

Despite the amount of data collected in this study, several limitations exist:

• Due to data limitations, the research team was unable to assess other characteristics of 

Veterans’ history that would increase understanding of housing stability such as the 

chronicity of homelessness, incarceration, or family composition. 

• The difficulty of recalling an event in the past, as well as feeling the need to provide a 

favorable answer (social desirability bias), may have influenced Veterans’ responses. 

• The results of the study do not indicate whether Veterans who exited case management 

continued to receive HUD housing assistance.3

 

Using multiple sites for primary data collection also has some limitations:

• Although the research team conducted a number of quality assurance activities, the study 

methodology may have been carried out inconsistently across sites. 

• Each site has different geographies and housing markets, making some of the findings 

more context specific rather than generalizable.

 

3 In-house analysis conducted in December 2016 by HUD indicates that, among Veterans who exited HUD-VASH 

case management, about two-thirds probably also had exited housing assistance much earlier or around the same 

time.
Executive Summary

HUD-VASH Exit Study xxiii Final Report

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS

The HUD-VASH program demonstrated high rates of retention and low rates of returns to VA 

homeless programs. The program fulfills its purpose in serving the needs of Veterans with 

medical conditions, mental health conditions, or a history of substance use. Based on innovations 

that the research team observed in practice, the study suggests that to maintain Veterans’ longterm housing stability, HUD and VA should:

• Maintain continuity of care through a team approach.

• Increase assistance during the housing search.

• Provide assistance during the transition to independent housing. 

• Explore additional opportunities for project-basing HUD-VASH vouchers to streamline 

the provision of more intensive support and services.

• Evaluate Veterans’ needs and housing satisfaction more regularly using more accurate 

metrics.

To mitigate the difficulty in affording move-in costs, HUD-VASH should coordinate with 

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) programs and other community organizations 

to assist with the financial aspect of the housing process. SSVF could also be useful in 

transitioning Veterans from receiving a HUD-VASH subsidy to paying their full market-rate rent 

through the use of small subsidies. Additionally, other programs need to be identified to assist 

Veterans with utility bills.

As the HUD-VASH study was being completed, many of these recommendations were being 

employed. For instance, VA implemented a team-based approach to case management, and in 

each of the past 3 years, HUD successfully held competitions for HUD-VASH project-based 

vouchers.

The study recommends that future efforts to improve the program include a focus on assessing 

Veterans more regularly throughout program admission and the housing process, while in 

housing, and on exiting the HUD-VASH program. The goal would be to ensure that Veterans 

receive the level of assistance they need to maintain housing stability. Interventions with varying 

levels of intensity should be considered. Veterans who do not need the full complement of HUDVASH services may benefit from lower intensity intervention, including shallow subsidies for 

Veterans transitioning out of the program. Veterans transitioning from a literally homeless 

situation may require more intensive services for a longer period of time. More indepth 

assessment of reasons for exiting HUD-VASH would provide a deeper understanding of what 

constitutes success and Veterans’ views on what is needed to attain success.
HUD-VASH Exit Study 1 Final Report

CHAPTER 1:

INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW OF STUDY

Preventing and ending homelessness among Veterans is a national priority supported by the 

White House and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH, 2010). Both the U.S. 

Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are 

committed to using evidence-based approaches to address Veteran homelessness. An example of 

the collaboration between these two agencies is the HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUDVASH) program, which has been credited with reducing unsheltered homelessness among 

Veterans (USICH, 2014).

HUD-VASH is a vital tool that ends homelessness among Veterans by providing permanent 

supportive housing (PSH)—housing subsidies provided by HUD combined with supportive 

services provided by VA—specifically for Veterans and with a focus on those experiencing 

chronic homelessness. To understand how HUD-VASH contributes to the decline in Veteran 

homelessness and to inform practice and policy responses, additional information is needed, such 

as how effective the program is at assisting formerly homeless Veterans to access and maintain 

housing, whether Veterans who leave the program sustain their housing stability, and reasons 

why Veterans leave the program.

Previous research on PSH has examined access to housing, the process of attaining a housing 

unit, and housing retention. Research related to residents’ exits from PSH has primarily focused 

on types of program exits and predicting circumstances of exit and length of stay. Building on 

this work, this study offers a comprehensive examination of HUD-VASH program processes, 

services, and program exits—defined as exits from HUD-VASH case management—and is the 

first study to examine exits that occur both before and after accessing HUD-VASH subsidized 

housing. Extensive quantitative analysis of VA administrative data is contextualized by survey 

and interview data from Veterans, housing authority staff, and VA case managers.

BACKGROUND

Approximately 48,000 Veterans were homeless on one night in January 2015; about 64 percent 

were staying at an emergency shelter or transitional housing, and the remainders were living in 

an unsheltered situation (HUD, 2015a). During federal fiscal year (FFY) 2014, approximately 

132,000 Veterans accessed emergency homeless shelters or transitional housing (HUD, 2015b). 

Although the size of the homeless Veteran population has gradually declined—35 percent 

between 2010 and 2015—several studies have found that Veterans’ risk of homelessness is at 

least double that of a comparable population of non-Veterans (Fargo et al., 2012; HUD, 2015a; 

HUD and VA, 2011). To address the disproportionately high rates of homelessness among 

Veterans, VA developed a strategy that includes ending chronic homelessness among Veterans 

through HUD-VASH.

The following sections describe the concept of PSH, how it has been operationalized at VA 

medical centers (VAMCs), and what is known about exits from PSH, including HUD-VASH.
Chapter 1: Introduction and Overview of Study

HUD-VASH Exit Study 2 Final Report

Permanent Supportive Housing 

PSH, which combines subsidized housing with wraparound supportive services, is the preferred 

intervention for addressing chronic homelessness (HUD, 2013). This intervention often is 

indicated for individuals who are experiencing a chronic condition, particularly serious mental 

illness and substance use disorders (SUDs), that may be associated with an increased risk of 

housing instability (Caton, Wilkins, and Anderson, 2007) and asserts that they should live in 

“normal” housing regardless of their level of functioning (Blanch, Carling, and Ridgway, 1988). 

The general tenets of PSH dictate that housing is permanent and based on the individual’s 

preference and that adequate supportive services are available to assist those individuals in 

maintaining housing stability (Carling, 1990).

PSH is an evidence-based practice that improves outcomes such as housing stability among 

persons with serious mental illness and decreases unnecessary use of acute care and institutional 

services (Culhane, Metraux, and Hadley, 2002; Rog, 2004). Retention rates in PSH are as high as 

85 percent during the first year, and studies have found that up to one-half of PSH residents 

remain in program housing for 3 to 5 years (Caton, Wilkins, and Anderson, 2007).

HUD-VASH

HUD-VASH, jointly funded and implemented by HUD and VA, comprises a permanent housing 

subsidy provided through HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and case 

management provided by VA clinicians. To be eligible for HUD-VASH, Veterans must be 

eligible for VA health care and be considered homeless, as defined by the McKinney Homeless 

Assistance Act and amended by the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to 

Housing (HEARTH) Act of 2009.4 Specifically, HUD-VASH is intended to serve chronically 

homeless Veterans (i.e., Veterans who have experienced long-term or repeated homelessness), 

with the goal of helping them access and maintain stable housing.

Through its national HCV program, HUD provides rental assistance for units in the private rental 

market through housing vouchers that are administered by local public housing authorities. 

Participants pay a portion of their monthly income toward the rent, with the remaining portion 

subsidized by the voucher. VA serves Veterans participating in HUD-VASH by providing case 

management and other supportive services to assist Veterans with the housing search and movein processes and connecting them with medical, mental health, and substance use services either 

at local VA facilities or from community-based providers. The goal of case management is to 

connect Veterans with services they need to access and maintain housing stability. Chapter 4 

includes more detailed information on HUD-VASH processes; chapters 5 and 6 provide further 

information on housing and case management.

 

4 To be eligible for VA health care, Veterans must have served in active duty and had an other-than-dishonorable 

discharge. Although eligibility is not restricted to chronically homeless Veterans, HUD-VASH is prioritized for 

those with the greatest needs. HEARTH defines an individual or family as chronically homeless if they reside in a 

place not meant for human habitation, a safe haven, or an emergency shelter; have been homeless for at least 1 year 

or on 4 separate occasions in the last 3 years; and have an adult head of household with a substance abuse disorder, 

mental illness, developmental disability, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), cognitive impairments resulting 

from brain injury, or chronic physical illness or disability (HUD, 2016b).
Chapter 1: Introduction and Overview of Study

HUD-VASH Exit Study 3 Final Report

HUD and VA originally established HUD-VASH in 1992 with approximately 1,700 vouchers. 

The size of the program increased significantly in 2008 with an allotment of 10,000 vouchers; as 

of FFY 2015, nearly 79,000 HUD-VASH vouchers are in use across the country (HUD, 2016a). 

Local public housing authorities receive HUD-VASH vouchers based on a set of community 

characteristics: the number of Veterans who are homeless on one day in January based on local 

point-in-time (PIT) counts; the frequency of contacts that the VAMC has with Veterans 

experiencing homelessness; and how well the local housing authorities and VAMCs are 

performing in terms of housing Veterans. Based on those data, the agencies select communities 

with the greatest need; HUD identifies one or more corresponding housing authorities to 

administer the vouchers, and VA identifies VAMCs to provide supportive services, with mutual 

agreements between the agencies in place regarding the number of vouchers to be used in each 

community (HUD, 2016a). Although the HUD-VASH program includes national requirements 

regarding eligibility and minimum services provision for Veterans, each local program operates 

differently.

During FFY 2013, VA shifted its policy regarding the implementation and administration of 

HUD-VASH to be consistent with a Housing First approach. A traditional model of PSH places 

requirements—such as accepting treatment for mental health or substance use issues or agreeing 

to a representative payee to manage their income—on individuals before they can access 

permanent housing. Housing First is distinguished from this model because it provides 

individuals access to housing with no further requirements, based on the rationale that once an 

individual has attained housing stability, she or he is more likely to engage in services 

(Tsemberis, 2010). This study was conducted during HUD-VASH’s transition to Housing First; 

therefore, each program studied was in a different stage of adopting Housing First principles.

Although the Housing First approach does not require individuals to participate in services, 

HUD-VASH regulations require that the program serve Veterans who need support to obtain and 

maintain housing; Veterans typically have medical, mental health, or substance use disorders and 

an extensive history of homelessness. Regulations also require that participating Veterans 

communicate with VA case managers or VA case management teams at least monthly.

PREVIOUS RESEARCH

PSH generally—and HUD-VASH specifically—is intended to be permanent housing. Given that 

aim, previous research has attempted to address why individuals and households participating in 

PSH exit those programs. Those studies have looked at households’ access to housing, the 

process of attaining a housing unit, housing retention, and types of program exit.

Housing Process

Two studies considered the relationship between the housing process—from receiving a referral 

to a PSH program to attaining permanent housing—and households’ housing-related outcomes. 

The first study used data from the initial phase of the HUD-VASH program (1991–1999) and 

found that Veterans’ entry into the program (that is, receiving a referral to be considered for the 

program) was more likely if the Veteran had a history of drug or alcohol use and had participated 

in a VA treatment program; however, those Veterans who reported recent substance use were 

less likely to receive a referral. This study also sought to identify conditions and characteristics 

associated with attaining a voucher and accessing permanent housing. Only one demographic 

characteristic, female gender, was consistently associated with successful progress through the 
Chapter 1: Introduction and Overview of Study

HUD-VASH Exit Study 4 Final Report

program. Veterans affiliated with more mature programs had greater success obtaining vouchers, 

and Veterans accompanied by VA case managers during the housing search were more likely to 

attain housing (Kasprow et al., 2000).

A second study randomly assigned individuals with serious mental illness who were 

experiencing homelessness to one of four groups: HCV plus traditional case management, HCV 

plus more intensive case management services, traditional case management only, or intensive 

case management only. This study assessed whether access to a housing voucher or supportive 

services, demographics, and clinical characteristics were associated with individuals’ ability to 

attain housing. Those individuals who were assigned an HCV—regardless of level of case 

management intensity—were approximately 20 percent more likely to achieve some type of 

consistent housing and almost five times more likely to obtain independent permanent housing 

than those who did not receive a voucher (Hurlburt, Hough, and Wood, 1996).

Housing Retention

Approximately 85 percent of individuals living in PSH retain their housing for at least 1 year 

(Caton, Wilkins, and Anderson, 2007). An early study of HUD-VASH found that the average 

length of stay in the program was 15 months, that approximately one-half of Veterans remained 

in HUD-VASH housing for at least 1 year, and approximately two-thirds of Veterans who left 

the program moved into independent housing (Mares, Kasprow, and Rosenheck). A later study 

found that 93 percent of a sample of Veterans remained in stable HUD-VASH housing 12 

months following move-in (Montgomery et al., 2013). Several studies have identified 

characteristics of households and programs that contribute to long-term housing retention.

Kasprow and colleagues (2000) found that Veterans were more likely to remain housed for 1 

year if VA case managers helped them obtain Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. 

Another study using HUD-VASH data found that Veterans with more medical problems 

experienced longer lengths of stay in housing (Mares, Kasprow, and Rosenheck, 2004). Female 

gender and shorter histories of homelessness have been associated with longer-term housing 

stability (Hurlburt, Hough, and Wood, 1996; Pearson, Montgomery, and Locke, 2009), whereas 

a report of drug and alcohol problems increased an individual’s probability of unstable housing 

by a factor of more than two (Goldfinger et al., 1999; Hurlburt, Hough, and Wood, 1996). 

Researchers also have observed that individuals identifying as Black were more likely to exit 

PSH within 12 months of entry (Pearson, Montgomery, and Locke, 2009; Wong et al., 2008) and 

that a positive relationship exists between education and housing retention (Pearson, 

Montgomery, and Locke, 2009).

At the nexus of person- and program-level characteristics, one study determined that a higher 

proportion of individuals who stay in PSH use outpatient behavioral health services compared 

with those who leave PSH. Alternatively, individuals who leave PSH use a higher proportion of 

inpatient services during their time in PSH compared with those who stay in PSH (Wong et al., 

2008).

Program-level characteristics associated with long-term housing retention have been found to 

account for more of the variation in the housing outcomes than do client characteristics 

(Harkness, Newman, and Salkever, 2004; Mares, Kasprow, and Rosenheck, 2004). A specific 

program characteristic that enhances housing retention is access to rental subsidies (Mares, 

Kasprow, and Rosenheck, 2004), including HCVs (Hurlburt, Hough, and Wood, 1996). 
Chapter 1: Introduction and Overview of Study

HUD-VASH Exit Study 5 Final Report

Individuals in cluster-site housing stay for shorter periods of time than individuals in scatteredsite housing (Wong et al., 2008), and poor building quality is also associated with shorter stays 

(Harkness, Newman, and Salkever, 2004).

Types of Exit

Several studies related to PSH and housing stability have explored exit dispositions among 

individuals who leave the programs. Wong and colleagues (2006) studied differences—

demographic and diagnostic factors, history of homeless shelter use, characteristics of service 

use, and program features—between individuals who stayed in PSH and three categories of exits: 

(1) positive versus nonpositive exits; (2) voluntary versus involuntary exits, with voluntary exits 

being further categorized into opportunity seekers and situational exiters; and (3) exits to 

independent housing versus nonindependent housing. They identified one-third of their study 

sample as positive exiters who exited the program to live in an independent setting without 

services and two-thirds as nonpositive exiters who returned to homelessness or entered a 

residential or institutional setting. Compared with positive exiters, nonpositive exiters reported a 

higher level of services use, particularly acute services (for example, emergency department, 

inpatient psychiatric treatment), during and following their tenure in PSH.

Individuals who made the choice to leave PSH were considered voluntary exiters and constituted 

approximately two-thirds of the sample, whereas individuals who were asked to leave PSH as a 

result of rule violations or inability to sustain independent housing constituted approximately 

one-third of the sample. Among voluntary exiters, the group of opportunity seekers often 

“graduated” from the program after exhibiting the ability to live independently. On the other 

hand, situational exiters elected to leave the program to address “personal, housing, and support 

situations” (p. xiv) or because of changes in functioning or housing preference. Common reasons 

for exiting PSH among involuntary leavers were that they were asked to leave by the program, 

were actively abusing substances, became ill, or were hospitalized; in contrast, voluntary exiters 

moved to more desirable housing (Wong et al., 2006). The third category of leavers that Wong 

and colleagues (2006) identified was based on the exiters’ post-PSH living situation; 

approximately one-third were independent-housing exiters, one-third were nonindependent 

housing exiters, and the remaining one-third exited to unknown locations. As expected, 

involuntary exiters were more likely to leave for nonindependent housing, whereas voluntary 

exiters were more likely to leave for independent housing.

Another study included death, the need for more intensive care, incarceration, and eviction 

related to violence as involuntary reasons for exit. Voluntary reasons included refusing to obtain 

identification needed to secure benefits and being a wanderer (Pearson, Montgomery, and Locke, 

2009). A study using HUD-VASH data similarly characterized Veterans’ exit type as either 

mutually agreed on (both Veteran and VA case manager decided that VA case management was 

no longer necessary) or premature (Veterans left under other circumstances or were asked to 

leave). During the study period, one-half of the Veterans who exited the program did so under 

mutual agreement; 20 percent exited prematurely because of rule violations, most frequently 

related to substance use; and the remaining Veterans initiated their own exit. Although Veterans 

who waited longer for housing were more likely to exit prematurely and to have poor housing 

and employment outcomes, there was a positive association between VA case management visits 

and mutually agreed-on exits as well as housing and employment outcomes (Mares, Kasprow, 

and Rosenheck, 2004).
Chapter 1: Introduction and Overview of Study

HUD-VASH Exit Study 6 Final Report

OVERVIEW OF STUDY

This study intends to provide a better understanding of how and why Veterans exit the HUDVASH program. This study identified facilitators and barriers to program engagement, housing 

processes, and VA case management; described participants’ use of VA services before, during, 

and after program participation; explored the timing and reasons for program exits; and assessed 

collaborative efforts between HUD and VA in the administration of four local HUD-VASH 

programs.

The study addressed the following research questions at the Veteran level:

• What are common barriers that prevent Veterans from using HUD-VASH vouchers to 

obtain housing or that make remaining in permanent housing difficult?

• What are the reasons that Veterans exit the HUD-VASH program?

• What different types of exits are there, and do reasons for exit differ across exit types?

• What Veteran characteristics or program antecedents (for example, housing stability, 

frequency of supportive services, mental health status, substance use) predict whether 

Veterans exit the program, the type of exit, and length of stay in the program? 

• What are Veterans’ patterns of VA medical, mental or behavioral health, and homeless 

services use before, during, and after participation in the HUD-VASH program,? 

• The study also considered program-level questions regarding implementation and 

collaboration:

• What community factors impact the success of local housing authorities and VAMCs in 

administering the program? 

• How do HUD and VA work together to implement HUD-VASH at the community level?

To address those research questions, the VA National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans 

(NCHAV) coordinated a multisite research study conducted through four HUD-VASH 

programs: Houston, Texas; Los Angeles, California; Palo Alto, California; and Philadelphia, 

Pennsylvania. Data were collected on Veterans who were currently in the HUD-VASH program 

and had been for 2 years or more, Veterans who exited the program after obtaining permanent 

housing using a HUD-VASH voucher, and Veterans who exited the program after receiving a 

voucher but before attaining permanent housing.

Existing VA medical record and homeless system data for HUD-VASH participants at each site 

allowed the research team to assess Veterans’ background characteristics and services use during 

their participation in HUD-VASH and explore the relationship between clinical characteristics 

and program exits. Research staff also conducted closed- and open-ended interviews with a 

subsample of HUD-VASH participants. During those interviews, Veterans provided information 

about their personal characteristics, perceptions of the HUD-VASH housing process from 

admission to the program to moving into housing, satisfaction with their housing (if housed), and 

their relationship with their VA case managers.

In addition, research staff from the NCHAV visited local HUD-VASH housing authorities and 

VA case management teams at each of the study sites to develop comprehensive descriptions of 

those sites and to contextualize Veteran-level findings. Program-level information also highlights 
Chapter 1: Introduction and Overview of Study

HUD-VASH Exit Study 7 Final Report

coordination and collaboration between HUD and VA as well as best practices across the sites, 

common facilitators and barriers to engaging and retaining Veterans in the program, and frequent 

reasons why Veterans exit the program.

THIS REPORT

This report presents findings about Veterans and local HUD-VASH programs. Following an 

overview of the methods employed during this study, this report describes HUD-VASH 

participants who met the study criteria at each of the study sites, including Veterans’ 

demographic and clinical characteristics. The report then summarizes and compares features of 

the HUD-VASH study sites, including an overview of the process from program engagement to 

housing and retaining a Veteran in the program. Next, the report describes Veterans’ experiences 

in the HUD-VASH program; experiences with VA case management; VA services use before, 

during, and after program enrollment; and why Veterans exited the program. Finally, the report 

outlines facilitators and barriers to accessing and sustaining HUD-VASH housing and concludes 

with a summary of study findings and policy implications.
HUD-VASH Exit Study 8 Final Report

CHAPTER 2:

METHODS

The NCHAV led this multisite study conducted at four HUD-VASH programs. Research staff 

used administrative data to describe HUD-VASH participants and identify study respondents to 

provide subjective, contextual data to support the analyses of administrative data. At each study 

site, research staff selected a subsample of participants to be recruited for individual, structured 

interviews; a portion of those participants also responded to open-ended qualitative interviews. 

Finally, research staff from NCHAV visited each of the study sites to collect program-level 

information from local housing authority staff and VA case managers.

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the Corporal Michael J. 

Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Philadelphia. In addition, each of the 

study sites received IRB approvals from their respective VAMCs and affiliated academic 

institutions, where applicable.

STUDY SITE SELECTION

During FFY 2012, the research team and NCHAV leadership selected a sample of HUD-VASH 

programs throughout the country. Selected sites were large enough to recruit a sufficient study 

sample based on the sites’ voucher utilization for FFY 2008–2011. In addition, the sites 

represented wide geographic and programmatic variation. The four study sites were:

• Houston, Texas

• Los Angeles, California

• Palo Alto, California

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia served as the coordinating site; in that role, research staff affiliated with NCHAV 

oversaw the project and ensured, to the extent possible, that each study site conducted study 

procedures consistently. Two additional sites were originally included in the study: Tampa, 

Florida, and Bedford, Massachusetts. The Tampa site left the study before subject recruitment. 

Although the Bedford site received approval from the local IRB for this study and commenced 

recruitment, only 32 Veterans were recruited during the study period. Because this study was 

intended to assess findings within and across sites, the Bedford sample was insufficient for 

inclusion in this report.

VETERAN SAMPLE SELECTION

The study population comprised Veterans who were admitted to the HUD-VASH program, 

obtained a HUD-VASH voucher, and met the following criteria to be included in one of three 

study groups:

• Stayers—Obtained a lease with a HUD-VASH voucher and remained in the housing unit 

with the voucher for 600 days or longer and had not exited the program at the time of 

selection into the study
Chapter 2: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 9 Final Report

• Leased-up exiters—Exited HUD-VASH after leasing a housing unit, regardless of reason 

for exit

• Nonleased exiters—Exited HUD-VASH after obtaining a voucher but before leasing a 

housing unit, regardless of reason for exit

For the purposes of this study, an exit from HUD-VASH means that a Veteran exited HUDVASH case management and is no longer receiving supportive services from the program (i.e., 

by leaving one of the two components of the program, the Veteran is considered to have exited). 

Exit status is indicated by VA case managers in VA administrative data systems; however, there 

is no indication of whether Veterans who exited case management continued to use their HUDVASH voucher to subsidize their housing expenses. Therefore, this study did not explore the 

relationship between an exit from HUD-VASH case management and an exit from vouchersubsidized housing.5

Exhibit 2.1 depicts the pathways of each of the study groups into and out of the program.

Exhibit 2.1 Study Group Pathways Into and Out of HUD-VASH

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing.

Throughout this report, results are presented for HUD-VASH participants at each of the study 

sites—with some exceptions noted—as well as a subsample of HUD-VASH participants who 

responded to surveys, referred to as “study respondents” and a subsample of study respondents 

who participated in semi-structured interviews, referred to as “qualitative respondents.”

HUD-VASH Participants

A total of 7,383 Veterans (63.8 percent of all HUD-VASH participants at the four study sites) 

met the study criteria. The research team identified HUD-VASH participants at each study site 

using existing administrative data. Veterans included in analyses met the criteria for one of the 

 

5 In-house analysis recently conducted by HUD indicates that among 64,000 Veterans who exited HUD-VASH case 

management nationally between 2008 and 2016, voucher status is unknown for about one quarter; among the 47,000 

Veterans for whom voucher status is known, a small proportion (10 percent) ended participation in HUD housing 

assistance more than 45 days before exiting case management and more than half ended housing assistance within 

45 days before or after exiting case management; of the one-third of exiters who continued housing assistance, at 

least half continued housing assistance for a year or more after exiting case management.
Chapter 2: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 10 Final Report

study groups: stayers, leased-up exiters, or nonleased exiters. For Veterans with multiple entries 

into the program, research staff retained only the most recent entry. Approximately one-third of 

HUD-VASH participants did not meet the criteria for one of the three study groups, including 

Veterans who were new to the program and had not yet received a voucher or had not yet moved 

into a unit, housed Veterans who had not yet lived in a rented unit for more than 600 days, and 

Veterans who exited HUD-VASH before receiving a voucher.

Veterans in Los Angeles constituted more than one-half (51.0 percent) of the study sample, 

followed by 23.9 percent in Houston, 17.4 percent in Palo Alto, and 7.6 percent in Philadelphia. 

Leased-up exiters made up the largest study group (41.8 percent), followed by stayers (37.8 

percent) and nonleased exiters (20.4 percent). Exhibit 2.2 provides the sample sizes for HUDVASH participants included in analyses by study site and group.

Exhibit 2.2 HUD-VASH Participant Count 

Stayers

N=2,788

Leased-Up 

Exiters

N=3,088

Nonleased 

Exiters

N=1,507

Total

N=7,383

N % N % N % N %

Houston 495 17.8 1,013 32.8 260 17.3 1,770 23.9

Los Angeles 1,643 58.9 1,251 40.5 873 57.9 3,767 51.0

Palo Alto 314 11.3 680 22.0 293 19.4 1,287 17.4

Philadelphia 336 12.1 144 4.7 81 5.4 561 7.6

Houston

N=1,768

Los Angeles

N=3,767

Palo Alto

N=1,287

Philadelphia

N=561

Total

N=7,383

N % N % N % N % N %

Stayers 495 28.0 1,643 43.6 314 24.4 336 59.9 2,788 37.8

Leased-up exiters 1,013 57.3 1,251 33.2 680 52.8 144 25.7 3,088 41.8

Nonleased exiters 260 14.7 873 23.2 293 22.8 81 14.4 1,507 20.4

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing.

Source: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System

The program admission years for HUD-VASH participants are listed in exhibit 2.3. The majority 

of Veterans meeting study criteria entered the program during or after 2011.

Exhibit 2.4 indicates the average length of time that HUD-VASH participants remained in the 

program. Because stayers did not have an exit date, their length of stay was calculated between 

voucher issuance or move-in and the end of the study’s observation period (December 2, 2014). 

On average, stayers were housed through HUD-VASH for more than 3 years (1,148 days); 

leased-up exiters remained in housing for more than 1 1/2 years (658 days) before exiting; and 

nonleased exiters left the program after nearly 5 months (148 days).

Exhibit 2.5 provides data on the number of HUD-VASH participants who remained housed 

through the program for at least 1 or 2 years. The majority of participants who moved into 

housing stayed for at least 2 years. Among leased-up exiters, three-quarters stayed for at least 1 

year.
Chapter 2: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 11 Final Report

Exhibit 2.3 Year of Program Admission, HUD-VASH Participants

Stayers

N=2,783

Leased-Up 

Exiters

N=3,088

Nonleased 

Exiters

N=1,503

N % N % N %

2008 or before 49 1.8 85 2.8 1 0.1

2009 350 12.6 500 16.2 20 1.3

2010 489 17.6 668 21.6 43 2.9

2011 1,018 36.6 914 29.6 243 16.2

2012 832 29.9 585 18.9 338 22.5

2013 45 1.6 312 10.1 502 33.4

2014 0 0.0 24 0.8 356 23.7

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing.

Source: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System

Exhibit 2.4 Days in HUD-VASH, by Quartile, HUD-VASH Participants

N 25% 50% 75% Mean

Stayers 

Voucher issuance to end of observation period 2,781 917 1,153 1,462 1,230

Move-in to end of observation period 2,781 844 1,076 1,391 1,148

Leased-up exiters 

Voucher issuance to exit 3,068 433 651 968 731

Move-in to exit 3,073 365 573 889 658

Nonleased exiters

Voucher issuance to exit 920 89 129 177 148

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing.

Source: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System

Exhibit 2.5 Years in HUD-VASH Housing, HUD-VASH Participants

All Study Groups

N=5,876

Leased-Up 

Exiters Only

N=3,088

N % N %

1 year or longer 5,089 86.6 2,309 74.8

2 years or longer 3,551 60.4 1,116 36.1

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing.

Source: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System

Study Respondents

The process for recruiting and enrolling subjects differed to some degree by study site; those 

variations are summarized in exhibit 2.6. Recruitment lists were developed using administrative 

data provided by the coordinating site and input from local HUD-VASH staff. Sites with access 

to a larger sample pool randomized their recruitment lists and attempted to recruit all Veterans 

on the lists.
Chapter 2: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 12 Final Report

Exhibit 2.6 Study Site Recruitment and Enrollment 

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

Recruitment list

Stayers–VA HUD-VASH 

supervisor generated list 

of current HUD-VASH 

participants; research 

staff randomized list and 

created recruitment list 

twice as large as the 

desired sample size 

(anticipating 50% 

response rate).

Exiters–VA HUD-VASH 

housing coordinator 

generated list of Veterans 

who exited the program 

during the 6 months 

before the study start 

date.

Stayers–NCHAV 

provided randomized 

stayer list twice as large 

as the desired sample 

size (anticipating 50% 

response rate); when 

site attempted to recruit 

all Veterans but still had 

not reached target, 

NCHAV provided 

second randomized 

stayer list of 100 

Veterans.

Exiters–NCHAV 

provided list of all 

Veterans who exited 

HUD-VASH. 

Stayers–VA HUDVASH supervisor

identified Veterans 

currently participating 

in HUD-VASH using 

local HUD-VASH 

database; research staff 

randomized list and 

created recruitment list 

twice as large as the 

desired sample size 

(anticipating 50% 

response rate).

Exiters–VA HUD-VASH 

supervisor identified 

Veterans who exited 

HUD-VASH using local 

HUD-VASH database.

Stayers–NCHAV 

provided randomized 

stayer list twice as large 

as the desired sample 

size (anticipating 50% 

response rate); when 

the site attempted to 

recruit all Veterans but 

did not reach target, 

NCHAV provided 

second list with 

remaining 85 Veterans. 

Exiters–NCHAV 

provided list of all 

Veterans who exited 

HUD-VASH; VA case 

manager identified 

exiters and regularly 

provided a recent exiter 

list to research staff.

Enrollment 

period 03/12/14–07/31/14 11/25/13–06/16/14 07/16/13–07/29/14 04/17/13–07/17/14

Mode of 

interviews

In-person interviewsa In-person interviews 

and three quantitative 

interviews via telephone

In-person and 

telephone interviews

In-person interviews 

Incentives

$20 cash, bus pass $20 cash voucher 

redeemable at 

VAMC/$20 electronic 

funds transfer for 

Veterans interviewed by 

telephone

$20 canteen voucher $20 cash, 2 bus tokens

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing.

a. Research staff in Houston conducted qualitative interviews with all exiters and stayers until they reached thematic 

saturation. In addition, they administered a Working Alliance Inventory-Short Revised (WAI-SR), a Multidimensional 

Scale of Perceived Social Support (Zimet et al., 1988), a Relationship Questionnaire (Griffin and Bartholomew, 1994), 

and a Health Literacy measure (Chew, Bradley, and Boyko, 2004; Chew et al., 2008) at the end of the interviews.

Once eligible Veterans were identified, research staff at each site first contacted the Veterans by 

mailing a study flyer and recruitment letter, asking the Veterans to contact them with questions 

or to indicate interest in participating in the study. If research staff did not receive a response 

within 2 weeks of mailing recruitment materials, they called each Veteran, asked if the Veteran 

had received the recruitment letter, reviewed the contents of the letter if the Veteran had not 

received it, and asked the Veteran whether he or she wanted to opt out of the study. Local VA 

case managers also informed exiting Veterans of the opportunity to participate in the study by 

verbally summarizing the information contained in the study flyer and providing the Veterans 

with a copy of the study flyer. Veterans received an incentive for their participation.

Power analyses and expected participation rates from another study of exits from PSH (Wong, 

Hadley, and Culhane, 2006) indicated that the subsample of Veterans who would respond to inperson interviews should include 533 respondents: 70 percent (N=373) stayers and 30 percent 

(N=160) exiters. The power analysis is described in appendix C.
Chapter 2: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 13 Final Report

The final sample that responded to interviews comprised 508 Veterans; the majority (72.8 

percent) of the respondent sample was stayers, and the remaining were leased-up exiters (15.7 

percent) and nonleased exiters (11.4 percent). Exhibit 2.7 summarizes the respondent sample size 

by study site and group. Additional information about the subsample of study respondents is 

included in appendix D.

Each of the study sites also conducted qualitative interviews with a portion of study respondents. 

The target was to include one-third of all exiters (either leased-up or nonleased) in the 

subsample, for a total of 14 qualitative interviews with exiters, as well as an equal number of 

stayers for comparative purposes. Exhibit 2.8 provides the size of the qualitative sample by study 

group and study site.

Source: Veteran Survey

Exhibit 2.8 Qualitative Respondent Count

Stayers

N=56

Leased-Up 

Exiters

N=28

Nonleased 

Exiters

N=26

Total

N=110

N % N % N % N %

Houston 14 25.0 8 28.6 5 19.2 27 24.5

Los Angeles 14 25.0 7 25.0 7 26.9 28 25.5

Palo Alto 14 25.0 5 17.9 8 30.8 27 24.5

Philadelphia 14 25.0 8 28.6 6 23.1 28 25.5

Houston

N=27

Los Angeles

N=28

Palo Alto

N=27

Philadelphia

N=28

Total

N=110

N % N % N % N % N %

Stayers 14 51.9 14 50.0 14 51.9 14 50.0 56 50.9

Leased-up exiters 8 29.6 7 25.0 5 18.5 8 28.6 28 25.5

Nonleased exiters 5 18.5 7 25.0 8 29.6 6 21.4 26 23.6

Source: Veteran Interview

Exhibit 2.7 Study Respondent Count

Stayers

N=370

Leased-Up 

Exiters

N=80

Nonleased 

Exiters

N=58

Total

N=508

N % N % N % N %

Houston 92 24.9 8 10.0 5 8.6 105 20.7

Los Angeles 95 25.7 25 31.3 16 27.6 136 26.8

Palo Alto 86 23.2 24 30.0 22 37.9 132 26.0

Philadelphia 97 26.2 23 28.8 15 25.9 135 26.6

Houston

N=105

Los Angeles

N=136

Palo Alto

N=132

Philadelphia

N=135

Total

N=508

N % N % N % N % N %

Stayers 92 87.6 95 69.9 86 65.2 97 71.9 370 72.8

Leased-up exiters 8 7.6 25 18.4 24 18.2 23 17.0 80 15.7

Nonleased exiters 5 4.8 16 11.8 22 16.7 15 11.1 58 11.4
Chapter 2: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 14 Final Report

DATA COLLECTION

Three types of data were included in the study: administrative data, Veteran data (collected 

through surveys and interviews), and program-level data. Only the NCHAV research team 

collected administrative and program-level data, whereas each study site participated in Veteran 

survey and interview data collection, with procedures reviewed and approved by local IRBs.

Veterans

This study examined administrative data and primary Veteran data. Research staff affiliated with 

the coordinating site obtained administrative data from existing VA databases; staff at each site 

collected primary Veteran data during closed-ended surveys and open-ended qualitative 

interviews.

Administrative Data

The research team accessed the following administrative databases to obtain information about 

Veterans’ demographics, medical diagnoses, and military history, as well as their stays in the 

HUD-VASH program: 

• VA Medical Record—demographics; medical, mental or behavioral health, and substance 

use conditions; VA services use.

• VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System (HOMES)—HUD-VASH 

records, including program dates and exit information.

The research team accessed administrative data for the period beginning 12 months before a 

Veteran’s admission to HUD-VASH and 12 months following exit from HUD-VASH, if 

applicable. Exhibit 2.9 provides a summary of administrative data accessed for this study. A list 

of variables, including their source and definitions, is included in appendix C.

Exhibit 2.9 Administrative Data Sources and Variables

Database Category Variables

VA Medical 

Record

Demographics Sex, age, race, ethnicity, marital status, and VA enrollment priority 

group

VA Medical

Record

Military service Period of service and combat experience

VA Medical 

Record

Diagnoses and VA 

services use

Medical health and mental or behavioral health diagnoses; 

frequency of VA primary care, mental or behavioral health, and 

substance use outpatient visits; frequency of emergency 

department visits; and frequency of inpatient medical health, 

mental or behavioral health, and substance use inpatient visits and 

lengths of stay

VA Medical 

Record

VA case management VA case management services received before, during, and 

following HUD-VASH enrollment

VA HOMES HUD-VASH program 

dates

Program enrollment date, voucher receipt date, lease date, exit 

date, time to placement in permanent housing, and length of stay

VA HOMES HUD-VASH program exit Reason for exit

VA HOMES = VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System. HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of 

Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Supportive Housing. 
Chapter 2: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 15 Final Report

HOMES data related to demographics, military service, incarceration history, and homelessness 

history, as well as living situation at program exit, were not reported here due to missing data.6

Finally, given that this study was initiated before the institution of Housing First and the 

program’s accelerated focus on chronic homelessness, comparing groups related to those 

program measures was not possible. However, analyses did take into account whether Veterans 

entered HUD-VASH before or after the transition to a Housing First approach.

Survey Data

Interviewers at each study site used an interview protocol—specifically tailored to each of the 

three study groups—to conduct in-person, one-on-one surveys with a subsample of HUD-VASH 

participants either onsite at VAMC facilities or by telephone. The objective of those surveys was 

to collect subjective data from study respondents to contextualize the analyses based on 

administrative data. Surveys included questions related to the following areas:

• Housing and homelessness history—Interviewers used the Residential Time-Line FollowBack Calendar7 method to identify where Veterans were living when they enrolled in 

HUD-VASH and during their participation in the program (Tsemberis et al., 2007).

• HUD-VASH housing process—Interviewers asked a series of questions to collect more 

detailed information about the ease with which Veterans enrolled in the program, 

obtained a housing voucher, and leased an apartment.

• Housing satisfaction—Using a scale measuring apartment and neighborhood satisfaction, 

interviewers assessed Veterans’ satisfaction with the housing they obtained through 

HUD-VASH (Tsemberis et al., 2003).

• Income, work, and education—Several questions assessed Veterans’ sources of income 

during their tenure in HUD-VASH, as well as whether they were involved in any 

educational or vocational programs.

• VA case manager relationship—This section estimated the number of monthly VA case 

management contacts Veterans had while in HUD-VASH, as well as the extent to which 

they worked well with their VA case managers, based on questions adapted from the 

Working Alliance Inventory, Short Form (Hovarth, 1987, 1989).

• Medical and mental health conditions—This section assessed Veterans’ medical and 

mental health status and ability to perform activities of daily living during their tenure in 

HUD-VASH; several of these questions were based on items included in the RAND 

Health Medical Outcomes Study (Hays, 1994).

• Substance use status—Two questions, influenced by the Addiction Severity Index 

(Treatment Research Institute, 1998), asked Veterans to indicate the severity of substance 

use issues during their tenure in HUD-VASH, as well as whether they accessed inpatient 

or outpatient treatment during that time.

 

6 Of the HUD-VASH participants, 40.5 percent had missing demographic, military service, and incarceration history 

data, and 44.4 percent had missing data regarding their homelessness history. Among exiters, 26.8 percent had 

missing data related to housing status, housing stability, and living arrangement at exit.

7 This is a validated method of collecting residential histories from homeless people that involves organizing the 

chronology around events of personal significance and using open-ended dialogue with the respondent.
Chapter 2: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 16 Final Report

In addition, interviewers asked study respondents about their program exit, including whether the 

exit was voluntary or not, the reasons that contributed to the Veteran’s leaving the program, and 

whether HUD-VASH staff assisted the Veteran in finding a place to live following program exit. 

Exiters also provided information about their current housing situation, postexit contact with VA 

staff, and their income, work, and education following program exit. Copies of the surveys and a 

list of variables are included in appendix C.

Interview Data

For a subsample of study respondents, interviewers conducted semistructured qualitative 

interviews based on interview guides developed by NCHAV research staff. Those questions 

prompted Veterans to walk through their experiences in HUD-VASH, from how they learned 

about the program to their housing search, as well as their relationship with their VA case 

manager and any positive or challenging experiences they had in the program. Research staff 

audio recorded these interviews, which were then transcribed verbatim and de-identified by an 

independent third party. Members of the research team checked the transcripts for accuracy 

against the audio recordings. Copies of the interview guides are included in appendix C.

Programs

The NCHAV research team visited each study site between April and June 2014 and interviewed 

staff affiliated with the HUD-VASH program at local housing authorities, as well as HUD-VASH 

VA case management staff. Those interviews followed an interview guide and were recorded and 

transcribed. Copies of the interview guides are included in appendix C. Descriptions of the sites are 

current as of the date of the site visit and are included in appendices E through H.

DATA ANALYSIS

NCHAV research staff analyzed the quantitative data and contracted with the Mixed Methods 

Research Lab (MMRL) at the University of Pennsylvania to code and assist in analyzing the 

qualitative data.

Quantitative Data Analysis

During the data collection period, research staff from each of the study sites survey data to the 

NCHAV research team, which reviewed a sample of 10 completed surveys from each of the sites 

and compared them with the site-specific dataset to ensure appropriate data entry. At the 

completion of the data collection period, NCHAV research staff merged the files into one dataset 

and cleaned the data, checking for missing data and logical inconsistencies. Not all HUD-VASH 

participants were included in every analysis because of missing dates or other variables.

NCHAV researchers ran frequencies and tests of significance (ANOVA, chi-square, t-tests) by 

study group and study site; levels of significance are indicated in the exhibits. Using administrative 

data for HUD-VASH participants, research staff ran a series of multivariate analyses: multiple 

regression analysis modeling duration of housing process (exhibit 5.2); logistic regression 

modeling exits from HUD-VASH (exhibit 8.7); latent class analysis identifying profiles of leasedup and nonleased exiters (exhibits 8.8–8.11); and Cox proportional hazards survival analysis for 

time to return to homelessness within 360 days (exhibits 8.12, 8.13). Where applicable, reference 

groups used in the statistical models—typically either the most conceptually appropriate or the 

largest subgroup—are referenced either in the table or in footnotes.
Chapter 2: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 17 Final Report

Detailed methods for each of the multivariate analyses presented in this report are included in 

appendix C.

Qualitative Data Analysis

Research staff at the MMRL entered de-identified transcripts into NVivo 10 (QSR International, 

2012), a program that facilitates systematic qualitative analysis, and employed a thematic 

analysis approach to support the organization of data into thematic categories (Guest, MacQueen, 

and Namey, 2012). Following line-by-line readings of a sample of interviews, staff developed a 

coding dictionary. To ensure coding accuracy and facilitate intercoder reliability, staff explicitly 

defined each code in the dictionary and provided examples of the appropriate use of the code. 

Staff also developed codes a priori from the interview guide.

Using the Constant Comparative Method, research staff compared newly collected data with the 

initial coding schema to ensure the comprehensiveness of the coding dictionary (Glaser and 

Strauss, 1967; Viera and Garrett, 2005). Two research assistants, each with extensive training in 

qualitative analysis, coded each transcript and independently double coded 20 percent (N=22) of 

the sample. During the initial coding phase, discrepancies in coding were resolved by consensus 

and review with senior members of the research team. Upon coding completion, intercoder 

reliability was evaluated using the Kappa statistic and review of percent agreement by code 

(Guest, MacQueen, and Namey, 2012; Viera and Garrett, 2005). The median Kappa was 0.8, 

with a range of 0.6–1.0, indicating substantial to nearly perfect agreement; that finding was 

supported by percent agreement analysis, which yielded 95 percent (range 82–100 percent) 

agreement of the codes examined for this report (Guest, MacQueen, and Namey, 2012; Viera and 

Garrett, 2005).

Research staff organized emergent codes into the following themes: 

• Participant background, including personal and homeless history. 

• HUD-VASH processes, including program facilitators and barriers.

• Exiting experiences for leased-up and nonleased exiters.

• Veteran-generated recommendations.

Research staff then compared the relative frequencies of themes and looked for code cooccurrence, including differences across study groups. Qualitative findings included in this 

report do not represent mutually exclusive categories, as many participants reported multiple 

types of experiences within each thematic area, and other participants reported none. Qualitative 

quotes included throughout this report were edited to eliminate repetition, remove filler words 

and stock phrases, and clarify references made by the speaker. A copy of the qualitative datacoding dictionary is included in appendix C.
HUD-VASH Exit Study 18 Final Report

CHAPTER 3:

CHARACTERISTICS OF HUD-VASH PARTICIPANTS

This chapter describes demographics, military history, and medical and mental or behavioral 

health conditions of each of the study groups—stayers, leased-up exiters, and nonleased 

exiters—for the sample of HUD-VASH participants. A list of variables is included in appendix 

C. Supporting data tables are included in appendix I.

DEMOGRAPHICS

The vast majority of HUD-VASH participants across the study sites were male, regardless of 

study group (88.9 percent of stayers, 89.1 percent of leased-up exiters, and 90.5 percent of 

nonleased exiters; N=7,341). However, the age distribution varied by study group. Nonleased 

exiters were generally younger than both stayers and leased-up exiters, but this group had the 

largest proportion of Veterans older than 65 years (see exhibit 3.1). 

As shown in exhibit 3.2, the majority of stayers and leased-up exiters identified as Black, 

whereas nonleased exiters more often identified as White. The vast majority of HUD-VASH 

participants identified as non-Hispanic. 

Exhibit 3.1 Age, HUD-VASH Participants

Stayers

N=2,776

Leased-Up Exiters

N=3,074

Nonleased Exiters

N=1,491

N % N % N %

<35 233 8.4 357 11.6 229 15.4

35–44 269 9.7 366 11.9 190 12.7

45–54 1,006 36.2 1,045 34.0 417 28.0

55–64 1,025 36.9 1,087 35.4 501 33.6

≥65 243 8.8 219 7.1 154 10.3

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing.

Source: VA Medical Record

Exhibit 3.2 Race and Ethnicity, HUD-VASH Participants 

Stayers

N=2,693

Leased-Up Exiters

N=2,999

Nonleased Exiters

N=1,423

N % N % N %

Race

Black or African-American 1,627 60.4 1,721 57.4 634 44.6

White 925 34.3 1,105 36.8 683 48.0

Other 141 5.2 173 5.8 106 7.4

Ethnicity N=2,714 N=3,024 N=1,450

Hispanic/Latino 189 7.0 234 7.7 148 10.2

Non-Hispanic/Non-Latino 2,500 92.1 2,758 91.2 1,278 88.1

Multiple 25 0.9 32 1.1 24 1.7

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing.

Source: VA Medical Record
Chapter 3: Characteristics of HUD-VASH Participants

HUD-VASH Exit Study 19 Final Report

About one-third of HUD-VASH participants were never married and more than one-third were 

divorced; leased-up exiters more frequently reported being divorced than did the other groups, 

and nonleased exiters were more frequently married (see exhibit 3.3).

Veterans’ eligibility for healthcare through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is based 

on VA’s enrollment priority groups, which indicate the extent to which a Veteran is receiving 

compensation as a result of a disability incurred during military service, as well as whether a 

Veteran is very low income. VA enrollment priority groups are collapsed into five categories: (1) 

Veterans with a service-connected disability 50 percent or more disabling; (2) Veterans with a 

service-connected disability less than 50 percent disabling; (3) Veterans with no serviceconnected disability but Medicaid eligible, which includes Veterans who are not disabled but are 

low income; (4) Veterans with no service-connected disability and not Medicaid eligible, which 

includes Veterans who are neither disabled nor low income; and (5) Veterans meeting other 

criteria for eligibility (for example, exposure to certain hazards).

Higher service-connected disability ratings likely reflect a greater level of disability, as well as 

higher income received by the Veteran from the VA. About one-half of HUD-VASH participants 

had no service-connected disability but were very low income. Most of the remaining Veterans 

had a service-connected disability, with leased-up and nonleased exiters more likely than stayers 

to have a service-connected disability of 50 percent or more (see exhibit 3.4).

Exhibit 3.3 Marital Status, HUD-VASH Participants

Stayers

N=2,765

Leased-Up 

Exiters

N=3,071

Nonleased 

Exiters

N=1,486

N % N % N %

Married 286 10.3 360 11.7 207 13.9

Widowed 80 2.9 90 2.9 38 2.6

Separated 252 9.1 310 10.1 141 9.5

Divorced 1,048 37.9 1,372 44.7 554 37.3

Never married 1,099 39.7 939 30.6 546 36.7

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing.

Source: VA Medical Record

Exhibit 3.4 VA Enrollment Priority Group, HUD-VASH Participants 

Stayers

N=2,774

Leased-Up 

Exiters

N=3,064

Nonleased 

Exiters

N=1,477

N % N % N %

≥ 50% service-connected disability 476 17.2 824 26.9 398 26.9

< 50% service-connected disability 528 19.0 552 18.0 262 17.7

No service-connected disability; Medicaid eligible 1,653 59.6 1,510 49.3 736 49.8

No service-connected disability; not Medicaid eligible 3 0.1 4 0.1 5 0.3

Other 114 4.1 174 5.7 76 5.1

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing.

Source: VA Medical Record
Chapter 3: Characteristics of HUD-VASH Participants

HUD-VASH Exit Study 20 Final Report

MILITARY HISTORY

The majority of HUD-VASH participants served during either the Vietnam or post-Vietnam era 

(75.3 percent of stayers, 70.8 percent of leased-up exiters, and 62.0 percent of nonleased exiters). 

Both leased-up and nonleased exiters were more likely than stayers to have served in the Persian 

Gulf War; of those Veterans, nonleased exiters were the most likely to have served during that 

conflict. Nonleased exiters were also more likely to have been deployed during Operations 

Enduring Freedom (OEF), Iraqi Freedom (OIF), or New Dawn (OND). Only a small percentage 

of HUD-VASH participants had an indication in their VA medical record of exposure to combat 

(see exhibit 3.5).

Exhibit 3.5 Period of Service and Combat Exposure, HUD-VASH Participants 

Stayers

N=2,776

Leased-Up 

Exiters

N=3,074

Nonleased 

Exiters

N=1,490

N % N % N %

Period of service 

World War II 7 0.3 9 0.3 4 0.3

Korean War 44 1.6 24 0.8 14 0.9

Vietnam era 1,097 39.5 1,197 38.9 480 32.2

Post-Vietnam era 993 35.8 980 31.9 444 29.8

Persian Gulf War (including OEF/OIF/OND) 574 20.7 796 25.9 508 34.1

Other 61 2.2 68 2.2 40 2.7

Combat exposure 

OEF/OIF deployment 123 4.4 200 6.5 177 11.9

Combat exposure 89 3.2 146 4.7 64 4.3

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing.

Source: VA Medical Record

MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND MENTAL OR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONDITIONS

About one-fourth of HUD-VASH participants had any of the 25 medical conditions assessed for 

this study; rates of the four most prevalent conditions were consistent across study groups. Both 

types of exiters were more likely to have mental or behavioral health conditions: leased-up 

exiters had the highest rate of any mental or behavioral health condition, followed by nonleased 

exiters. Leased-up exiters were the most likely to have a diagnosis of depression or drug abuse, 

whereas nonleased exiters had higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia

and other psychoses, alcohol abuse, and suicide or self-inflicted injury (see exhibit 3.6).
Chapter 3: Characteristics of HUD-VASH Participants

HUD-VASH Exit Study 21 Final Report

Exhibit 3.6 Medical Conditions and Mental or Behavioral Health Conditions, HUD-VASH 

Participants 

Stayers

N=2,776

Leased-Up 

Exiters

N=3,074

Nonleased 

Exiters

N=1,491

N % N % N %

Medical conditions

Any medical condition 703 25.3 853 27.7 388 26.0

Most prevalent medical conditions

Hypertension 378 13.6 452 14.7 203 13.6

Diabetes, uncomplicated 151 5.4 181 5.9 64 4.3

Chronic pulmonary disease 111 4.0 142 4.6 72 4.8

Obesity 106 3.8 144 4.7 50 3.4

Traumatic brain injury 4 0.1 12 0.4 5 0.3

Mental or behavioral health conditions

Any mental or behavioral health condition 931 33.5 1,243 40.4 564 37.8

Post-traumatic stress disorder 165 5.9 251 8.2 158 10.6

Depression 315 11.3 420 13.7 191 12.8

Psychoses 327 11.8 456 14.8 247 16.6

Schizophrenia 212 7.6 332 10.8 176 11.8

Alcohol abuse 435 15.7 594 19.3 299 20.1

Drug abuse 592 21.3 818 26.6 355 23.8

Suicide and intentional self-inflicted injury 100 3.6 169 5.5 92 6.2

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing. Participants may have multiple conditions.

Source: VA Medical Record

DESCRIPTIVE BACKGROUND CHARACTERISTICS

During qualitative interviews, study respondents reported experiences related to their physical 

and mental health, addiction, incarceration, family, and other concerns, including a history of 

physical and sexual trauma, and how those factors related to their housing history. The most 

common background characteristics that emerged from analysis of Veterans’ personal histories 

are identified in exhibit 3.7.

Exhibit 3.7 Background Characteristics, Qualitative Respondents

Criminal history Medical concerns Substance use

Family concerns Mental health concerns

Source: Veteran Interview

Veterans from all study groups described background characteristics that affected their housing 

history. Stayers described their circumstances before entering HUD-VASH.

I was in [a shelter] here and it was for... I had a problem with crack cocaine. And I finally, 

for the last, well, I am clean for around about these 4 or 5 years. And, you know, it is 

sensibility, having my mind back. PTSD works on you in such a way that, I mean, it comes 

and it haunts you. And—the irony on myself—maybe I am just saying it too much, I used to 

be into law enforcement. And, I knew that some things that I used to do were wrong. But, I 
Chapter 3: Characteristics of HUD-VASH Participants

HUD-VASH Exit Study 22 Final Report

mean, I kept stepping over that line. And, then it got grandiose to a point that I really did 

not care. That is what PTSD will do to you, a part of the effects of it... I had children, and I 

kind of at one time turned my back on them, and that was really, that was really unheard 

of. So, I decided I better check myself into a program, which I did. And, like I said, with 

this help right here, with the VASH program, they set me back onto the point of being more 

responsible, and bringing myself back to where I used to be. So, I mean, it is a Godsend to 

me. (Stayer—Los Angeles)

I was comfortable in the car, but not when it got cold or somebody would see my pills and 

they would steal them out of my car thinking they were really hard drugs. But they were 

psych meds and stuff like that. I am a diabetic too. (Stayer—Los Angeles)

I take about seven medications that, thank God, the VA helps me with that... [The VA] was 

close by. It was very convenient for me. But over the years that I was there—I think I was 

there like maybe 6 years—the last few years I started going downhill and to the point 

where I lost my place. I was in the streets. I wanted to end my life. This police officer told 

me about the VA... He said, you know what? You should go to the VA and seek help. 

(Stayer—Palo Alto)

Compared with stayers, both types of exiters more frequently referenced personal background 

factors that influenced their housing experiences. Leased-up exiters more often shared mental 

health concerns, whereas nonleased exiters more frequently referenced medical concerns, 

substance use, and family issues. Some examples of the complex background characteristics that 

preceded Veterans’ entries into HUD-VASH follow.

I can’t do no work. They already know I was there and I was sick, throwing up and 

everything because when he asked me to work I was throwing up, I couldn’t stand up, 

nothing; they had to get me out of there. So he knows that I’m sick, you know what I mean, 

because I have diabetes so sometime I mess up. I don’t take my medicine, none of that. But 

at the same time that’s, get away from her—it’s an accident waiting to happen. Maybe go 

to jail this time and might not get out. (Leased-up exiter—Philadelphia)

And my son—because I was pretty much bouncing around from place to place and my son 

was at my friend’s house and was not able to see me all the time, he was like getting in 

trouble in school and so I had to get—you know, he got some help at the school that he 

was going. And he finally stabilized. (Nonleased exiter—Philadelphia)

When [my son] died and the whole world shifted at that moment. I say this, and I do not 

mean to be funny with other people, I call him my baby. He was 28 years old. He was my 

baby. He is my youngest child. He died and when he died, everything went like a ball. It 

started steamrolling. Once we got him settled over there at the—they shipped him back 

here. After we got him all in the grave and everything, then I could start focusing back on 

myself. My lease was coming up to leave. I did not want to make a longer lease. I just 

decided to leave and I left. It’s not that I didn’t want to live there, I just left. I just started 

figuring out everything. I stayed with my other son, my oldest son, but for—I left there and 

I came back. I finally got an apartment. (Leased-up exiter—Philadelphia)

SUMMARY

About 90 percent of Veterans who participated in the HUD-VASH programs at each of the study 

sites were male, regardless of study group. Stayers tended to be older than Veterans in the other 
Chapter 3: Characteristics of HUD-VASH Participants

HUD-VASH Exit Study 23 Final Report

study groups and were most likely to be Black, non-Hispanic, and never married. Stayers most 

often served in the military during the Vietnam era. Although the prevalence of medical 

conditions was similar across study groups, stayers were least likely to have a mental or 

behavioral health condition.

Similar to stayers, leased-up exiters were most often Black, non-Hispanic, and served during the 

Vietnam era. However, leased-up exiters were most likely to be divorced and had the highest 

prevalence of any mental or behavioral health condition.

Finally, nonleased exiters were younger than Veterans in the other two study groups and most 

frequently identified as White and non-Hispanic. Nonleased exiters were as likely to be married 

as divorced and most frequently served during the Persian Gulf War or OEF/OIF/OND.
HUD-VASH Exit Study 24 Final Report

CHAPTER 4:

FEATURES OF STUDY SITES

Four sites participated in the study: Houston, Texas; Los Angeles, California; Palo Alto, 

California; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This chapter details the homelessness and housing 

context for each of those sites and briefly describes local HUD-VASH practices and Veterans’ 

experiences in the program. For analytical overviews of each site’s implementation of HUDVASH, see the case studies in Appendixes E through H. Supporting data tables may be found in 

appendix I.

POPULATION DATA

The total population of the study sites ranged from 1.3 million in Philadelphia to 7.7 million in 

Los Angeles. Veterans constituted slightly more than 5 percent of the population in Houston, 

Palo Alto, and Philadelphia, and only 3.8 percent of people in Los Angeles were Veterans. 

Veterans experienced poverty at about one-half the rate of the general population at each of the 

study sites, ranging from 7.4 percent in Palo Alto to 11.7 percent in Philadelphia (see exhibit 

4.1).

Exhibit 4.1 Adult Population, 2013

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

Overall 3,148,444 7,690,569 4,652,993 1,259,073

Veterans 162,451 295,347 236,174 68,553

% Veterans 5.2 3.8 5.1 5.4

Overall poverty rate 15.2 16.4 12.1 24.0

Veteran poverty rate 8.3 9.6 7.4 11.7

Note: Population statistics are based on 1-year estimates published by the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community 

Survey (2013).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING CONTEXT

The size of the general and Veteran homeless populations measured on one day in January 

remained fairly constant at the study sites between 2009 and 2014. Exhibit 4.2 illustrates the size 

of the general homeless population, and exhibit 4.3 illustrates the size of the Veteran homeless 

population at each of the study sites from 2009 to 2014.8

 

8 The size of the general and Veteran homeless populations reported here are based on the local VAMC catchment 

area; each catchment area includes at least a portion of multiple Continuums of Care (CoC) matched to the 

catchment area using zip codes (Mulpuri, Harris, and Ruege, 2014). Therefore, they will not match the CoC-level 

estimates for the major CoCs affiliated with the study sites.
Chapter 4: Features of Study Sites

HUD-VASH Exit Study 25 Final Report

Exhibit 4.2 Homeless Population, 2009–2014 | count

Source: Point-in-Time Count

Exhibit 4.3 Veteran Homeless Population, 2009–2014 | count

Source: Point-in-Time Count

Los Angeles had the largest homeless population—35,090—with Veterans accounting for 10.3 

percent of homeless individuals. Palo Alto had the second largest homeless population—

18,955—with Veterans accounting for 9.8 percent of homeless individuals. Philadelphia had the 

third largest homeless population—8,803—but a smaller proportion (6.0 percent) were Veterans. 

Houston had the smallest homeless population—8,067—and Veterans again accounted for 

approximately one in 10 homeless individuals (10.4 percent). 

In 2014, more than two-thirds of Veterans experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles and Palo 

Alto were unsheltered. In Houston, about one-half of Veterans were unsheltered, and in 

Philadelphia—the study site with the least temperate climate—fewer than one in 10 were

unsheltered (see exhibit 4.4).

Based on data from the 2013 American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau, 2013), the 

median rent at each of the study sites varied widely. Houston had the lowest median rent ($872), 

followed by Philadelphia ($912), Los Angeles ($1,205), and Palo Alto ($1,397). More than onehalf of the residents of Los Angeles were renters, compared with slightly less than one-half at the 

other study sites (see exhibit 4.5).

10,881 9,732 12,038 10,429 9,153 8,067

47,247 46,984 45,042 42,038 36,574 35,090

18,494 18,360 18,614 17,558 18,996 18,955

8,729 8,417 8,783 8,092 7,975 8,803

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

1,171 1,125 1,574 1,522 1,259 839

7,052 6,899 7,375

5,867

3,949 3,627

2,106 2,039 1,702 1,550 1,782 1,855

509 481 472 512 534 525

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia
Chapter 4: Features of Study Sites

HUD-VASH Exit Study 26 Final Report

Exhibit 4.4 Proportion Sheltered/Unsheltered Veteran Homeless, 2014 | count and percent

Source: Point-in-Time Count

Exhibit 4.5 Rental Market, 2013

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

Median rent $872 $1,205 $1,397 $912

Rent-occupied housing 45.7% 54.5% 45.0% 49.7%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

HUD-VASH VOUCHER ALLOCATION

As previously described, HUD-VASH vouchers are allocated based on need. Exhibit 4.6 displays 

the cumulative number of vouchers allocated through the VAMCs at each of the study sites for 

FFY 2008–2014, illustrating the growth of the program (HUD, 2016a). 

Exhibit 4.6 HUD-VASH Voucher Allocation, 2008–2014 | count

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing.

Source: HUD (2016a)

453

(46.1%) 1,111 (30.6%) 565

(30.4%)

494

(94.1%)

387

(53.9%) 2,517

(69.5%)

1,290

(69.6%)

31 (5.9%)

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

Sheltered Unsheltered

385 

665 

790 915 1,115 

1,392 

1,695 

840 

1,295 

1,945 

2,370 

3,320 

4,139 

5,069 

70 

280 

530 680 

930 

1,195 

1,478 

105 245 345 420 555 620 743 

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia
Chapter 4: Features of Study Sites

HUD-VASH Exit Study 27 Final Report

HUD-VASH PROCESSES

Although some aspects of HUD-VASH are operationalized uniformly across the country, each 

program has some latitude in how the local housing authorities and VA case management teams 

work together, requirements for VA case management, and other processes. In general, local 

HUD-VASH programs must incorporate the steps that follow, adapted for the collaborating 

HUD and VA agencies, into their program processes (see exhibit 4.7).

Exhibit 4.7 Overview of HUD-VASH Processes 

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 

Supportive Housing. SSVF = Supportive Services for Veteran Families.

After moving into a housing unit, the Veteran is responsible for reexaminations if she or he 

experiences any income changes. The local housing authority also conducts regular (typically 

annual) recertifications to ensure that the Veteran continues to meet eligibility criteria; this also 

includes an inspection to ensure that the selected unit continues to meet HQS.

VA case management typically begins at program enrollment and continues for at least 1 year after

move-in. Depending on local procedures, a Veteran may “graduate” from VA case management 

and continue to use the HUD-VASH voucher or transition to a regular HCV, if available.

STUDY SITE PROCESSES

The following sections outline how the HUD-VASH processes at each study site differ. An 

overview of each site is provided, followed by a figure that outlines the individual program 

processes as described by local housing authorities and VA case management teams, highlighting 

the diversity and complexity of HUD-VASH across these sites. Particularly in communities with 

more than one housing authority, process steps may be similar yet differ in number or execution 

across agencies. Study site processes are based on site interviews conducted during the spring and 

summer of 2014, following the adoption of Housing First; the sites were at varying stages of 

implementation. More detailed site descriptions are included in appendices E through H.
Chapter 4: Features of Study Sites

HUD-VASH Exit Study 28 Final Report

Houston

The Houston HUD-VASH program operates in Harris, Galveston, and Jefferson counties. The 

coordinating VA site is the Michael E. DeBakey VAMC in Houston, TX. The HUD-VASH 

program has 1,695 vouchers, including both tenant- and project-based vouchers. The majority of 

vouchers are held by the Houston 

Housing Authority (HHA, 1,042) 

and Harris County Housing 

Authority (HCHA, 546). HHA 

serves Veterans within the City of 

Houston, as well as up to five 

miles outside the city limits. 

HCHA serves Veterans anywhere 

within the county. Exhibit 4.8 

outlines the general steps in 

Houston’s HUD-VASH processes, 

based on information provided by 

VA case management teams and 

housing authorities serving 

Houston and Harris County.

Exhibit 4.8 Houston HUD-VASH Processes

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 

Supportive Housing.
Chapter 4: Features of Study Sites

HUD-VASH Exit Study 29 Final Report

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles HUD-VASH program’s service area includes Greater Los Angeles County, as 

well as the counties of Ventura, Kern, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. The coordinating VA 

site is the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System in Los Angeles, California. The HUDVASH program has 5,069 vouchers. The 

majority of vouchers are held by the 

Housing Authority of the City of Los 

Angeles (HACLA, 3,179) and the Housing 

Authority of the County of Los Angeles 

(HACoLA, 1,293). HACLA serves Veterans 

within the City of Los Angeles. HACoLA 

serves Veterans anywhere in the county. 

Exhibit 4.9 outlines the general steps in the 

Los Angeles HUD-VASH processes, based 

on data provided by VA case management 

teams and housing authorities serving the 

City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles 

County.

Exhibit 4.9 Los Angeles HUD-VASH processes

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 

Supportive Housing.
Chapter 4: Features of Study Sites

HUD-VASH Exit Study 30 Final Report

Palo Alto

The Palo Alto HUD-VASH program 

operates in the following counties: 

Alameda, Monterey, San Joaquin, San 

Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and 

Stanislaus. The coordinating VA site is 

the VA Palo Alto Health Care System 

in Palo Alto, California. The HUDVASH program has 1,478 vouchers. 

The majority of vouchers are held by 

the Housing Authority of the County 

of Santa Clara (HACSC, 740) and the 

Housing Authority of the County of 

Monterey (HACM, 199). HACSC 

serves Santa Clara County, including 

the urban area around San Jose. 

HACM serves Monterey County, the 

southernmost part of the study site area, including Salinas and many coastal and rural areas. 

Exhibit 4.10 outlines the general steps in Palo Alto’s HUD-VASH processes, based on 

information provided by VA case management teams that serve the entire region and the 

HACSC and HACM housing authorities.
Chapter 4: Features of Study Sites

HUD-VASH Exit Study 31 Final Report

Exhibit 4.10 Palo Alto HUD-VASH Processes

HA = Housing Authority. HACM = Housing Authority of the County of Monterey. HACSC = Housing Authority of the 

County of Santa Clara. HAP = Housing Assistance Payment. HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban 

Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing. RFTA = Request for Tenancy Approval. SSVF = 

Supportive Services for Veteran Families. 
Chapter 4: Features of Study Sites

HUD-VASH Exit Study 32 Final Report

Philadelphia

The Philadelphia HUD-VASH program operates in Philadelphia County and Bucks County, 

Pennsylvania, and the City of Camden, New Jersey. The coordinating VA site is the Philadelphia 

VAMC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The HUD-VASH program has 743 vouchers. The 

majority of vouchers are held 

by the Philadelphia Housing 

Authority (PHA, 583) and 

Housing Authority of the City 

of Camden (HACC, 135). PHA 

serves Veterans within

Philadelphia. HACC serves 

Veterans within the Camden, 

New Jersey city limits. Bucks 

County Housing Authority 

serves Bucks County. Exhibit 

4.11 outlines the general steps 

in Philadelphia’s HUD-VASH 

processes, based on 

information provided by VA 

case management teams and 

housing authorities serving 

Philadelphia and Camden.

Exhibit 4.11 Philadelphia HUD-VASH Processes

HA = Housing Authority. HACC = Housing Authority of the City of Camden. VA = U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

HAP = Housing Assistance Payment. HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. 

Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing. PHA = Philadelphia Housing Authority. RFTA = Request for 

Tenancy Approval. SSVF = Supportive Services for Veteran Families.
Chapter 4: Features of Study Sites

HUD-VASH Exit Study 33 Final Report

Summary of Study Site Processes

Although each of the study sites followed a similar process for housing Veterans in HUDVASH—referral and admission; voucher application and briefing; housing search; inspection, 

rent negotiation, and contracts; move-in—they did so in slightly different ways. For example, the 

sites processed referrals differently: Los Angeles had two dedicated intake workers, whereas 

Philadelphia determined Veterans’ participation through a committee-level case review.

Most of the sites provided either weekly housing readiness groups (Los Angeles) or “ridealongs” (Palo Alto and Philadelphia), in which VA case managers took groups of Veterans on 

housing searches throughout the community. In Philadelphia, the housing authority maintained a 

list of preinspected apartments that were available for Veterans with a HUD-VASH voucher. 

After a Veteran selected a housing unit, VA case managers in Palo Alto and Philadelphia 

attended the contract signing with the Veteran. One consistent theme across the four study sites 

was that they each relied heavily on assistance through the Supportive Services for Veteran 

Families (SSVF) program to obtain move-in essentials, including utility and security deposits, as 

well as first and last months’ rent.

STUDY SITE OUTCOMES 

The following sections describe outcomes for each of the study sites, based on both programand Veteran-level data. As part of regular program operations, VA case managers track the dates 

when a Veteran completes each step of the HUD-VASH process, from assessment to move-in. 

Houston has the fastest housing process: accessing permanent housing typically takes Veterans 

nearly 4 months (116 days). The process takes about 5 months in Philadelphia (159 days), 6 

months in Palo Alto (184 days), and 7 months (216 days) in Los Angeles. Exhibit 4.12 illustrates 

the average numbers of days Veterans took to move through the program’s steps at each study 

site between FFY 2009 and 2014.9

Exhibit 4.12 HUD-VASH Days to Placement in Permanent Housing, 2009–2014 (N=7,383) | 

mean

HA = housing authority. HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of 

Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing.

Source: Veterans Health Administration Support Service Center

 

9 Process times, provided by the VA Northeast Program Evaluation Center, are based on 5-year averages for 

Veterans housed in HUD-VASH between 2009 and 2014.

37 47 53

116

60

94

130

216

68 82

115

184

39

58

80

159

Assessment Admission PHA referral Receipt of voucher Move-in

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia
Chapter 4: Features of Study Sites

HUD-VASH Exit Study 34 Final Report

VA performance measures percent vouchers resulting in housing, percent Veterans housed 

within 90 days, and percent chronic homeless among those Veterans served—at each of the 

study sites during FFY 2014 are shown in exhibit 4.13.10 Most HUD-VASH vouchers at each of 

the sites resulted in housing. The proportion of Veterans who were housed within 90 days varied 

by site, with more than one-half being housed within that timeframe in Houston and 

Philadelphia. In addition, most Veterans entering HUD-VASH were considered chronically 

homeless. 

Interviewers asked study respondents about the ease of the HUD-VASH enrollment process, 

using a five-point scale ranging from very difficult (1) to very easy (5). Study respondents in 

Palo Alto reported the highest level of ease in enrolling in the program, whereas study

respondents in Philadelphia reported the highest level of ease with submitting the application and 

providing documentation to the housing authority (see exhibit 4.14).

Exhibit 4.13 VA Performance Measures, 2014 | percent

VA = U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Source: Veterans Health Administration Support Service Center

Exhibit 4.14 Ease of HUD-VASH Enrollment Process, Study Respondents (N=508) | mean

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing. 

Note: Response values ranged from 1 (very difficult) to 5 (very easy). Statistical significance is indicated by**p ≤ 0.05 and 

***p ≤ 0.01.

Source: Veteran Survey

 

10 Performance data are from the VA Homeless Programs Scorecard, collected between October 1, 2013 and August 

31, 2014.

93.1

63.5

90.3 84.2

40.2

80.0 92.7

40.1

78.1 91.5

51.9

83.0

Vouchers resulting in housing Housed within 90 days Chronically homeless served

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

4.00 4.02 3.93

3.74 3.76

4.24 4.13

3.78 3.8

4.09 4.18 4.32

Enrolling in the HUD-VASH program** Submitting applications to HA** Providing documentation of identity and

income to HA***

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia
Chapter 4: Features of Study Sites

HUD-VASH Exit Study 35 Final Report

Interviewers asked study respondents about the ease of the HUD-VASH housing process, using 

the same five-point scale ranging from very difficult (1) to very easy (5). Veterans in Houston 

and Philadelphia indicated that finding listings of available apartments and locating an 

acceptable apartment were easier compared with Veterans in Los Angeles and Palo Alto. Given 

the difficult housing markets at the California sites, this finding is unsurprising. The ease of 

getting the apartment inspected by the housing authority was fairly consistent across all sites. 

Similarly, the ease of being selected as a tenant by a landlord was also fairly consistent across all 

sites, with the exception of Philadelphia, where Veterans indicated a higher level of ease. This 

may be related to Philadelphia’s offering preinspected units, demonstrating good relationships 

with property owners. At all study sites, Veterans described finding an acceptable apartment 

option and obtaining the money needed for move-in costs as the most difficult steps in the 

housing process (see exhibit 4.15).

Exhibit 4.15 Ease of HUD-VASH Housing Process, Study Respondents (N=508) | mean

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing. 

Note: Response values ranged from 1 (very difficult) to 5 (very easy). Statistical significance is indicated by **p ≤ 0.05 

and ***p ≤ 0.01.

Source: Veteran Survey

SUMMARY

The study sites were diverse in a number of ways. They represented western, southwestern, and 

northeastern parts of the country. The size of the communities ranged from 1.3 to 7.7 million 

people and the proportion of Veterans in each community ranged from 3.8 percent to 5.4 percent. 

Although the poverty rates among the Veteran population were much lower than among the 

general population, the numbers of homeless Veterans at one point in time ranged from 525 to 

3,627 and in 2014 the rates at which they were unsheltered ranged from 5.9 percent to 69.6 

percent. Given tight rental markets and high median rents—up to $1,397 in one community 

during the study period—accessing housing presented a challenge.

The context in which the HUD-VASH programs operated and the distinct relationships between 

HUD and VA within each community contributed to variations in the housing processes across 

sites. Some of those differences were reflected in the amount of time between a Veteran’s 

assessment and admission into HUD-VASH and moving into a housing unit: among the sites 

studied, that process ranged from a 5-year average of 116 to 216 days. However, during FFY 

2014, three sites placed the majority of Veterans using a HUD-VASH voucher into housing in

fewer than 90 days.

3.86 3.42 3.96 4.03 3.75 3.62 3.10 3.93 4.03 3.70 3.25 3.56 4.19 4.02 3.42 4.09 3.75 4.05 4.61 3.95

Finding listings of

available apartments

Finding an acceptable

apartment option***

Getting an apartment

inspected by HA

Being selected as a tenant

by a landlord***

Obtaining money for rent,

security deposit, moving

costs**

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia
Chapter 4: Features of Study Sites

HUD-VASH Exit Study 36 Final Report

During interviews, Veterans provided information about their experiences with their local HUDVASH program. They expressed varying levels of difficulty and ease in the course of the 

housing process. For some sites, Veterans found enrolling in the program moderately difficult, 

whereas in others finding an acceptable housing unit was particularly challenging. Despite those 

differences, the variability across sites was fairly minimal, which indicates that data are likely to 

be fairly representative of the HUD-VASH program as a whole.
HUD-VASH Exit Study 37 Final Report

CHAPTER 5:

PROGRAM ENGAGEMENT AND HOUSING PROCESS

This chapter presents findings related to the housing process, from program assessment through 

move-in. Findings from interviews with Veterans describe their experiences throughout this 

process, as well as program facilitators and barriers. A list of variables is included in appendix C. 

Supporting data tables are included in appendix I.

TIME TO PLACEMENT IN PERMANENT HOUSING

Exhibit 5.1 illustrates the average number of days that HUD-VASH participants at the four study 

sites moved through each step of the HUD-VASH enrollment and housing process, beginning 

with Veterans’ initial assessment by the program. After being assessed, the next step for those 

admitted to the program is admission, followed by referral to the housing authority, receipt of the 

voucher, selection of housing, inspection of the housing, execution of the Housing Assistance 

Payment (HAP) contract (in which the housing authority promises to pay rent to the landlord), 

and, finally, move-in.

Veterans moved from assessment to admission in about 1 1/2 months and received their vouchers 

within 3 months of admission to the program. The largest time differences were between stayers 

and leased-up exiters; leased-up exiters received their vouchers more than 1 week sooner than 

stayers and accessed permanent housing about 3 weeks sooner, perhaps because stayers 

generally entered HUD-VASH before the transition to a Housing First approach.

Exhibit 5.1 Days to Placement in Permanent Housing, HUD-VASH Participants (N=7,383) | 

mean

HA = housing authority. HAP = Housing Assistance Payment. HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban 

Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing.

Note: Statistical significance is indicated by **p ≤ 0.05 and ***p ≤ 0.01.

Source: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System

0

46

77

111

164

181 192

200

48

73

101

149

165

174

182

45

68

99

Assessment Admission HA referral** Receipt of

voucher***

Housing

selection***

Inspection HAP

Contract***

Move-in

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Non-Leased Exiters
Chapter 5: Program Engagement and Housing Process

HUD-VASH Exit Study 38 Final Report

To identify factors related to the speed at which a Veteran proceeded through the HUD-VASH 

housing process, the research team conducted a series of regression analyses that modeled the 

effect of selected Veteran and program characteristics on the duration of the following process 

stages: (1) program admission to housing authority referral, (2) housing authority referral to the 

Veteran’s receipt of the HUD-VASH voucher, (3) receipt of the voucher to the Veteran moving 

into housing, (4) program admission to receipt of voucher, and (5) program admission to movein. A summary of the model results are presented in exhibit 5.2; the first column lists the 

variables that were entered into the model, and the subsequent columns summarize the findings 

for each of the five models, with the outcome of interest indicated at the top of each column. A 

detailed description of the methods is included in appendix C, and supporting data tables are 

included in appendix I. 

Exhibit 5.2 Summary of Multiple Regression Analyses, HUD-VASH Participants

Admission 

to HA 

Referral

N=6,055

HA Referral 

to Receipt of 

Voucher

N=6,102

Receipt of 

Voucher to 

Move-In

N=5,308

Admission 

to Receipt of 

Voucher

N=5,724

Admission 

to Move-in

N=4,882

Study site

Houston - - - - -

Los Angeles Reference

Palo Alto NS - - - -

Philadelphia + - - - -

Study group

Stayer Reference

Leased-up exiter + NS NS NS NS

Nonleased exiter + + Not included + Not included

Age + - - NS NS

Male NS NS NS NS NS

Race

Black Reference

White NS NS - NS NS

Other NS NS NS NS NS

Service-connected disability NS + + NS NS

Housing First NS - - - -

Monthly average VA case management 

contacts - - - - -

Adjusted R2 0.166 0.255 0.090 0.211 0.158

HA = housing authority. HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of 

Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing. NS = not statistically significant.

Note: Statistical significance is indicated by bold font (p ≤ 0.05).

Sources: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System; VA Medical Record

In exhibit 5.2, a “+” sign in a cell indicates that the variable in the first column increased the 

amount of time it took for Veterans to move through each stage of the housing process. For 

example, the first model indicates that leased-up exiters took longer to to move from program 

admission to referral to the housing authority. Similarly, a “-” sign indicates that the variable in 

the first column decreased the amount of time it took to move through each step of the housing 

process. For example, each additional VA case management contact was associated with 

decrease in time between admission and referral to the housing authority.
Chapter 5: Program Engagement and Housing Process

HUD-VASH Exit Study 39 Final Report

Across each of the five process stages assessed, more frequent VA case management was related 

to more rapid housing. Although the results of the regressions show that, controlling for site and 

other characteristics, Veterans who ultimately exited the program needed more days than stayers 

needed to proceed through the housing process, the effect sizes were minimal. Generally, older 

age increased the pace at which a Veteran moved through the housing processagain, with very 

small effect sizes. However, Veterans admitted to HUD-VASH after the transition to a Housing 

First approach required 7.2 to 13.6 fewer days to move through the housing process once they 

received a HUD-VASH voucher.

LIVING SITUATION PRIOR TO HUD-VASH AND SOURCE OF REFERRAL

Study respondents reported during surveys that they entered the HUD-VASH program from a 

variety of living situations. Veterans who ultimately accessed housing most frequently stayed in 

a supported environment before receiving their vouchers: nearly one-half of stayers and leasedup exiters were living in either transitional housing or a substance abuse treatment facility or 

detox center. Nonleased exiters most frequently received their voucher while living with a family 

member or friend; nearly one-third received their vouchers while staying at a place not meant for 

human habitation or at an emergency shelter (see exhibit 5.3).

Exhibit 5.3 Living Situation at Voucher Receipt, Study Respondents (N=489) | percent

Note: N includes 361 stayers, 78 leased-up exiters, and 50 nonleased exiters.

Source: Veteran Survey

Respondents also indicated where they were living at the time they selected their housing unit. 

The distribution of types of living situation was fairly consistent between voucher receipt and 

apartment selection for stayers and leased-up exiters. One-third of nonleased exiters selected an 

apartment but did not ultimately move in; among those Veterans, 35.3 percent were living in 

places not meant for human habitation (see exhibit 5.4).

During qualitative interviews, respondents reflected on their experiences with homelessness, 

including their housing situation immediately before entering the HUD-VASH program. Many 

Veterans described a complex variety of unstable housing arrangements. One Veteran described 

the living situation as, “different people’s couches, floors, sleeping bags, cars” (Leased-up 

exiter—Los Angeles), and another related “going from pillow to post and it was very frustrating” 

(Leased-up exiter—Houston). The housing situations that Veterans described most frequently 

during qualitative interviews are listed in exhibit 5.5. 

10.5 11.4

7.8

23.8 23.5

19.9

2.6 3.0

11.5

6.4

28.2

20.5

24.4

6.4

12.0

18.0

8.0

14.0 16.0

28.0

4.0

Emergency

shelter

Place not meant

for human

habitation

Permanent

housing

Transitional

housing for

homeless person

Substance abuse

treatment facility

or detox center

Family member's 

or friend’s room, 

apartment or 

house

Other

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Non-Leased Exiters
Chapter 5: Program Engagement and Housing Process

HUD-VASH Exit Study 40 Final Report

Exhibit 5.4 Living Situation at Apartment Selection, Study Respondents (N=454) | percent

Note: N includes 360 stayers, 77 leased-up exiters, and 17 nonleased exiters.

Source: Veteran Survey

Exhibit 5.5 Living Situations, Qualitative Respondents

Car, recreational vehicle, or trailer Rented room

Family member’s room, apartment, or house Street or other place not meant for human habitation

Friend’s room, apartment, or house VA hospital, shelter, or program

Non-VA shelter or program

Source: Veteran Interview

Stayers and leased-up exiters most commonly described staying in non-VA shelters, transitional 

housing programs, or treatment facilities before entering HUD-VASH.

I came through a shelter and HUD-VASH was mentioned and everything. And I was all for 

it because I wanted to get out of there and I wanted to be on my own. And I wanted to have 

a home. (Stayer—Philadelphia)

I first learned about the HUD-VASH program when I was a resident at a homeless 

Veterans’ rehabilitation program about maybe 3 months into the program. They talked to 

me about a new program starting up. It was a pilot program and it was to help Veterans 

who had homelessness issues to get help, specifically for Veterans that had families. I had 

a wife and three kids and they asked me to apply. I basically came to the program so I can 

see a future. I knew that I had a problem with drugs and alcohol. It was a start for me to 

like look at what we can do in the program and that there is a path there I can see where, 

hopefully, combined with the program and completing the program, going and getting 

supportive housing, that I will be able to connect with my family. (Stayer—Palo Alto)

Veterans in each study group, particularly nonleased exiters, discussed staying with family 

members or friends. Often Veterans would remain for a time with one person and then move in 

with another when they felt that they had outstayed their welcome, which they reported was a 

stressful experience.

I was staying at, well, different places. Like my son was at my friend’s house. You know, 

she allowed him to stay there. But because she was there with her husband and I have to 

like, you know, go there—I would sleep there at night and then leave during the day, pick 

up my son, you know, drop him to her. But then I could not really be there. So it was like 

maybe I had three or four friends [where] I would sleep. (Nonleased exiter—Philadelphia]

10.0 10.6 8.1

23.9 22.2 21.9

3.3 1.3

11.7 9.1

27.3

20.8 22.1

7.8 5.9

35.3

5.9 5.9

17.6

23.5

5.9

Emergency

shelter

Place not meant

for human

habitation

Permanent

housing

Transitional

housing for

homeless person

Substance abuse

treatment facility

or detox center

Family member's 

or friend’s room, 

apartment or 

house

Other

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Non-Leased Exiters
Chapter 5: Program Engagement and Housing Process

HUD-VASH Exit Study 41 Final Report

I stayed in [my son’s] house until about June. Then from June to maybe July, I stayed at 

that girl’s house. Then I moved back to his house. I came back and I was sleeping on the 

floor again. I have to stay out all the time. People do not realize, but it wears you. I am 

serious—it wears you. (Leased-up exiter—Philadelphia)

Compared with the other study groups, nonleased exiters far more frequently described staying in 

cars or on the street or other places not meant for human habitation. One respondent described 

living in a storage unit, and other Veterans spoke about living in tents or public places. Those 

individuals moved around frequently and often felt unsafe and uncomfortable, although some of 

them said that they believed their military training helped them adapt to those situations.

Depressed, pissed off that there was no other help. I couldn’t live in my car. I didn’t have a 

car at that time. I was living in a tent with a motorcycle. (Nonleased exiter—Palo Alto)

Having been in the service, I didn’t have no problem sleeping on the street. You know how 

to camp out. You have two or three other people there with you that you trust, and no 

problem. I knew that it’s a dollar a day to go take my showers and everything at the Y. I do 

all of that. I knew where to go get a free meal if I had to. I might not like it, but if I ran out 

of money, I could always go get a free meal and that kind of thing. (Nonleased exiter—Los 

Angeles]

Interviewers also asked qualitative respondents how they first learned about the HUD-VASH 

program; the most common referral sources are listed in exhibit 5.6. 

Exhibit 5.6 Exposure to Program/Referral Source, Qualitative Respondents

Doctors or other medical personnel VA hospital, shelter, or program

Family or friend Veterans

Non-VA shelter or program

Source: Veteran Interview

VA was the initial point of entry to HUD-VASH for many Veterans of every study group, through 

drug and alcohol rehabilitation, mental health, and domiciliary or other programs that shelter 

Veterans experiencing homelessness, as well as Veterans service organizations and VA outreach.

I first learned about it when I was in prison. And, the unit I was on, once a month they had 

a VA group that would meet. And we would have, every now and then, speakers from the 

VA hospital here, and different networks would come down there and give us information 

and give us books and help us file disabilities and all that. And when they gave us the 

books, it was a section in there about HUD-VASH program, and when I got out, I looked 

into it. (Stayer—Houston)

I learned about the program through the information book that the VA provides every year. 

I looked through there and there was something about homeless Veterans. They had a 

phone number and I called and they directed me to here. I spoke to a counselor. 

(Nonleased exiter—Philadelphia)

Veterans in each study group learned about HUD-VASH through case managers and other 

staff at rehabilitation programs, shelters, or other assistance programs that were outside 

the VA.
Chapter 5: Program Engagement and Housing Process

HUD-VASH Exit Study 42 Final Report

I was in the treatment facility. A case manager, when I did the intake, they had me down as 

a regular. I was getting ready to graduate the program, and I was thinking about housing 

and we had a one-on-one, and he said, well you know, being that you’re a Veteran, Obama 

signed a bill for Veterans. I hadn’t thought any more about it until he brought it to my 

attention. And he happened to know one of the guys who was running the VA program and 

got me in. (Stayer—Los Angeles)

All study groups, but particularly leased and nonleased exiters, cited other Veterans as initially 

informing them about HUD-VASH, often at a VA hospital or at shelters.

I was with a group of Veterans, talking about help, looking for places and how they had a 

process for Veterans where you could get a house really quickly if you did not have your 

own house. I interrupted and asked him how you do it. He said they have this VASH 

program where you can get—I knew of a program, but it was not for Veterans, if you go 

down to housing. I heard that takes 5 years. It is a 5-year wait on your voucher. Then he 

said they have VASH, where you can get your voucher in 2 or 3 months, for Veterans in 

this program. You have to sign up. I said all right. They gave me the number and I went 

and called. (Leased-up exiter—Los Angeles)

HUD-VASH ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Ease of HUD-VASH Enrollment Process

Interviewers asked study respondents about the ease of HUD-VASH enrollment—using a fivepoint scale ranging from very difficult (1) to very easy (5)—and two steps along the housing 

process: submitting the voucher application to the housing authority and providing sufficient 

documentation. Stayers reported more ease with the enrollment process, whereas nonleased 

exiters reported the most difficulty. Leased-up exiters responded similarly to stayers (see exhibit 

5.7).

Exhibit 5.7 Ease of HUD-VASH Enrollment Process, Study Respondents (N=508) | mean

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing. 

Note: Response values ranged from 1 (very difficult) to 5 (very easy). Statistical significance is indicated by ***p ≤ 0.01.

Source: Veteran Survey

4.02 3.98 4.01 3.90 4.14 4.18 3.81 3.41 3.60

Enrolling in the HUD-VASH program Submitting applications to HA*** Providing documentation of identity and

income to HA***

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Non-Leased Exiters
Chapter 5: Program Engagement and Housing Process

HUD-VASH Exit Study 43 Final Report

When asked about the enrollment process, qualitative respondents described meetings with their 

VA case manager or other HUD-VASH staff; undergoing background, income, and drug 

screenings; participating in tuberculosis testing, vaccinations, or receiving other preventative 

services; filling out paperwork; and providing required documentation. Required documentation 

included government identification, Department of Defense Form 214 (DD-214, military 

discharge status), proof of income, and identifying information about their families, if applicable. 

Veterans often enrolled during a group orientation or through an individual meeting with a HUDVASH staff member. Exhibit 5.8 lists the main themes Veterans discussed regarding the 

enrollment process. 

Exhibit 5.8 Enrollment Process Experiences, Qualitative Respondents

Difficult Homeless status Timeline was longer than expected

Easy Income requirement Timeline was shorter or as long as expected

Facilitation by staff Support from staff

Source: Veteran Interview

Although Veterans did not generally describe program eligibility as a barrier to enrolling in the 

program, some did express concerns regarding requirements related to their homeless status and 

income. Many participants referenced the term chronic homelessness and their understanding that 

eligibility for the HUD-VASH program depended on meeting certain criteria; however, they 

reported confusion and dissatisfaction with the concept.

When I first spoke to them, I was very, very disappointed because I am like, well, how are 

you going to tell me that I do not qualify because I have not been homeless long enough? 

Like, I have a child that is not stable anywhere. So I was really drawn back—very, very 

disappointed that the criteria that you have—that is what I thought. I mean, I do not know 

what is that criteria, but the way I felt was that you have to be homeless for a certain 

period of time to qualify to get into this program. I do not know how that works. 

(Nonleased exiter—Philadelphia)

You have to know what to put down on the application in order to be selected. You can’t 

just put down and say I was homeless one time—they want people who have been homeless 

multiple times; they think they are more needy than somebody that has been homeless 

once. And the person that has been homeless only one time probably has more resources to 

fall back on in order to find housing instead of a—if you go through the rehab it is usually 

because of drinking or drugs or both or prescription drugs or all three or whatever that 

made you homeless. You know they want a cause on why you became homeless and then 

family would come first and then you had to have been homeless more than at least five 

times. They want somebody that has been through it more than a couple of times. (Stayer—

Palo Alto)

I applied for it because I was homeless and sleeping in my car and living in a homeless 

shelter. I was turned down because I was sleeping on the couch at a friend’s house. 

(Nonleased exiter—Palo Alto)

They say I’m not chronically homeless yet. I have to start all over. Chronically homeless to 

the VA is that I got to be a year or more in the streets. Living in the streets, that’s chronic 
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 44 Final Report

homeless. I said, how can I not be chronic? I can’t even walk. I’m in a wheelchair. I’m a 

homeless disabled Veteran that can’t walk. I’m in a wheelchair. I’m sleeping in the back 

shed of my mother’s house. I don’t have no running water, no electricity. I have no eating 

quarters and they told me that I’m not chronic homeless because I haven’t been homeless 

long enough because I just had me a place about 5 months. So, now I’m 5 months going 

into chronic homeless[ness]. So, I got to do another 8 months for them to even see about 

letting me on the list. It’s crazy. (Leased-up exiter—Palo Alto)

If you don’t have any source of income they don’t even want to talk to you; you need to 

have some kind of income. (Stayer—Houston)

The majority of qualitative respondents in every study group described the enrollment process as 

easy and taking about as long as or less time than they expected. Veterans often attributed the ease 

of enrollment to the provision of information about the program, checklists, or other materials. 

Respondents who found the process easier to navigate noted general support from VA case 

managers or housing authority staff, as well as access to required application documents and group 

orientations to complete the application. For some respondents, the timeframe for enrollment was 

shorter because they were involved in other VA programs that facilitated their entry into HUDVASH, their VA case manager was able to fast-track their application, or they were identified as 

having a higher need for housing than other Veterans.

The application did not take but really 3 weeks—went down, met with the people, and they 

gave me a drug test, TB shot, then I came back the next week and I had to bring source of 

income, IDs, and DD-214s. I had to bring that back, and once I brought that, they sent me 

to Building 121. I went in there for orientation, and then a few days later they sent us to 

housing to pick up our vouchers. It was real quick. (Stayer—Houston)

The process is pretty smooth, because we had workers here at the VA that were 

knowledgeable of the application. They had been through the process hundreds of times, so 

it made it a lot easier to get through the application process. (Leased-up exiter—Los 

Angeles)

I went over to the housing authority and I filled out the paperwork. And then my counselor, 

she kind of intervened and she kind of rushed it and told people that I was going to be out 

in the streets. And after that, I think it was just a little more time, you know, that it took for 

me to get in. So it was pretty fast, I can just say that. (Stayer—Houston)

I feel it went fairly quickly because of my level of homelessness. From what I understand 

about the program, that is pretty much how it works—your level of homelessness sets up 

where you’re at on a waiting list basically. I think because of my level of homelessness at 

the time, living at the Veterans Transition Center, I was at high risk and so they offered me 

a first voucher. (Leased-up exiter—Palo Alto)

Some respondents described difficulties with the enrollment process, including lack of assistance 

from staff, trouble gathering necessary documentation or negotiating their goals and program 

qualifications, complex processes, initial rejections, lost paperwork, travel to VA or housing 

authority offices, and waiting. They identified specific steps in the enrollment process that were 

problematic: reapplication following an initial rejection, long waiting lists for limited vouchers, 

lack of follow-up, VA case managers who moved too slowly, or not having an assigned VA case 

manager.
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While you are going through the documentation process and completing all the forms for 

the program, you bring a copy of your compensation letter, which shows how much you 

receive per month because of your service-connected disabilities. Once you take them, it 

has a dollar amount. Mine was $900. Based on what I received, they do some kind of 

percentage calculation and it breaks down the percentage that you will pay, based on the 

type of home you stay in, whether it is an apartment or renting a condo. It shows how 

much you will pay per type of home, and how much you are responsible for. Because of my 

responsibilities to my kids, I did not have enough to cover it. (Nonleased exiter—Houston)

It was kind of disarming because I spent a lot of time to gather up all this information and 

I just got everything that they told me was required and that took some time. When I 

brought it in I had everything I needed, everything. It was processed. I want to say it was 

processed almost in 1 day. When I left the office, I had a date to report to the house 

mentor, which was maybe 3 or 4 days away. When I asked about the voucher, I got a call 

from my case manager who said that my information had been lost. I was really distraught 

about that. For one thing, I wonder where could my information be? As far as I knew, it 

could be anywhere. But at the same time, I did not want to start pointing fingers, because I 

did not know what it was. I felt like everyone who I came in contact with was genuinely 

trying to do their jobs. I felt kind of let down because I felt like I fell through the cracks. 

That does happen, and I just hated that it happened to me. (Nonleased exiter—Houston)

You know, you can slip through the cracks, or, maybe, I mean, I do know you guys have so 

much workload, because I kind of look around. I think somebody just says, “Oh,” you 

know. I have to ask myself, how many people get caught up like that? Here I am waiting by 

the phone and the phone never rings and someone says, “Hey, I called this guy and left 

him a message.” What are you talking about, you know? I am sitting here almost 9 months 

looking at my phone every day. (Stayer—Los Angeles)

It took her forever to get that paperwork done. If they look at the computer from the time 

that she picked me up as a client until the time that she did the paperwork to get the ball 

rolling for anything, they will see a huge gap there. And I had nothing to do; I had time on 

my hands. (Leased-up exiter—Houston)

I eventually got it. Took some time because they dropped the ball. They did not assign me a 

case manager, so it wound up taking me close to a year and a half to get into VASH. 

(Leased-up exiter—Los Angeles)

This is how it was explained to me how HUD-VASH works. They get so many vouchers 

where they are to be distributed to homeless Veterans, Veterans that are in the recovering 

process. And once those vouchers run out there is a wait period and no one seems to know 

how long that wait period will be. (Stayer—Philadelphia)

Also of note, nonleased exiters more frequently described staff facilitating their enrollment or 

providing other support:

[My VA case manager] was checking on me to make sure that I was all right and I was 

seeking assistance from the VA, I guess. When I left [the city], they didn’t take it away. She 

gave me, I guess, a second shot because I was on the 7th floor and when I was checking 

out she inquired about where I would be staying and then I told her and I didn’t go—she 

called because I told her she could. That was my agreement with her, that I would go 
Chapter 5: Program Engagement and Housing Process

HUD-VASH Exit Study 46 Final Report

somewhere so that she knew that I was all right and that I was trying to stay out of trouble, 

and I gave her the information and she called and I wasn’t there. So then they took the 

voucher. (Nonleased exiter—Philadelphia)

Program Orientation

Respondents across each study group expressed overall positive feelings about the HUD-VASH 

orientation, which took place at the local housing authority or was facilitated by housing authority 

staff at the VA. Respondents also recalled orientations hosted by VA staff either in groups or in 

one-on-one meetings at VA locations. They noted that orientations were opportunities for HUDVASH staff to provide Veterans with programmatic guidelines, a description of the process to 

receive a voucher, and tips for finding qualified housing. Many Veterans reported being generally 

pleased with the orientation, usually agreeing that it was “helpful” and that the information was 

adequately explained, either at the orientation or in continued interactions with HUD-VASH staff. 

They had a lot of good information and a lot of knowledgeable information and resources. 

The people there at the housing authority, the ones that presented the orientation, they 

were very helpful. They answered a lot of questions. They gave out a lot of information. I 

was very pleased with it. (Nonleased-exiter—Palo Alto)

[They had classes] to fill out the paperwork, for them to tell you what the dos and do nots 

are, everything—what areas to pick, when to go shopping for a place; make sure you have 

schools, markets, or whatever you need—to make sure you look for that. They were 

showing us how to budget your money and how to pay your bills and all that. Everything 

you can think of, they came out and they took care of the homework. (Stayer—Los Angeles)

Several respondents indicated that they did not attend an orientation. Other respondents, especially 

exiters, noted dissatisfaction with the information provided, explaining that some facilitators were 

not fully versed in how HUD-VASH works, the information was common knowledge or not 

particularly useful, or they had personal difficulties that hindered their ability to receive the 

information in the orientation setting. The most common negative orientation experiences that 

Veterans described are shown in exhibit 5.9. 

Exhibit 5.9 Negative Program Orientation Experiences, Qualitative Respondents

Did not attend orientation Overall negative experience

Dissatisfaction with information provided Personal difficulties

Information wasn’t useful

Source: Veteran Interview

With the way they did it, they went a little too fast in showing people. He was going 

through the thing, rushing it. He did not really take the time to explain things. It was put 

your name here, put this here and put that there. I really did not learn anything. I just did 

as he told us. (Leased-up exiter—Los Angeles)

[The orientation is] not on a case-by-case basis. They’re generalizing the application 

process in order to shorten it down for them, but then when the individual goes through the 

housing authority, that individual is like, “Okay, why are you lying on this paperwork? 

Why isn’t this filled out properly?” and it was like, we got helped. But you won’t see our 
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 47 Final Report

caseworkers there vouching for me like, “Okay, I’m sorry. I filled this out.” No, they’re all 

the way over here. They don’t answer their phones when you’re calling from that office. 

So, it is pointless. (Nonleased exiter—Los Angeles)

The fact that, how to go about asking the proper questions being in the program, because 

when you are new to something, you do not really know what questions to ask. I think that 

should be in VASH. I think there should be like a checklist or like a formatted list. 

Questions that you should ask the property owner and get responses and feedback for. 

What do you do in this situation, what is your rent, and so on and so forth. I think if they 

just created like a mini-questionnaire [or] a checklist. (Nonleased exiter—Los Angeles)

It was murky. It did not really go too smoothly because I did not understand. It is hard for 

me to take in things. That is just on my part. The case manager explained everything that 

day as well as it is the same right now. (Stayer—Houston)

Program Rules and Regulations

Exhibit 5.10 lists the most common rules that Veterans understood they needed to follow to 

remain in HUD-VASH. Because qualitative respondents entered the program between 2008 and 

2014, experiences with program rules and regulations may reflect policies both before and after 

Housing First implementation.

Exhibit 5.10 Program Rules and Regulations, Qualitative Respondents

Class or group therapy attendance Sobriety

Concern over requirements VA case management compliance

No problem with rules 

VA = U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Source: Veteran Interview

Veterans discussed sobriety as a requirement to enroll and remain in HUD-VASH, and several 

respondents also noted that they were required to take a urinalysis.

No drinking, no partying, no dope, no this, and no that, you know, and that at any time the 

social worker could come through and check out your living quarter[s]/ living situation. 

(Stayer—Los Angeles)

They check [your urine]. It is random, though. They might not check you for a year. They 

might not check you for 2 years, you know, but it is at random. They do not tell you when 

they are going to do it. But they do have the right to check to make sure you are staying 

sober. (Stayer—Houston)

However, Veterans felt that if they were to relapse, they could receive assistance through the 

program without automatically losing their housing.

If you relapsed and started using again and—I didn’t think you would be automatically 

disqualified. The hope is that the program would help me get back into what I needed to 

take care of if I relapsed. Lucky for me, I have been over 6 years clean now, so I didn’t 

have that issue. (Stayer—Palo Alto)
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 48 Final Report

Respondents described requirements to comply with VA case management to remain in HUDVASH, such as attending classes (for example, budgeting) or group therapy sessions to support 

abstinence.

Then we had group. I think it was twice a week or even once a week, every week, and we 

had to attend meetings. The rules were very strict. You had to be participating in a 

program in order to get a voucher. (Stayer—Philadelphia)

The rules and regulations hindered me at the time when I first entered because I was 

working contract work. That meant I had to take a car and sometimes I had to go out to 

see, or I had to go to other locations to work. It was difficult meeting up with my case 

manager, which was a requirement to stay in the program, because of my work schedule. 

(Nonleased exiter—Houston)

Learning about the program was one thing, but it seemed a little bit intrusive on anybody’s 

life. It was like mandatory once every 2 week visits or you couldn’t leave town for over a 

month or over whatever. I’m like, my parents live in North Carolina. I am going to be gone 

for over 2 weeks. And if we got to sign off on that permission to do this. (Nonleased 

exiter—Philadelphia) 

What I was just saying about that, somebody keeping their eye on you like a child making 

you feel like—I mean this ain’t really mine. Somebody like always checking up on you and 

stuff like that. (Leased-up exiter—Philadelphia)

HUD-VASH HOUSING PROCESS

Ease of HUD-VASH Housing Process

Stayers and leased-up exiter respondents rated the ease of the housing process, including 

accessing lists of available apartments, selecting an apartment and securing resources, and 

moving into housing. Stayers and leased-up exiters described the difficulty of this process with 

little variation. However, finding an acceptable apartment and obtaining assistance with rent, 

security deposits, and moving costs were more challenging than other steps (see exhibit 5.11).

Exhibit 5.11 Ease of HUD-VASH Housing Process, Study Respondents (N=508) | mean

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing. 

Note: Response values ranged from 1 (very difficult) to 5 (very easy).

Source: Veteran Survey

3.89 3.36 4.05 4.17 3.65 3.48 3.62 3.96 4.20 3.74

Finding listings of

available apartments

Finding an acceptable

apartment option

Getting an apartment

inspected by HA

Being selected as a tenant

by a landlord

Obtaining money for

rent, security deposit,

moving costs

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 49 Final Report

Although nonleased exiters left HUD-VASH before they moved into permanent housing, almost 

two-thirds (61.8 percent) found a listing of available apartment options, fewer than one-half 

(43.1 percent) found an acceptable apartment option, and nearly one-quarter (22.4 percent) 

obtained resources for move-in. Far fewer nonleased exiters indicated that a landlord selected 

them as a tenant (15.5 percent) or that the apartment was inspected (8.6 percent) before exiting 

the program. 

Housing Selection

Exhibit 5.12 displays the number of apartments that study respondents visited during their 

housing search. The majority visited one or more apartments, demonstrating some level of 

choice in selecting a unit. More than one-fourth of stayers and leased-up exiters visited only one 

unit, but two-fifths visited four or more, which may indicate a high degree of choice in housing. 

However, although the majority of leased-up respondents viewed one or more units, a substantial 

portion (14.1 percent of stayers and 17.9 percent of leased-up exiters) stated that they did not 

have a choice in selecting their apartment. Additionally, both stayers and leased-up exiters 

indicated that approximately seven out of 10 apartments were acceptable (70.9 percent for 

stayers and 68.4 percent for leased-up exiters), possibly accounting for the large number of units 

they visited. 

Exhibit 5.12 Number of Apartments Visited During Housing Search, Study Respondents 

(N=502) | percent

Note: N includes 370 stayers, 79 leased-up exiters, and 53 nonleased exiters.

Source: Veteran Survey

About one-third of nonleased exiters indicated that they did not visit any units, probably because 

they exited the program before starting the housing search. However, almost one-half of 

nonleased exiters visited four or more units, 10 percent more than the other study groups. 

Nonleased exiters also indicated that only 42.2 percent of the apartments they visited were 

acceptable, almost 40 percent less than the proportion of acceptable apartments visited by the 

other study groups. These data suggest that nonleased Veterans either exited before beginning 

the housing search or viewed many units but had difficulty finding one that was acceptable.

Both stayers and leased-up exiters cited location or neighborhood as the main reason for their 

choice of apartment (63.4 percent of stayers and 65.4 percent of leased-up exiters). The majority 

of Veterans indicated that they were “very comfortable” during their first few nights in their new 

apartment (58.4 percent of stayers and 65.0 percent of leased-up exiters), and few said that they 

were “not comfortable” (10.3 percent of stayers and 12.5 percent of leased-up exiters).

1.1

28.1

14.1 15.1

41.6

1.3

26.6 17.7 15.2

39.2 34.0

9.4 3.8 3.8

49.1

None One Two Three Four or more

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Non-Leased Exiters
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 50 Final Report

Services Received During Housing Process

Although the majority of respondents reported receiving assistance getting an appointment with 

the housing authority, less than one-half had help providing the required documentation for the 

HUD-VASH application. Stayers and leased-up exiters more frequently indicated that they 

received (1) assistance completing and submitting the HUD-VASH application and (2) support 

finding housing options compared with nonleased exiters (see exhibit 5.13).

During the move-in process, leased-up exiters reported that they received more support than 

stayers obtaining items essential to move-in and moving belongings into their new apartments 

(see exhibit 5.14).

Exhibit 5.13 Services Received During Housing Process, Study Respondents (N~508) | 

percent

Note: N includes 370 stayers, 80 leased-up exiters, and 58 nonleased exiters.

Source: Veteran Survey

Exhibit 5.14 Services Received During Move-in, Study Respondents (N=458) | percent

Note: N includes 369 stayers and 89 leased-up exiters.

Source: Veteran Survey

FACILITATORS AND BARRIERS

Veterans described a variety of experiences related to the HUD-VASH housing process, such as 

feeling supported and guided through the process, as well as encountering barriers that were not 

mitigated by the program, including the amount of time required to find a unit and the pressure to 

act quickly because housing stock was limited. Many Veterans spoke about the effect of their 

81.4

46.2

71.3

46.1

82.5

45.0

73.8

43.8

83.9

44.8

66.1

26.3

Assistance getting and receiving

appointment with PHA

Assistance providing proof of

identity or income

Assistance completing and

submitting PHA application

Assistance finding apartment

options

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Non-Leased Exiters

29.0

15.7 8.4

40.0

21.3

5.1

Assistance getting essential move-in items Assistance moving belongings into the

apartment

Assistance setting up utilities

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 51 Final Report

credit and incarceration histories on their house-hunting experiences, as well as having limited 

funds for move-in costs. Other Veterans described housing that was located too close to “high 

crime” neighborhoods or drug dealers. Many respondents related how prospective property 

owners “stood them up” or how they felt judged on their appearance. Some, such as Veterans 

who used wheelchairs, spoke about a limited inventory of accessible housing. Exhibit 5.15 lists 

the most common facilitators and barriers to housing described by Veterans. 

Exhibit 5.15 HUD-VASH Housing Process Facilitators and Barriers, Qualitative Respondents

Facilitators Barriers

Ability to meet requirements Conflict with property owners/managers

Flexible property owners Criminal background

Housing list or resources for housing search Financial issues

Move-in assistance Inspection issues

Quick move-in process Limited housing options

Supportive VA case manager Limited time for housing search

Medical condition or mental or behavioral health conditions

Transportation

Undesirable neighborhoods

Unsuitable housing

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing. 

Source: Veteran Interview

Facilitators

Ability To Meet Requirements

Veterans described requirements imposed by both the program (for example, property inspections) 

and property owners (for example, background checks). The majority of stayers and leased-up 

exiters indicated that they had no problems with requirements; fewer nonleased exiters stated that 

the requirements were not a problem.

Basically, the place that I lived, they were used to dealing with vouchers and they had 

already had a rapport with [the housing authority]. So they called up and set up the 

inspection and everything. (Stayer—Philadelphia)

The housing authority came out and did their inspection, and it seemed to have been pretty 

expeditious. It was pretty thorough, and I do not remember any problem at all. (Stayer—

Houston)

Flexible Property Owners

Respondents, particularly stayers, described accommodating roperty owners, those who gave them 

“a chance” despite background characteristics, such as criminal histories, and waived screening

processes or application fees.

[The property owner] was really nice. We skipped all of the screening processes. We 

talked for a while. I guess she liked my answers and the way I presented myself. We 

agreed, just like that, without any paperwork. (Leased-up exiter—Los Angeles)
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[My landlord] is also a Veteran. And he knows about HUD-VASH. So he was very 

cooperative. He waited the length of time before he was paid for the move-in deposit. And, 

like I said, it was trying for me because I was wondering if I was going to get kicked out or 

not, but it [came] through. He was happy. And to this day, he is more than happy. 

(Stayer—Palo Alto)

I was lucky in the respect that the landlord used to be where we were at. There are a lot of 

pro-Veteran landlords. But corporate housing—places that are owned by corporations—

they don’t allow their managers to do that. (Leased-up exiter—Palo Alto)

Housing List/Resources For Housing Search

Respondents in each study group found housing lists and similar resources helpful in their housing 

search, particularly those that identified properties that accepted tenants with criminal 

backgrounds.

The biggest help was getting a list that was compiled by the VASH program of various 

housing that was available. And it somewhat broke it down to the extent of whether they 

accepted felonies, whether they required this deposit or whatever deposit, or whatever of 

the few dos and do nots. (Stayer—Houston)

It was about the second or third ride-along; it didn’t take very long, because [of] the guys 

that was driving and having the list of where the apartments were, they were great. 

(Stayer—Palo Alto)

Move-in Assistance

Although a significant proportion of study respondents reported insufficient move-in assistance, a 

number of qualitative respondents—most frequently leased-up exiters—described receiving 

assistance in obtaining money for move-in costs or in moving into their new housing. Veterans 

indicated that they received financial assistance from VA programs, as well as outside 

organizations such as the Salvation Army. HUD-VASH staff often assisted Veterans in identifying 

resources and helping them move.

Any kind of purchasing, I went to one of the places where they actually donate furniture, 

and where people give to for this. It was nice stuff. It wasn’t anything that you wouldn’t 

want to get if you already wanted furniture at your apartment, but me, myself, I’m kind of 

crippled in the hands, and I don’t want to be lugging any heavy stuff around. I was happy. 

I made it comfortable once I got into [it]. I made it into what I wanted it to be, so it was all 

right. (Leased-up exiter—Palo Alto)

You have to pay your own deposit, but there are organizations out there that will help pay 

your deposits for your rent. If you need electricity, they got a lot of organizations out here 

that you can go to, and they will pay your [bill] for 6 months. (Stayer—Houston)

Quick Move-In Process

Both stayers and leased-up exiters noted that they were able to move into their housing much more 

quickly than they expected.

When they first came and inspected the apartment when it was empty, they inspected it and 

got the paperwork going. It was done. It was over with. They told us when we could move 

in there. It was timely. They said the 1st of April we could move in. It was like that. All that 

was done within a 2-week period. (Leased-up exiter—Houston)
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The process went quickly. I got there and lived there. She handled all the paperwork. She 

filled it all out. I guess she knew people down there at Section 8. She has been doing it. She 

did all the paperwork. The next thing you know, she said I could move in a week. She gave 

me the keys. (Leased-up exiter—Los Angeles)

Supportive VA Case Manager

Veterans in every study group described VA case managers who supported or advocated for them 

during the housing process. VA case managers provided Veterans with addresses of prospective 

housing units and transportation for the housing search, assisted with paperwork, and mediated 

interactions between Veterans and the housing authority and prospective property owners.

[VA case managers] even took you around to certain spots so you can look at the places 

that you wanted to move into and then once you found the one you wanted to move into, 

then you went to—I did, I went down to the Veterans Multi-Service Center because I had 

no income and the first month’s deposit. And then you had to go through a little process 

with them and then you got your move-in day. (Stayer—Philadelphia)

As far as the housing search, that was beautiful that they set up and supplied a van and 

everything else and would take you out. All you had to do is say, “Hey, look, now I’m not 

from [City 1], I’m from [City 2]. I know all of [City 2], but I don’t know [City 1].” So, I 

did not know where to go or what to do. And, I told them. I said, “You know, this is where 

I’m going to have my problem.” I said, “I can sit up here and I got a GPS in my car. Still, 

I don’t know how to do all this.” And, they assisted us, and that was the best thing. 

(Stayer—Los Angeles)

[My VA case manager] connected me with [a property management company]. And they 

had so many apartments, and she went every step of the way with me to see the apartments, 

everything. (Leased-up exiter—Philadelphia]

Barriers

Conflict with property owners | Several respondents in each study group commented on conflicts 

with property owners during their housing search, noting that they were rude, sometimes deceitful, 

and unwilling to make repairs to apartments. Often struggles occurred in coordinating rent and 

using the HUD-VASH voucher. A few respondents discussed property owners being slow to 

process paperwork, and others referenced property owners not returning phone calls or inquiries 

about housing.

I had an issue, a situation, dealing with [the property owners], I guess. Like I said, I 

turned in the paperwork to him and her in a timely manner and they just sat on it. And I 

would call, checking on a weekly basis, had they done their part as far as filling out the 

paperwork that they needed to fill out. And the deed and everything that the program was 

requesting from them. All the paperwork that they needed. And it just seemed like they 

dragged their feet on it. And it did not help me. But I would call every week, saying, “Do 

you have those documents ready so I can turn the packet in?” And they just dragged their 

feet on it. (Nonleased exiter—Los Angeles)

The quality sucked, because it is a voucher. So, people feel that they do not give you what 

they don’t want to give you, and they do not want to deal with the rigmarole of the 

paperwork with the housing authority and receiving their check from whoever sends the 
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 54 Final Report

check and blah, blah, blah. So, some places, if it is really, really nice, they will tell you that 

they do not take the voucher, because they do not want your class of people in there. They 

stereotype you. (Leased-up exiter—Philadelphia)

Criminal Background

Veterans explained that some property owners would not rent to them because of their criminal 

histories. 

It really is very hard. I mean, I can understand why they would not want to rent to a felon, 

but a lot of these people that have felonies—not to find an excuse for myself—it was from 

being in the wrong time and the wrong place. Totally my fault I guess. (Stayer—Houston)

[Housing] was fairly limited. I mean there are a large number of allowances, some that 

require a timeframe from your last felony conviction and some that just will not take felony 

convictions period. And the place where I am living at now, that I have been living at for 

the last few years, I mean they extorted me somewhat. They required a $300 deposit, which 

is $200 more than a normal deposit. And they did it, I am certain, because of my 

background. (Stayer—Houston)

Financial Issues

A number of respondents asserted that high rents, particularly in the neighborhoods where they 

desired to live, posed a challenge to their housing search. Other obstacles included having a poor 

credit history or access to limited funds for security deposits or application fees. Leased-up exiters, 

in particular, described financial issues.

My voucher was only so much. And mostly all the places that I had looked at, I still had to 

pay over what the voucher was. And a lot of the places, I was paying $500–$700 more. 

And they were just a small kind of room. And I am a little claustrophobic. It was just trying 

to find something big enough and close enough to HUD-VASH, to the VA center here. 

(Stayer—Palo Alto)

The biggest difficulty I had was coming up with the deposit. I asked, but they didn’t have 

anything available. They told me about a program that was available in the county, but I 

didn’t qualify for it. (Leased-up exiter—Palo Alto)

I do not have money to find a right place because all the places are so expensive. I cannot 

afford all of that. I cannot afford a single. I cannot afford the whole thing. Then you have 

utilities on top of it and you have a phone. It is kind of all of those things. (Nonleased 

exiter—Palo Alto)

And then the day before my voucher expired, they called and said I wasn’t getting the 

apartment because of what was on my credit report. (Stayer—Houston)

Inspection Issues

Some respondents, most frequently exiters, commented on the inspection requirement and the 

challenge of completing it in a timely manner, as well as the possibility of the apartment failing the 

inspection. 

Everything with my apartment was okay, but there were other things around the apartment 

complex itself that they didn’t like so they flunked it. And I said, “Oh geez.” They said, 

“Don’t worry about it, because they will come out a second time and look at it again.” So, 

they did that and this place flunked again. They had to have work done. Then I got a letter 
Chapter 5: Program Engagement and Housing Process

HUD-VASH Exit Study 55 Final Report

that said we are not helping you with the rent at that place anymore. You need to come over 

here and get a new voucher from us and start looking for a new apartment. (Stayer—Houston)

Getting the apartment inspected was probably the longest part. It took about 2 weeks to get 

the apartment inspected to make sure everything was up to code, the heaters were working 

and there were no leaks. It took about 2 weeks to get that inspection done. I was kind of 

worried, because it was a good apartment. To me, it looked good. (Leased-up exiter—Los 

Angeles)

They wouldn’t come down to inspect it, so they had to rent it to somebody else because 

they had 5 days. It wasn’t the fifth day, it was the sixth day, the day after 5 days and 

housing didn’t respond in time. I said you guys have already cost me one place to live. I 

said it took me about 28 days to find that place, but now I am not getting any responses. 

(Stayer—Palo Alto)

Limited Housing Options

Each study group, particularly nonleased exiters, reported difficulties in obtaining housing because 

of the limited options available, housing lists being out of date, and restrictions on localities where 

the voucher could be used. One Veteran reported difficulty finding an apartment that was 

wheelchair accessible.

The list that the housing authorities would supply, by the time—if there was anything good 

on that list—it was gone by the time you got the information. So, that is why it was good to 

get out—I had to get out—and do the leg work myself and try to find something that was 

available as it just became available. (Stayer—Los Angeles)

I continued to look. I tried to look for VA Section 8 after all the places were, “Oh no, we 

don’t [take] Section 8. Oh no, we don’t do city voucher.” And I was just okay because I’m 

staying in hotels, there’s no big refrigerator, there’s no microwave, there’s no stove. So, 

I’m eating out. I’m gaining weight. All my saved-up funds, they’re going elsewhere. So, by 

the time I chose to move on my apartment—even though I have like 2 weeks left on my 

voucher, I had enough money the day I chose to jump on that apartment—I had enough 

money to pay for the rest of December, which was 2 weeks plus 1 month security deposit. 

(Nonleased exiter—Los Angeles)

The difficulty is zip codes. You’re limited to where you can go. You know sometimes a 

mere number on the zip code can shatter your plans, because I had a place, but the zip 

code—they told me I couldn’t stay there. They said I could. Everything was a go, but the 

zip code said no. (Nonleased exiter—Houston)

I have a wheelchair. I was turned down from a lot of places, because they did not have 

access to get in with a wheelchair, or they did not want somebody that had a wheelchair, 

because they did not have access for it. (Nonleased exiter—Palo Alto)

Limited Time For Housing Search

Veterans in each study group discussed the time pressure associated with the housing search, 

explaining that they could lose their voucher if they could not identify an apartment within the

allotted time. 

I was in a little hurry, but it’s time consuming when you want something particular going 

through VASH. You don’t have too much time because your voucher has a time limit on it. 
Chapter 5: Program Engagement and Housing Process

HUD-VASH Exit Study 56 Final Report

I was getting close to that time limit. I’m going, “Ahh!” Then, I knew that there was more 

paperwork that you had to do to get an extension. (Stayer—Los Angeles)

We are going to get it filled out—they would tell me that and tell me that. Until I ended up 

getting an extension because they used up so much of the time. And it did not leave me any 

other time or option to look for anything else. Because [of] the time constraint and time 

was running out. And I was like, “Wow. Now I got to take it because you got me behind the 

eight ball. I do not have time to be searching for anything else.” (Nonleased exiter—Los 

Angeles)

I mean, imagine it—you got this time limit. That’s what drives you crazy every day. You’re 

worrying about it, and it throws you off. It throws some people off. I think it makes people 

manic too much. (Leased-up exiter—Palo Alto)

Medical Conditions or Mental or Behavioral Health Conditions

Respondents, particularly nonleased exiters, discussed their health (for example, needing surgery) 

or history of mental health conditions or substance use as a challenge in their house-hunting 

experience. 

Because I have PTSD and bipolar, and my therapist gave me a letter stating how 

important it was for me to keep my dog with me because my dog was a therapy dog. He 

was not certified yet. I had not had the opportunity to have him certified as a service dog. 

That right there was an issue. (Nonleased exiter—Palo Alto)

I mean, thank God the treatment is right here, but it’s like very difficult going on a housing 

search when you have those issues going on and trying to focus and not deal with the 

triggers that’s going on. (Stayer—Palo Alto)

Transportation

Veterans described transportation, or lack thereof, as a barrier to the housing search. It limited the 

areas in which they could look for housing and also prolonged the housing search because bus 

routes often did not offer direct routes between available units. 

I had to get up funding for transportation and stuff like that. I was mostly interested in 

going over to the east side anyway. I had to think that if I wanted to maybe catch access to 

a bus going towards that way, that would eventually take me over towards [the shopping 

area] for the purpose of maybe going for groceries or something like that, and on the way 

stopping to investigate an apartment or something. It just never panned out. (Nonleased 

exiter—Houston)

It was hard to make a decision, because the housing that was available in the location was 

sort of far away from where I was working. Sad to say, that is a long commute. (Nonleased 

exiter—Palo Alto)

I would just say [the biggest challenge was an] inability to really get around like I needed 

to. Even though I do have a bus pass, it is time consuming. Public transportation is time 

consuming. So, having to get off this bus, that bus, this bus, it lessens the amount of places 

that you could get to in a day’s time. (Leased-up exiter—Palo Alto)
Chapter 5: Program Engagement and Housing Process

HUD-VASH Exit Study 57 Final Report

Undesirable Neighborhoods

Respondents, especially exiters, described challenges related to avoiding high-crime and druginfested neighborhoods. That issue was particularly important to Veterans who had a history of 

substance use and were trying to avoid relapse. 

When I walked in the office, they did not seem very friendly about helping me from the 

beginning. They said they did not have anything available. I left the office and I walked to 

the end of the street of the apartment complex. I turned around and went back in there. I 

wanted to see what it was like. I started walking around the complex. I saw one guy in an 

alley smoking crack. I saw some man who came up to me and asked if I had a couple of 

dollars. There was no security in the place. All kinds of stuff was going on. People had 

some kind of makeshift clothesline from one end of a door to another building, stretching 

their clothes, three or four lines, stretching their clothes across the lines. There was loud 

music. You could smell the stench of urine around the buildings and all that kind of stuff. 

(Leased-up exiter—Houston)

I’m an ex-drug addict. I’d like to stay away from drugs, and everything that they were 

accepting were right there in the drug area. So, it was hard to find a place that wasn’t in 

those areas. (Nonleased exiter—Palo Alto)

I tried to get myself on track and then I explained to them where I wanted to live at in a 

nice, comfortable area. No drugs or alcohol. No loudness. Comfortable, peace, quiet, and 

something that I can appreciate. Being on drugs and alcohol and then moving into a 

neighborhood or vicinity or environment that has that around, it only increases the nature 

of you running back to your old, familiar behaviors. I wanted to get away from all of that. 

(Stayer—Philadelphia)

Unsuitable Housing

Several respondents described the units they visited as unsuitable for habitation, reporting 

problems with plumbing, electrical outlets, broken appliances, and bug infestation. Although 

Veterans were less likely to speak about undesirable neighborhoods during interviews, stayers 

were more apt to describe unsuitable housing than were both exiter groups.

When I first used the HUD-VASH, the list that HUD-VASH gave me for housing, the 

majority of the houses that I went to on the HUD-VASH were like holes in the wall, dumps. 

Then I called my friend, who is a realtor, and she went on a database and we found a place 

that was suitable. (Stayer—Houston)

I found them unacceptable. Water issues, I mean, plumbing issues, paint chipping, and 

even the area had a lot to do with it. But, mainly, it was the physical structure of the 

apartment that, to me, it was not acceptable. I did not need an inspector to come out and 

see that this was unacceptable, because I have been a home and office remodeler for 17 

years. (Leased-up exiter—Los Angeles)

HOUSING SATISFACTION

Both stayers and leased-up exiters described general satisfaction with the housing they leased 

while in HUD-VASH, using a five-point scale ranging from very dissatisfied (1) to completely 

satisfied (5). Veterans had some concerns, however, including neighborhood and building safety 
Chapter 5: Program Engagement and Housing Process

HUD-VASH Exit Study 58 Final Report

and security. Leased-up exiters reported less satisfaction overall with HUD-VASH housing 

compared with stayers (see exhibit 5.16).

Exhibit 5.16 Housing Satisfaction While in HUD-VASH and After Exit, Study Respondents 

(N=508) | mean

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing. 

Notes: Response values ranged from 1 (very dissatisfied) to 5 (completely satisfied). Statistical significance is indicated 

by *p ≤ 0.10, **p ≤ 0.05 and ***p ≤ 0.01.

Source: Veteran Survey

Interviewers also asked leased-up exiters to rate their satisfaction with their current housing. In 

contrast to low levels of satisfaction with safety while in HUD-VASH, satisfaction with 

neighborhood safety increased more than 10 percent and satisfaction with building safety and 

security increased more than 5 percent following their exit from the program. Veterans’ 

satisfaction with opportunities to socialize also rose by more than 6 percent for leased-up exiters. 

Satisfaction with apartment condition and access to shopping and public transportation decreased 

following their exit from HUD-VASH, however. Compared with the other study groups, 

nonleased exiters had lower levels of satisfaction in every area except access to public 

transportation, and they reported the least satisfaction with the apartment condition. 

Respondents spoke in detail about the quality of their housing. Although some respondents 

reported positive experiences with moving in, living independently, accessing new amenities, 

and having responsive property owners, others reported unresponsive property owners or poorly 

maintained housing units. The main themes related to housing satisfaction are listed in exhibit 

5.17.

2.98

3.67

3.31

3.49

3.96

3.30

3.09

3.73

3.91

3.88

3.83

3.76

3.91

3.79

3.81

3.89

3.59

3.86

4.01

3.39

3.47

3.78

3.84

3.61

4.10

4.31

3.60

3.63

Apartment condition

Affordability

Building safety and security

Access to shopping

Access to public transportation

Neighborhood safety

Opportunities to socialize

Stayers -

HUD-VASH Housing

Leased-Up Exiters -

HUD-VASH Housing

Leased-Up Exiters -

Housing after exit

Non-Leased Exiters -

Housing after exit

***exit

**exit

*HUD-VASH

**HUD-VASH

***exit

***exit
Chapter 5: Program Engagement and Housing Process

HUD-VASH Exit Study 59 Final Report

Exhibit 5.17 HUD-VASH Housing Satisfaction Experiences, Qualitative Respondents

Amenities Location

General satisfaction Problem with housing, property owner or neighborhood

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing.

Source: Veteran Interview

Amenities

Respondents commented on the amenities (for example, weight room, community center, 

computer room, elevators, security cameras) available with units and how they played a role in 

their housing decision and satisfaction. Several respondents placed a greater value on the 

availability of those amenities than on other factors, such as price. 

When I first drove out there, it looked like it was brand new. Every other place had been 

there for like 8 years. And, one of the attractions there—they have a weight room, and they 

have got a computer room, with free access to the Internet, and they got a community 

center where they throw little parties and stuff like that. Of course, it was like $100–$150 

cheaper at the other places, but I would rather pay that for the amenities. (Stayer—

Houston)

It’s a very secure building with cameras. It’s reasonably secure. Nothing is foolproof, but 

it’s relatively quiet. The tenants are decent people for the most part. To that end, it has a 

washer, dryer, whatever you need to survive in this situation, so that’s good. (Stayer—Los 

Angeles)

General Satisfaction

Some respondents were content with living independently and having their own housing, which 

they often described as “acceptable” and “nice.” Stayers were slightly more likely to discuss 

general housing satisfaction than were leased-up exiters. 

That was the best feeling in the world, when I first got my place. It was my bed, my food. 

That was good. (Leased-up exiter—Houston)

I think that my best experience was having my own place with privacy, you know, gaining 

a certain dignity and self-respect to maintain. You know, I actually enjoy keeping my 

apartment clean. (Stayer—Philadelphia)

I walked in and I fell in love with it. I just liked everything about the apartment. I did not 

even really need to do a tour. (Stayer—Los Angeles)

My main concern was my safety, being a female and being alone, and you know [my VA 

case manager] suggested this place. I went out there, and I knew the area, because I used 

to work in that area, so I was kind of familiar with the area, but I was just like—I liked it 

from day one. I’m like, I think this is really good. (Stayer—Philadelphia)

Location

Respondents discussed being pleased with the location of their unit. Some Veterans mentioned 

looking for housing close to their current place of employment or family, and a significant number 

discussed proximity to public transportation and business centers as a key factor in choosing their 

housing location. Several respondents commented on the importance of neighborhood 
Chapter 5: Program Engagement and Housing Process

HUD-VASH Exit Study 60 Final Report

characteristics. Stayers were much more likely than leased-up exiters to express satisfaction with 

their housing location.

It’s all good. It’s all family-orientated so it’s not really like a—you don’t have people moving 

in and out monthly; it’s like people actually live there and they kind of keep that place like a 

home. Like the whole building—everybody knows everybody. (Stayer—Los Angeles) 

I was pretty much set on that one because it was very convenient. You know, I could take 

the bus in or I could take the train in town. I am going to AA and I made most of the 

meetings downtown so that was what I was interested in. (Stayer—Palo Alto)

I also chose that location because of my background and it is in a place where nobody 

knows me. I know nobody except for the one person that’s from the recovery house that I 

am. And that is how it has been over the last 3 years. (Stayer—Philadelphia)

Problem With Housing, Property Owner, Or Neighborhood

Some Veterans reported problems with substandard housing or neighborhoods in which they felt 

unsafe or had security concerns. A few respondents noted that some property owners did not 

maintain the buildings or charged them extra rent, although they were not permitted by the housing 

authority to do so. Leased-up exiters discussed those problems slightly more frequently than did 

stayers.

You go onto the website on apartments and you rate them. Oh, yeah, I went on there and 

told them, “Do not move over there. He is an asshole. It is a waste of time.” Once you get 

there, they going to talk to you real nice to get you in, and once you in, they do not care. 

All they want is they money, they do not, I mean, they do not keep the property up. The city 

had to come out and make them do landscaping. They had to make them fix the pools, 

because one of the pools was condemned. They do not care. They just want money. 

(Stayer—Houston)

I just felt that my privacy a lot of times was violated because the guys they kind of lobbied 

around the pool, and I lived by the pool. I felt uncomfortable with my blinds open because 

they were always in a position that they could look straight through. One time, I went to 

walk toward the window and close it, and they waved at me. I thought, “I will just close the 

blinds,” you know. I could not keep my bedroom—I caught them looking through the 

bedroom. It was just an uncomfortable feeling. I was alone with a son—one child—I just 

did not, I never felt comfortable there. (Leased-up exiter—Houston)

A guy got killed about 50 feet from where I was staying. I was on the corner; I lived in the 

alley. [He was] killed across the street. That was just one. There were several—young 

gang bangers, kids—doing that gangster stuff. (Leased-up exiter—Los Angeles)

We do not have secure doors and you have hoochies crawling up and down the hallways at 

night, and drug dealers, and guys that had been to prison. It was not cool. And meanwhile, 

the landlord is oblivious to all that. He is just busy collecting his rent. (Leased-up exiter—

Los Angeles)

PROGRAM SATISFACTION

The overwhelming majority of study respondents felt that HUD-VASH was a good fit for their 

needs (95.9 percent of stayers, 90.0 percent of leased-up exiters, and 87.9 percent of nonleased 

exiters). Those Veterans who did not believe it was a good fit either felt that they did not need as 
Chapter 5: Program Engagement and Housing Process

HUD-VASH Exit Study 61 Final Report

much support as the program offered and that it had too many rules or they needed more support 

than the program offered.

SUMMARY

Accessing the voucher took approximately 3 months and was slightly faster for nonleased exiters 

than for Veterans in the other study groups. Along each stage of the housing process—from 

assessment to moving into permanent housing—stayers required more time than did leased-up 

exiters. That may be because the vast majority of stayers entered the program before its shift in 

FFY 2013 to a Housing First approach, which emphasizes rapid placement in permanent 

housing. Further exploration indicated that both admission to the program after HUD-VASH’s 

transition to Housing First and the frequency of VA case management contacts significantly 

decreased the number of days required for a Veteran to receive a voucher and access permanent 

housing.

Stayers and leased-up exiters most frequently reported receiving their HUD-VASH vouchers 

while living in a location that provided supportive services, such as transitional housing or 

substance abuse treatment facilities, followed by living with friends and family. By contrast, 

nonleased exiters more frequently reported being literally homeless (that is, in an emergency 

shelter or a place not meant for human habitation), followed by living with friends or family. 

Stayers’ and leased-up exiters’ living arrangements seem to have remained stable during the 

period between voucher receipt and apartment selection.

Compared with stayers and leased-up exiters, nonleased exiters generally found the HUD-VASH 

housing process to be more difficult. A substantial portion of nonleased exiters, however, 

completed two of the processes described as most difficult by stayers and leased-up exiters: 

finding an acceptable apartment option and obtaining money for move-in costs, although they 

never accessed housing. Nonleased exiters were less likely than the other groups to report 

receiving assistance in submitting the HUD-VASH application or finding apartment options.

Additionally, although at least 40 percent of all study respondents visited four or more 

apartments during their housing search—indicating a high degree of choice in housing—more 

than one-half reported not receiving assistance with that process.

A minority of Veterans who leased housing reported receiving move-in assistance. Veterans 

were only moderately satisfied with the level of safety at their units; after leaving the program, 

leased-up exiters reported higher levels of satisfaction regarding safety issues. On the other hand, 

nonleased exiters, who never entered HUD-VASH housing, were less satisfied with their housing 

than were Veterans who leased housing with HUD-VASH vouchers. Some Veterans expressed 

concerns regarding program requirements, such as meeting with their VA case manager, 

attending a group, or maintaining sobriety. Although Veterans reported a variety of facilitators 

and barriers to the housing process, a significant majority of Veterans in all study groups 

reported that HUD-VASH was a good fit for their needs.
HUD-VASH Exit Study 62 Final Report

CHAPTER 6:

VA CASE MANAGEMENT

This chapter presents information about VA case management. VA case management is intended 

to support participants’ access to housing and housing stability; VA case managers may assist 

Veterans with the housing search and move-in processes and connect Veterans with supportive 

services such as health care, mental health treatment, and substance use counseling. This chapter 

includes details from administrative records entered by VA case managers that indicate when 

Veterans received VA case management throughout their participation in HUD-VASH, as well 

as descriptive findings related to facilitators and barriers to VA case management described by 

Veterans during qualitative interviews. Supporting data tables are included in appendix I.

FREQUENCY OF VA CASE MANAGEMENT CONTACTS

VA Case Management Requirements

During site visits, VA case management teams described current VA case management 

requirements for HUD-VASH participants; those requirements differed across programs, but 

each site required at least monthly contact with Veterans (see exhibit 6.1). 

Exhibit 6.1 VA Case Management Requirements

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

During housing 

process

Monthly face-to-face 

meeting, monthly 

contact with VA housing 

specialist

Weekly phone call and 

monthly face-to-face 

meeting

Weekly face-to-face 

meeting

Weekly orientation 

meeting, weekly 

phone call, and 

monthly face-to-face 

meeting

Year 1 Monthly home visit Monthly face-to-face 

meeting

Monthly home visit Monthly home visit

Year 2 Monthly home visit Quarterly face-to-face 

meeting

Monthly home visit Monthly phone call

Year 3 Monthly home visit Two annual face-to-face 

meetings

Monthly home visit Monthly phone call

Notes Once a Veteran is 

accepted into HUDVASH, the VA case 

manager becomes the 

first point of contact at 

the VA for all case 

management services.

In lieu of monthly VA 

case manager contact, 

Veterans may attend a 

group meeting.

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 

Supportive Housing. 

Source: Staff Interview
Chapter 6: VA Case Management

HUD-VASH Exit Study 63 Final Report

Administrative Records

VA case managers enter information about HUD-VASH contacts in Veterans’ VA medical 

records. Exhibit 6.2 depicts the average number of contacts per month that HUD-VASH 

participants received throughout different stages of the housing process.11 At most stages of the 

housing process, the frequency of contact with VA case managers was similar for the three study 

groups.

Following move-in, both stayers and leased-up exiters saw a decline in contact with VA case 

managers; however, 1 year following move-in, leased-up exiters’ frequency of contact with their 

VA case managers was 1.5 times that of stayers (see exhibit 6.3). 

Exhibit 6.2 Frequency of VA Case Management During Housing Process, HUD-VASH 

Participants (N=7,383) | mean

HA = housing authority. HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of 

Veterans Affairs (VA) Supportive Housing.

Note: Statistical significance is indicated by **p ≤ 0.05.

Source: VA Medical Record

Exhibit 6.3 Frequency of VA Case Management Following Move-in, HUD-VASH Participants 

(N=7,383) | mean

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 

Supportive Housing.

Note: Statistical significance is indicated by *p ≤ 0.10 and ***p ≤ 0.01.

Source: VA Medical Record

 

11 Veterans were excluded if no time elapsed between two sequential points in the housing process (for example, if 

program admission and housing authority referral occurred on the same date). Note that contacts are measured by 

the number of notations made in the Veteran’s medical record and can range from a message left on a Veteran’s 

voicemail to a home visit.

1.06

8.96

3.54 2.52

0.95

9.54

4.22

2.45

1.08

9.69

4.08

30 days prior to admission** Monthly average between

admission and HA referral

Monthly average between HA

referral and receipt of voucher

Monthly average between

receipt of voucher and move-in

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Non-Leased Exiters

1.93 1.59 1.49 1.45 1.41

0.88

2.01

1.54 1.52 1.43 1.32 1.22

30 days post-move-in 31-60 days postmove-in61-90 days postmove-in91-180 days postmove-in monthly

average

181 – 360 days postmove-in monthly 

average*

361-720 days postmove-in monthly

average***

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters
Chapter 6: VA Case Management

HUD-VASH Exit Study 64 Final Report

Veterans’ Perspectives

The majority of stayers and leased-up exiters indicated during interviews that they met with their 

VA case managers monthly. Nonleased exiters were more likely to report that they met with their 

VA case managers more often: one-third met with their VA case manager one to two times per 

month or more than twice per month (see exhibit 6.4). The more frequent visits reported by 

nonleased exiters likely reflects the higher level of VA case management that occurs when 

Veterans first enter the HUD-VASH program; however, it also demonstrates that nonleased 

exiters recall meeting with VA case managers quite often—more than one-third reported meeting 

more than twice per month—yet those Veterans still did not access housing.

Exhibit 6.4 Self-Reported Number of Monthly Meetings With VA Case Manager, Study 

Respondents (N=498) | percent

VA = U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Note: N includes 363 stayers, 80 leased-up exiters, and 55 nonleased exiters.

Source: Veteran Survey

VA CASE MANAGEMENT SATISFACTION

Among study respondents, stayers reported overall higher levels of satisfaction with their 

relationships with their VA case managers compared with both exiter groups. Nonleased exiters 

indicated higher levels of satisfaction than did leased-up exiters, with the exception of their VA 

case managers’ ability to help them. Leased-up exiters seemed less satisfied with VA case 

management overall (see figure 6.5). 

Exhibit 6.5 VA Case Management Satisfaction, Study Respondents (N=508) | mean

VA = U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Note: Response values ranged from 1 (never) to 5 (always). Statistical significance is indicated by **p ≤ 0.05 and ***p ≤ 

0.01.

Source: Veteran Survey

6.1 19.3

59.2

11.0 5.0 4.4 15.0

56.3

5.5 13.8 10.0 1.8

25.5 32.7 34.5

Do not meet with case

manager

Less than once per month Once per month One to two times per

month

More than twice per

month

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Non-Leased Exiters

4.3 4.39 4.01 4.46 3.86 3.74 3.89 3.95 3.56 3.92 4.19 4.15

My case manager was able to

help me***

My case manager and I agreed

on goals***

My case manager and I had the

same ideas about what my

problems were

My case manager and I trusted

each other**

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Non-Leased Exiters
Chapter 6: VA Case Management

HUD-VASH Exit Study 65 Final Report

FACILITATORS AND BARRIERS

During qualitative interviews, many Veterans described positive and supportive relationships 

with their VA case managers, highlighting the importance of continuity and access. They 

explained that their VA case managers were able to keep them on task and inspire them to move 

forward. Veterans also spoke about the support provided by VA peer support specialists, 

underscoring the value of connecting with someone with shared experience. Other Veterans, 

however, described poor experiences with their VA case managers, explaining that they were 

often overworked, slow to respond to issues, and unsupportive. Some Veterans explained that 

personal issues, such as substance abuse, were barriers to effective use of both VA case 

managers and peer support specialists. The most common facilitators and barriers to VA case 

management described by Veterans are listed in exhibit 6.6.

Exhibit 6.6 VA Case Management Facilitators and Barriers, Qualitative Respondents

Facilitators Barriers

Accessibility High turnover

Access to resources Impersonal or nonempathetic interactions

Advocacy Irregular meetings

Highly supportive and helpful Nonresponsiveness

Individualized service Unmet expectations

Peer support specialists Veteran readiness

Veteran accountability

VA = U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Source: Veteran Interview

Facilitators

Accessibility

Respondents described VA case managers’ accessibility (for example, returning phone calls) 

leading to a positive relationship; stayers and leased-up exiters described VA case managers as 

accessible more frequently than did nonleased exiters.

What I really like about them is they don’t waste any time getting things done. If I call 

them today, they will call me back no later than tomorrow, and I’ve never gotten an “I 

don’t know,” or “I can’t answer.” It’s like every problem that I’ve had, they’ve been on it. 

They don’t mess around, in other words. (Stayer—Philadelphia)

I think it worked out pretty fine being that way that you would not have to wait around 

when you need to see a case manager. Or if you had any problems and the case manager 

that you wanted to see was not in, well, you was able to see others who could help you take 

care of your business. (Stayer—Houston)

Open door. I can call and say, “Hey, I got some issues. I would like to come back and be 

case managed” and be okay. (Stayer—Palo Alto)

Access to Resources

Access to resources was the most referenced facilitator of VA case management. Respondents 

explained that VA case managers provided a variety of resources, including referrals to programs 

that assist with or provide housing, security deposits, moving costs, clothing, food, and furniture, 
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 66 Final Report

as well as information about educational programs, job search support, and therapeutic group 

meetings. 

My caseworker would help me with it, even financially sometimes. Not right from that 

person, but information on where to get help. If I need food, there is a list you dig up. 

Clothing is another thing. She gave me a list of different churches and stuff. At first, I did not 

utilize anything like that. Like I said, my whole mindset was different. And they started to 

come in handy. I had to change. So the relationship with her was basically she was trying to 

domesticate me. And that helped domesticate me, information-wise. (Stayer—Houston)

They are very good at finding other resources like food banks, energy assistance 

programs, even employment if that is what one is looking for. They are also very assisting 

in helping one to get information, say, from the military, medical records. Right now I am 

trying to get my discharge upgraded and my case manager sent the paperwork to my 

apartment and I got to get it filled out and returned. (Stayer—Philadelphia)

They help and assist if you call them and let them know you are looking for a job and what 

type of job you looking for. They will refer you to some people to help you find jobs. They 

go out in the community to find people that will help Veterans into getting jobs. They will 

hire Veterans, like basically they are going to help; they find people that will help hire 

Veterans with disabilities or whatever. (Stayer—Houston)

Advocacy

Respondents described situations in which VA case managers helped them deal with the HUDVASH enrollment process or rent payments, spoke on their behalf, or expedited processes. VA 

case managers also helped Veterans mediate conflicts with property owners, apartment 

management, and the housing authority. Stayers and leased-up exiters discussed advocacy more 

frequently than did nonleased exiters.

If I need anything or if I run into a problem—like I had a problem at my apartment 

complex where I was coming off of my deck and I fell and my ankle was like this, and they 

were giving me flack about fixing it. I was like, “Are you kidding me? I can sue you!” With 

[my VA case manager] backing me up, calling [the housing authority], making sure the 

inspector came down and everything—my deck is beautiful. I had no problem with them, 

they were very respectful. The building is fantastic. So they are good backup. (Stayer—

Philadelphia)

I actually got interviewed by [my VA case manager] over the phone and it was very—she 

was very informative. I told her that I had applied for the HUD-VASH a year prior to my 

conversation with her and she did some research and along with one of the fellows that 

works at the HUD-VASH program, they were able to recover my paperwork and basically 

get me back into the same slot that I should have been all along. (Leased-up exiter—Palo 

Alto)

Highly Supportive And Helpful

Veterans described their VA case managers as genuinely caring about their well-being. A few 

respondents talked about establishing a level of trust, respect, and even friendship with their VA 

case managers. Some described VA case managers as going beyond what was necessary to help 
Chapter 6: VA Case Management

HUD-VASH Exit Study 67 Final Report

them, including visiting Veterans during hospital stays. Stayers most frequently described VA case 

managers as highly supportive and helpful, followed by leased-up exiters and nonleased exiters. 

Just their willingness to help me take care of any problems I may have. They always seem 

like they are concerned and ready to care about me helping myself, helping me help 

myself. They always are willing to listen to anything I have to say, or any problems I am 

having, or even the good things that are happening to me, and they have always got a good 

ear for listening. I do not know. I have enjoyed them, you know? What can I say? I mean, I 

am, like I said, I am so enamored with this program, I just cannot stand it. (Stayer—

Houston)

She was my guidance, I guess. They genuinely cared to see that you make it through the 

issues that you are going through. I think they do more than their job in a way. (Nonleased 

exiter—Philadelphia)

Individualized Service

Respondents from each study group commented that their VA case managers oriented them to the 

HUD-VASH program, which they found very helpful. 

It was an experience. It was almost like buying a new house, so to speak. [My VA case 

manager] was very helpful. She walked me through everything, explained everything to 

me. And it was—I could not believe how easy it was and why I could not have learned this 

a long time ago. I could have been off the street a long time ago. (Stayer—Palo Alto)

I kind of got along with her right away. She understood everything. She dealt mostly with 

people with schizophrenia. She knew the process—to not throw too much at you and go 

slow, not pushing you. Right away, she knew that my situation was not as bad as others. 

She knew she could be more lenient. As far as her being more understanding, I think she 

was well on—she knew her stuff. She knew how to make a Veteran feel at ease. (Leased-up 

exiter—Los Angeles)

The day I was getting ready to commit suicide, [the VA case manager and another VA staff 

member] were on their way to my house. We was, my daughter and I had just walked into 

the hospital. We were standing at the new emergency room window when I saw [my VA 

case manager] pass. She said, “You called me.” I did not even remember calling her. She 

said, “You called me and left me a strange message and we were on our way to your house 

right now.” And me and my daughter was standing at the emergency room. She convinced 

me to sign myself in. I was losing it and I did not even know. She saved my life. (Leased-up 

exiter—Philadelphia)

Peer Support Specialists

Several stayers described the VA peer support specialists as a beneficial aspect of the program,

helping with appointments and securing resources. 

She sent me another person to help—a peer counselor. That person was perfect, because I 

hated her guts. She was so rough on me. Yeah, boy she was rough. And she was always 

telling me—what is that phrase? “Pick up your books and...” She was all up in a tizzy. 

And I did not like her. And I was going to tell her not to come back. And I realized boy, if it 
Chapter 6: VA Case Management

HUD-VASH Exit Study 68 Final Report

was not for her—stop feeling sorry for myself. I changed 180 degrees. I feel a lot better. 

(Stayer—Houston)

She really connected with all of us. Like she would sit us in a room. And she also lives in 

[City], so I think that really helped a lot, because if we would start a conversation that she 

would follow-up, and she would say, “Oh, yeah, I know because X, Y, and Z. Oh, I know 

about that. Trust me, trust me. I have been there.” So the fact that we were able to connect 

with her, and she was able to relate to—I mean, she might not have been homeless, but at 

one point in her life she was faced with some of these challenges that we were facing. And 

because she was able to connect with us, she really put 100 percent effort into helping us 

and finding different stuff to help us. (Nonleased exiter—Philadelphia)

Veteran Accountability

Veterans appreciated that their VA case managers regularly discussed goal setting, identification of 

Veterans’ needs, and overall well-being. Most respondents—particularly stayers—found the 

accountability provided by VA case managers to be very helpful.

She was very compassionate, very concerned as to my whereabouts and what I was doing 

every step of the way. And even after all that fell apart, she still was checking. She still was 

checking on me as far as my well-being. She really was. From beginning to end. 

(Nonleased exiter—Los Angeles)

She is always checking up on me. She is asking me how I am doing. She texts me all the 

time. She asks me what I need. I ask her and she gives me results. I ask a question and she 

looks into it. She does. She does not wait 2 weeks to give me an answer. She will call me 

that day or the next day. She is very helpful. Whatever I need, she is there for me. (Leasedup exiter—Los Angeles)

Just trying to keep me focused on how I need to do things so that we can maintain stability 

for the family. Sometimes you know when you are going through a crisis, especially, and 

like with me because I was really on a downward spin after my son was killed. It was 

really hard for me to try to just figure how to go on even putting one foot in front of 

another. So, just to have that support. (Stayer—Houston)

Barriers

High Turnover

Respondents identified the high turnover rates of VA case managers as a barrier to developing 

good relationships, establishing trust, and encouraging one-on-one attention. Veterans commented 

that changes could be abrupt, with little or no warning and insufficient time to facilitate a smooth 

transition. Stayers were most likely to take issue with VA staff turnover, followed by leased-up 

exiters. 

They were so short. Most of them stayed like a month and you didn’t get a chance to know 

them that well. We changed case managers, and the others, they didn’t stay that long. I don’t 

know if they’re in transition or they’re in training a day, a week, a month. Before you to get 

to know them, well, they’re gone, someone else comes in. And it’s been like that because we 

were trying to build a relationship with one person at a time. (Stayer—Philadelphia)
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 69 Final Report

I think it was an abrupt change without knowledge, first of all. I think a shift in case 

management needs to be addressed, even if they don’t tell you one-on-one—just prepare 

you for that to get help elsewhere and shift like that. Like shifting for a person with PTSD 

is very difficult and so when I got with the new case manager, she was not as available as 

my first case manager. And, again, not to say that she didn’t do a good job for me—it was 

just an abrupt shift and also the caseload was much higher than when I first came into the 

program. (Stayer—Palo Alto)

Impersonal or Nonempathetic Interactions

Some respondents described their VA case managers as nonempathetic or impersonal. Several 

Veterans indicated that their negative relationships with their VA case managers made them feel 

that they wanted to leave the program. Others noted that their VA case managers were not sensitive 

to their concerns. Respondents with those experiences generally described the relationship as being 

a “bad” one. Leased-up exiters described those types of interactions most often. 

My experience with my second case manager, I really felt like a number. I knew at that 

point there was an overload in case management and that my position was, “Just get you a 

house and we’ll deal with this later.” But that wasn’t true for me. Again, being a female 

with PTSD, some of the issues that came up for me were more frightening for me to look 

for housing at that point. (Stayer—Palo Alto)

She never called me. She never even knew when [my voucher] expired. I figured if she did 

even know about that, she didn’t care. So, I moved into the apartment and after I moved 

into the apartment, she called me about 3 weeks to a month later and she’s like, “Oh, your 

voucher is about to expire, I think, or is it not, or is it already expired?” Like she didn’t 

know. I’m like, “I’m already in my own apartment.” She’s like, “Oh really?” I was like, 

“Yeah.” She’s like, “Through VASH?” I said, “No, I wouldn’t have the money.” She 

didn’t seem to care. She’s like, “Okay. Well, call me if you need anything. ‘Bye.” Click. 

(Nonleased exiter—Los Angeles)

Irregular Meetings

Respondents discussed irregular meetings with their VA case managers as a barrier to maintaining 

a good relationship. A similar proportion of respondents in each study group cited irregular 

meetings as a barrier to VA case management. 

I am sure I had somebody because everybody, according to what I understand, has a case 

manager, but I did not see a case manager for over a year. (Stayer—Houston)

You know, actually, I think I did meet him for a minute at that enrollment. Yeah, he was 

about to leave, they handed him my file, he shook hands with me and he went on his way. I 

was able to meet him later on when I went to his office. I did meet him one time—I mean it 

was just for a minute. He was already leaving. (Nonleased exiter—Houston)

I met the other guy twice. Once, a surprise visit at my house when you call him up and he 

just knocks on the door, which I did not like. He did not call me or anything, he just 

knocked. Matter of fact he knocked on the wrong door. He came to ours in the back. We 

were number five. I guess he could not tell which was which, but that is how I met him, 

come knock on my door. (Stayer—Los Angeles)
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 70 Final Report

Nonresponsiveness

Some respondents described their VA case managers as nonresponsive (for example, not returning 

phone calls, slow to act). A few Veterans mentioned the importance of communication and having 

a clear understanding of expectations at the beginning of the relationship, whereas others noted that 

their VA case managers were never available and they did not feel well served while in the 

program. Nonleased exiters described nonresponsiveness most frequently. 

I called them. You get the reception lady. She will say that she will tell Such-and-Such that 

you called. They will take your name and phone number. It may not be in the morning 

when they call you back. It may be a day or so later. Sometimes I waited 3 days for them to 

call me back. I understand that case managers have a certain caseload. They may have 50 

people. You do not want to hear 50 people calling your line. I understand that. If she has 

somebody that is taking messages for her in-office, or she can contact them directly, that is 

fine. It is hard to get in touch with the HUD-VASH or the VA counselors for the HUDVASH. Some of these people gave me their direct numbers, and they still do not answer the 

phone. (Leased-up exiter—Houston)

I’m not pleased with the response of the case manager. I know everyone is busy, but I’ve 

been trying to call because I’m seeking to transfer my voucher now and move to a different 

neighborhood. And unless you go to the meeting, that’s the only way you’re sure to see or 

speak with your case manager. Lots of times you call and you leave a message on the 

phone, they don’t return your calls. There’s no time you can pick up the phone and call 

them directly or pick up and answer. I left three messages so far this week. And I’ll have to 

go in probably to see her in person. I called her on her cell phone. She gave me her card—

I have it in my wallet right now. And I called her cell phone and I still—I even left a 

message. She still hasn’t returned my call because they get that busy, or what have you, or 

they said their priorities are different but that’s one thing that I don’t—you cannot speak to 

them directly in case of an emergency. I guarantee you cannot pick up the phone and get

your case manager and talk to them directly. So access to your case managers, you know, 

we’d much more appreciate. (Stayer—Philadelphia)

I just started to sink more into depression. I thought, “This is what you come home to.” 

You know, you say, well, you go to Iraq, you come back. They say, now that you have been 

at war, Veteran—they are going to look after you. They are going to take care of you. [My 

VA case manager] was a no show several times. She just plainly came out and said she 

forgot. And I thought, “Well what is it you think they are paying you for if you forgot me?” 

(Leased-up exiter—Houston)

Unmet Expectations

Respondents described disappointment with their VA case managers’ inability to guide them 

through the program, provide them with information or resources, and act as advocates on their 

behalf. Some Veterans noted that their VA case managers did not understand the process 

themselves and were unable to help them, and other Veterans thought their VA case managers 

were simply doing the bare minimum of their duties. Exiters—especially nonleased—mentioned 

this more frequently than stayers.

For example, he asked if I had enough food or anything. He asked if I needed help. One 

day I called him because I did not have any food. He could not help me. Why would he 
Chapter 6: VA Case Management

HUD-VASH Exit Study 71 Final Report

even tell me that if he was not able to help me with certain questions I had? I had questions 

about transportation programs and maybe about schooling. He had no answers for me. He 

was surprised that I asked a question. He was the one who asked me if I needed help with 

food and I asked. (Leased-up exiter—Los Angeles)

He did not support me one bit, told me what I had to do and that was it. He did not support 

me one bit. He told me, “You know, I cannot help you with this, you are on your own.” If I 

had been told at the beginning that you have to do all this stuff by yourself instead of, “We 

will support you,” but they do not. That is why I asked the one to be removed from my 

case. (Stayer—Palo Alto)

My case manager didn’t help me at all when I needed the help. Basically, I was on my 

own. She was just a sounding board. She didn’t do much to help the progress of me 

securing the voucher. And my case manager only spoke to the real estate agent one time 

also. And she was just incompetent. I thought she was incompetent because it seemed like a 

lot of times she just didn’t know what to do. (Nonleased exiter—Palo Alto)

I guess it’s that he doesn’t agree with my lifestyle choices as far as career-wise. So we’re 

kind of stand offish with each other because of it. I mean, he was because when I told him 

that I was in school, he was like, “What school are you in?” I was like, “The Art 

Institute.” He was like, “The Art Institute?” He’s like, “You got time for that?” You know, 

just the little comments that he was making. I was like, “I know that you don’t agree with 

what I do, but this is what I do.” It seems like if this is what I’m going to do or if this is my 

career choice, I’m not going to get the type of help that I need. (Stayer—Houston)

Veteran Readiness

A few respondents explained that their own lack of readiness to transition into the program—often 

related to addiction, procrastination, or limited independence—affected their relationships with 

their VA case managers. Although this reason was mentioned infrequently, leased-up exiters cited 

this barrier more often than stayers or nonleased exiters. 

I had a couple of peer support people that reached out to me that were going to help me try 

and find a place right after I got the voucher, but I didn’t call them back, because I was 

going through some other things right then. (Stayer—Houston)

As far as peer support, they would offer groups that I could come in at 10, but because of 

my addiction, I procrastinated on that. My case manager would come out and talk to me. I

would be, honestly would with agreeing, but not fully honest. And as a result of me not 

taking advantage of the support that was offered, I wound up losing it. (Leased-up exiter—

Palo Alto)

SUMMARY

VA case management requirements varied across the study sites but typically required at least 

one monthly contact, consistent with the requirements of the HUD-VASH program. 

Administrative data related to contact between Veterans and VA case managers indicated that 

the most intense period of case management was between admission to the program and referral 

to the housing authority, followed by the period between referral to the housing authority and 

receipt of the voucher. Nonleased exiters generally had less frequent VA case management 
Chapter 6: VA Case Management

HUD-VASH Exit Study 72 Final Report

contacts during those periods, compared with Veterans in the other study groups, even after 

taking into account the length of time between program admission and receipt of voucher. The 

frequency of VA case management contact with Veterans who moved into a housing unit 

gradually decreased.

Data collected during interviews with Veterans indicated that the majority of study respondents 

reported that they had contact with their VA case managers at least monthly. Veterans in the 

three study groups generally were satisfied with VA case management, with slightly higher 

levels of satisfaction among stayers. Nonleased exiters generally agreed on goals and problem 

areas with their VA case managers and felt that they had a trusting relationship, but VA case 

managers were not able to assist them, at least in comparison with stayers and leased-up exiters. 

Study respondents described a number of facilitators of the VA case management relationship, 

including having a VA case manager who was accessible, supportive, resourceful, and able to 

keep Veterans accountable. Barriers to that relationship were the high rate of turnover among 

VA case management staff, as well as irregular interaction between Veterans and VA case 

managers and Veterans’ level of readiness to actively participate in case management.
HUD-VASH Exit Study 73 Final Report

CHAPTER 7:

VA HEALTH SERVICES USE

In addition to receiving VA case management, Veterans participating in HUD-VASH may 

receive care provided by other clinicians at their local VA medical centers, including outpatient 

and inpatient healthcare for medical, mental or behavioral health, and substance use issues. 

Assessing HUD-VASH participants’ use of those health-related services provides some insight 

into their engagement with primary care and the extent to which they may avoid more acute 

services, such as inpatient admissions for mental or behavioral health and substance use issues. A 

detailed description of the categories of health services is included in appendix C.

This chapter describes Veterans’ use of VA healthcare services immediately before their 

enrollment in HUD-VASH, as well as at different stages of the housing process and after movein and exit from the program, if applicable. In addition, this chapter presents study respondents’ 

self-reported health status during their time in the program, as described during interviews. 

Supporting data tables are included in appendix I.

VA HEALTH SERVICES USE DURING HOUSING PROCESS

Exhibit 7.1 displays the average monthly number of outpatient medical, mental or behavioral 

health, and substance use visits, by study group, for HUD-VASH participants 90 days before 

their admission to HUD-VASH, 90 days after admission, and 90 days after move-in, if 

applicable. Data indicate that all study groups decreased the frequency of medical, mental or 

behavioral health, and substance use visits after their admission to HUD-VASH; that decline 

continued for stayers and leased-up exiters following move-in. Nonleased exiters had the fewest 

number of outpatient visits and decreased their service use after program admission, which may 

indicate a weaker connection with services among this group. 

Exhibit 7.1 Monthly Outpatient Visits During Housing Process, HUD-VASH Participants 

(N=7,383) | mean

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing. 

Note: Statistical significance is indicated by **p ≤ 0.05 and ***p ≤ 0.01.

Source: VA Medical Record
Chapter 7: VA Health Services Use

HUD-VASH Exit Study 74 Final Report

Exhibit 7.2 displays the proportion of HUD-VASH participants who had a medical, mental or 

behavioral health, or substance use inpatient stay or an emergency care contact during the same 

time periods. The proportion of HUD-VASH participants with inpatient stays declined over time 

for all study groups. Both leased-up and nonleased exiters, however, were more likely than 

stayers to use inpatient and emergency care during each period. Although leased-up and 

nonleased exiters had similar levels of inpatient care, a higher proportion of nonleased exiters 

had a substance use inpatient stay or received emergency care 90 days after admission to HUDVASH.

Exhibit 7.2 Inpatient Stays and Emergency Care During Housing Process, HUD-VASH 

Participants (N=7,294) | percent

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing. 

Notes: N includes 2,775 stayers, 3,068 leased-up exiters, and 1,451 nonleased exiters. Statistical significance is indicated 

by *p ≤ 0.10, **p ≤ 0.05 and ***p ≤ 0.01.

Source: VA Medical Record

VA HEALTH SERVICES USE BEFORE AND AFTER EXIT

Exhibit 7.3 illustrates the frequency of outpatient services use for leased-up and nonleased 

exiters before and following their exit from HUD-VASH. The average monthly number of 

medical visits increased slightly immediately after exit from the program for nonleased exiters 

and then decreased over time. Among leased-up exiters, the number of visits decreased or 

remained constant across all intervals. The frequency of mental or behavioral health visits 

remained fairly constant for both groups. Substance use visits declined slightly for nonleased 

exiters.

Exhibit 7.4 illustrates HUD-VASH participants’ use of inpatient and emergency care before and 

following exit from the program. Compared with leased-up exiters, more nonleased exiters had 

inpatient stays or emergency care contact 90 days before program exit. After exit, Veterans’ use 

of inpatient and emergency care either remained flat or declined for both groups of exiters. 
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 75 Final Report

Exhibit 7.3 Monthly Outpatient Visits Before and After Exit, HUD-VASH Participants 

(N=5,876) | mean

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing. 

Note: Statistical significance is indicated by *p ≤ 0.10, **p ≤ 0.05 and ***p ≤ 0.01.

Source: VA Medical Record

Exhibit 7.4 Inpatient Stays and Emergency Care Before and After Exit, HUD-VASH 

Participants (N=4,387) | percent

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing. 

Notes: N includes 2,963 leased-up exiters and 1,424 nonleased exiters. Statistical significance is indicated by *p ≤ 0.10, 

**p ≤ 0.05, and ***p ≤ 0.01.

Source: VA Medical Record

SELF-REPORTED HEALTH IN HUD-VASH

During in-person interviews, stayers reported the best health while in the program. They were 

more likely to report excellent, very good, or good health compared with the other study groups. 

Conversely, nonleased exiters reported the worst health (see exhibit 7.5).
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 76 Final Report

Exhibit 7.5 Self-Reported Health Status, Study Respondents (N=508) | percent

Note: N includes 370 stayers, 80 leased-up exiters, and 58 nonleased exiters.

Source: Veteran Survey

Despite indicating better health overall, stayers were more likely than other groups to report a 

serious medical problem or to be hospitalized for a medical problem. Nonleased exiters indicated 

that they had the poorest health and experienced serious medical problems more frequently than 

did leased-up exiters; however, nonleased exiters were less likely to report being hospitalized for 

a medical problem. Leased-up exiters were more likely to report experiencing and being 

hospitalized for serious mental health problems than were the other study groups: three of five 

leased-up exiters experienced a serious mental health problem while in HUD-VASH, a share 

about 20 percent higher than for stayers and nonleased exiters. Note that the rates of self-reported 

inpatient stays are much lower than Veterans’ VA medical records indicate; that may be partly 

because of recall bias and partly because Veterans responded based on a different time period 

than is measured in the administrative data see exhibit 7.6).

Exhibit 7.6 Self-Reported Medical and Mental Health Problems, Study Respondents (N=508) 

| percent

Source: Veteran Survey

More than two-thirds of stayers and a majority of nonleased exiters reported that they were not 

troubled at all by drugs or alcohol. Nonleased exiters, however, were more likely than stayers to 

report being extremely troubled. Leased-up exiters reported being most troubled by substances while 

in HUD-VASH, with more than one-fourth indicating being troubled at least moderately; they were 

also more than twice as likely as the other groups to indicate being extremely troubled by drugs or 

alcohol (see exhibit 7.7). Veterans reported receiving drug or alcohol treatment about equally across 

study groups (about one-fourth indicated they had received inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, 

or both), however, although nonleased exiters more frequently reported receiving inpatient treatment 

(8.6 percent versus 4.1 percent of stayers and 0.0 percent of leased-up exiters).

7.0

54.1

30.8

8.1 2.5

51.3

38.8

7.5 3.4

48.3

34.5

13.8

Excellent Very good or Good Fair Poor

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Non-Leased Exiters

57.6

38.6 38.9

10.0

51.3

31.3

60.0

15.0

53.4

24.1

41.4

10.3

Experienced serious medical

problems

Hospitalized for medical

problem

Experienced serious mental

health problems

Hospitalized for mental health

problem

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Non-Leased Exiters
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 77 Final Report

Exhibit 7.7 Self-Reported Being “Troubled” by Drugs/Alcohol, Study Respondents (N=507) | 

percent

Note: N includes 369 stayers, 80 leased-up exiters, and 58 nonleased exiters.

Source: Veteran Survey

During qualitative interviews, Veterans discussed the intersection of medical, mental health, and 

substance abuse issues. They most often described those conditions as barriers to retaining their 

voucher or housing. 

I was going through discovering about my ailments and dealing with losing my kids and 

wife. I was still trying to work hard, but because my medical conditions kind of kept me 

from reaching my full potential, I was not into handouts or whatnot. I was not really 

looking forward to the program. I just got to a point where I had nowhere else to turn. My 

personal problems caused me to be depressed and my temper was impulsive. (Nonleased 

exiter—Houston)

I was breaking rules. It was saying that you could not allow people to come and live with 

you. I had people living with me, friends. I know you are not supposed to do certain things in 

the unit; I was doing them anyway because of my addiction. (Leased-up exiter—Palo Alto]

I get my bouts of depression. Sometimes I will not even go out or go downstairs to retrieve 

my mail. I just do not want to do anything. I do not want to listen to anything. I just wake 

up, and I will sit down and I will just—I am just there. (Stayer—Los Angeles)

I don’t support pharmaceutical medication as the VA prescribed due to the psychoactive 

purpose of them, so the medicine that I choose, the more holistic kind, are not really shined 

upon by society. So that’s occasionally an issue with landlords, but usually they don’t 

mention that. (Nonleased exiter—Los Angeles)

Conversely, Veterans often described housing as an incentive to address their health and substance 

abuse problems. 

I took it hard. I wanted to pick up the bottle. I wanted to, I wanted to just—everything was 

going beautiful until that one time. Then I—instead of picking up the bottle again, I went to 

the VA. I told the doctors, “I need help. I might die tomorrow if I am out there in the 

streets because I do not know what I am going to do.” I told them all right. They put me in 

mental health. They kept me there for a few weeks. (Stayer—Palo Alto)

That was my main incentive when I felt like drinking or felt suicidal or felt anything; it was 

like, “I do not want to lose this.” This was a very good thing. This is very valuable. It meant 

a lot to me to have my own place. And it was an incentive—or no, more than an incentive—it 

was like I had reached this goal of having my own place. (Stayer—Philadelphia)

68.6

18.2 9.2 3.0 1.1

53.8

18.8 10.0 7.5 10.0

63.8

24.1

5.2 1.7 5.2

Not at all Slightly Moderately Considerably Extremely

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Non-Leased Exiters
Chapter 7: VA Health Services Use

HUD-VASH Exit Study 78 Final Report

SUMMARY

Around the time of entry in the HUD-VASH program, stayers and leased-up exiters used 

outpatient care at a higher rate than did nonleased exiters, possibly because those groups were 

generally more connected to services than were nonleased Veterans. Leased-up and nonleased 

exiters used inpatient and emergency care at similar rates and were much more likely to use 

those services compared with stayers, indicating a greater need for more intensive and acute care 

among exiters.

Comparing the monthly average of outpatient visits during the 90-day period immediately before 

program entry to the 90-day period immediately preceding program exit indicates that Veterans 

in both exiter groups had many more outpatient visits and more inpatient stays before program 

entry than during the period of time leading up to their program exit. Around the time of their 

exit, nonleased exiters had slightly more frequent visits for outpatient care than did leased-up 

exiters; however, that fact is not surprising given that leased-up exiters were in permanent 

housing during that time, which may have increased their access to care. Finally, the number of 

Veterans in both exiter groups using medical or mental health services decreased over time after 

their exit from HUD-VASH, suggesting that their needs were being met.

The majority of stayers reported good or better health during their stay in HUD-VASH; 

nonleased exiters were almost twice as likely as the other groups to report poor health. Stayers, 

however, were more likely to report having serious medical problems and receiving inpatient 

medical care during their time in HUD-VASH. Leased-up exiters reported much more frequently 

that they had a serious mental illness and had been hospitalized for those issues.
HUD-VASH Exit Study 79 Final Report

CHAPTER 8:

EXITS FROM HUD-VASH

To better understand Veterans’ exits from HUD-VASH both before and after moving into a 

housing unit, the research team collected data from administrative records, program staff, and 

Veterans themselves. Administrative data provided information about Veterans’ length of stay in 

the program, reasons that VA case managers cited for Veterans’ exits from the program, and 

returns to homelessness after exiting the program. Program staff from both local housing 

authorities and VA case management teams discussed common reasons why Veterans exit HUDVASH and Veterans described their exiting experiences. Supporting data tables are included in 

appendix I.

For the purposes of this study, an exit from HUD-VASH means that a Veteran exited HUDVASH case management and is no longer receiving supportive services from the program (i.e., 

by leaving one of the two components of the program, the Veteran is considered to have exited). 

Exit status is indicated by VA case managers in VA administrative data systems; however, there 

is no indication of whether Veterans who exited case management continued to use their HUDVASH voucher to subsidize their housing expenses. Therefore, this study did not explore the 

relationship between an exit from HUD-VASH case management and an exit from vouchersubsidized housing.12

FREQUENCY AND TIMING OF EXITS

Among the 7,383 HUD-VASH participants included in the study sample, 3,088 (41.8 percent) 

were leased-up exiters who left the program after accessing a housing unit, and 1,507 (20.4 

percent) were nonleased exiters who received a voucher but left the program before moving into 

housing.

Leased-up exiters participated in HUD-VASH for about 2 years (731 days) from voucher 

issuance to move-in and exit; on average, they remained in their housing units for more than 1 

1/2 years (658 days). From voucher issuance to exit, nonleased exiters were in the program 

approximately 5 months (148 days). Exhibit 8.1 displays the number of HUD-VASH participants 

who exited the program in 30-day intervals from date of voucher receipt. 

 

12 In-house analysis conducted in December 2016 by HUD indicates that among 64,000 Veterans who exited HUDVASH case management nationally between 2008 and 2016, voucher status is unknown for about one quarter; 

among the 47,000 Veterans for whom voucher status is known, a small proportion (10 percent) ended participation 

in HUD housing assistance more than 45 days before exiting case management and more than half ended housing 

assistance within 45 days before or after exiting case management; of the one-third of exiters who continued housing 

assistance, at least half continued housing assistance for a year or more after exiting case management.
Chapter 8: Exits From HUD-VASH

HUD-VASH Exit Study 80 Final Report

Exhibit 8.1 Days Between Receipt of Voucher and Exit, HUD-VASH Participants (N=3,415) | 

count

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing. 

Source: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System

Reasons for Exit

ADMINISTRATIVE DATA

When a Veteran exits HUD-VASH, VA case managers record in HOMES (the management 

information system for VA homeless programs) one of the 12 reasons listed in exhibit 8.2 to 

indicate why the Veteran ended his or her involvement in HUD-VASH case management. 

According to VA case managers, the most common reason for exit among leased-up exiters is 

that the Veteran accomplished his or her goals or obtained access to services and no longer 

needed the program. Eviction or selecting other housing were also identified frequently, although 

fewer than one in 10 leased-up exiters left the program for either of those reasons. Nonleased 

exiters were more evenly split across exit categories: VA case managers indicated most 

commonly that nonleased Veterans left the program because they were no longer interested in 

participating, followed by being unable to locate the Veteran or the Veteran’s selection of other 

housing (see exhibit 8.2).

0

50

100

150

200

250

0 90 180 270 360 450 540 630 720 810 900 990 1,080

Number of Exits

Leased-Up Exiters Non-Leased Exiters
Chapter 8: Exits From HUD-VASH

HUD-VASH Exit Study 81 Final Report

Exhibit 8.2 Reasons for Exits Reported by VA Case Managers, HUD-VASH Participants 

(N=4,925) | percent

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing. 

Note: N includes 3,070 leased-up exiters and 1,855 nonleased exiters.

Source: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System

Program Staff 

During site interviews, staff from local housing authorities and VA case management teams 

described their views about the main reasons for program exit for leased-up and nonleased 

exiters. Those reasons are outlined in exhibit 8.3. 

Detailed descriptions of the most common reasons cited across teams follow.

Challenging Process

Staff in Houston, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia identified the complexity of the application and 

housing process as reasons for nonleased exits. Staff reported that Veterans may find the process 

too difficult and fail to follow through. Although several sites have tried to improve the process, 

they reported that it could still feel intimidating to Veterans. 

Incarceration

Staff at each study site mentioned incarceration as a reason for leased-up exits. VA staff in Palo 

Alto noted that the VA case management team attempts to work with the Veteran so that she or he 

can remain in the program; however, if the Veteran is incarcerated for an extended period of time, 

the Veteran must exit the program. 

Increase in Income

Staff across the study sites indicated that an increase in income was a positive reason for exiting 

the program. For leased-up exiters, increases in income may be related to Veterans accessing 

benefits or obtaining employment, either making them ineligible for the program or making the 

housing authority’s portion of the rent so small that Veterans voluntarily return their vouchers. For 

nonleased exiters, an increase in income, typically also through employment or increases to 

benefits, can make Veterans ineligible for the program. 

20.0

2.1

1.7

10.1

21.9

6.0

3.6

14.2

0.1

1.2

16.6

1.9

8.4

1.5

1.6

2.7

5.7

4.9

3.7

8.1

9.1

8.7

3.0

42.5

Other

Transferred to another HUD-VASH program site

Too ill to participate in HUD-VASH

Noncompliance with HUD-VASH case management

No longer interested in participating in HUD-VASH

No longer financially eligible

Incarcerated

Found/chose other housing

Evicted by HA or landlord or other housing issues

Deceased

Cannot be located

Accomplished goals/no longer needs program

Leased-Up Exiters Non-Leased Exiters
Chapter 8: Exits From HUD-VASH

HUD-VASH Exit Study 82 Final Report

Exhibit 8.3 Reasons for Exits Identified by Housing Authority and VA Staff

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

LeasedUp 

Exiters

Nonleased 

Exiters

LeasedUp 

Exiters

Nonleased 

Exiters

LeasedUp 

Exiters

Nonleased 

Exiters

LeasedUp 

Exiters

Nonleased 

Exiters

Challenging process - X - - - X - X

Death - - - - X - X -

Eviction X - - - - - - -

Homeownership - - - - - - X -

Housing preference - - - X - - - -

Incarceration X - X - X X X -

Increase in income X - - X X X X X

Isolation - X - - - - X -

Lease or program 

violations X - X - - - X -

Loss of contact - X X X X X X -

Mass briefings - X - - - - - -

Mental illness - - - X - X - -

Motivation - X - - - X - X

Move/port - - - - - - X -

Noncompliance with 

VA case management X - - - - - - -

Nonpayment of rent X - - - - - X -

Personal history (for 

example, bad credit, 

poor rental record)

- - - - - X - -

Problem with housing 

unit - - - - - - X -

Readiness X - - - X - - X

SUD X - - X - X - -

Unit abandonment X - - - - - X -

Voucher as safety net - X - - - - - -

Withdrawal - - x X x - X -

SUD = substance use disorder. VA = U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Source: Staff Interview

Lease or Program Violations

Veterans who violate lease agreements or program requirements may be evicted from their housing 

or removed from HUD-VASH, which staff described as a typical reason why leased-up Veterans 

exit the program. Lease violations may include behavioral issues that cause problems with 

neighbors or property owners, nonpayment of rent, or people not included on the lease living in a 

unit, while noncompliance with the housing authority’s recertification process is a common 

program requirement violated by participants. VA case managers indicated that they try to mediate 

those issues to avoid evictions and program exits. Loss of contact | For leased-up exiters, loss of 

contact may be related to noncompliance with VA case management (national regulations require 

that participating Veterans communicate with VA case managers or VA case management teams at 

least monthly), whereas for nonleased exiters it may simply mean that a Veteran’s voucher expired 

and housing authority staff and VA case managers were unable to assist the Veteran in seeking 

housing. 
Chapter 8: Exits From HUD-VASH

HUD-VASH Exit Study 83 Final Report

Motivation

Program staff indicated that Veterans’ motivation, or lack thereof, is a reason why many nonleased 

exiters do not remain in HUD-VASH; they may not be motivated to complete the processes 

required to access housing. 

Withdrawal

Leased-up exiters often choose to withdraw from the program because they may no longer need 

VA case management after a long period of housing stability and can pass the voucher on to 

another Veteran who needs it more. They may also withdraw because they would like to move or 

seek a residential assistance program or rehabilitation for substance use. 

Study Respondents

When administering surveys to study respondents, interviewers asked Veterans if they decided to 

leave the HUD-VASH program or if they were asked to leave. For those who reported that they 

decided to leave, interviewers asked if respondents had plans for a place to live after they left the 

program. About three in five exiters in both groups reported that they decided to leave HUDVASH (58.4 percent of leased-up exiters and 57.9 percent of nonleased exiters). Among those 

who decided to leave, the majority of both groups had plans for their living arrangement 

following exit (84.3 percent of leased-up exiters and 72.2 percent of nonleased exiters).

Interviewers then presented study respondents with a list of situations that could have 

contributed to their leaving HUD-VASH (e.g., issues with housing or personal circumstances, 

such as changes in income or health). Veterans were asked which situation best matched the 

main reason that they left the HUD-VASH program and which additional factors also 

contributed to their exit.

The most common reason for exit reported by leased-up exiters was an increase in income; the 

27 percent of respondents who indicated this also reported that an improvement in medical, 

mental health, and substance use conditions contributed to their exit from HUD-VASH. 

Conversely, the second most common reason for exit among this group was a decline in these 

conditions. Respondents who reported a decline in health (20.3 percent) as the primary reason for 

exit also reported that housing issues, such as difficulty paying the rent or eviction, contributed 

to their exit. Leased-up exiters reported difficulty with housing (i.e., dissatisfaction with the 

neighborhood or apartment and conflict with the landlord or neighbors) as the third most 

common reason for exit, citing eviction and an increase in income as factors that contributed to 

their exits. (See exhibit 8.4.)

Nonleased exiters most often reported that challenges associated with finding housing were their 

main reasons for exiting the program prior to moving into a housing unit. Nonleased exiters most 

commonly indicated that having the voucher revoked by the housing authority was the main 

reason for their exit. These Veterans also indicated that they were unable to find an apartment to 

rent with the voucher and were dissatisfied with available apartments. The second most common 

category of exit among nonleased respondents was difficulty with housing (i.e., dissatisfaction 

with available apartments, inability to find an apartment to rent with the voucher, or the 

apartment did not pass inspection); other contributing factors included having insufficient funds 

to pay for the security deposit or furniture. Finally, the third most common reason for exit among 

this group was an offer from family or friends to move into their housing; lack of money for 

move-in costs contributed to some Veterans making this decision. (See exhibit 8.5.)
Chapter 8: Exits From HUD-VASH

HUD-VASH Exit Study 84 Final Report

Exhibit 8.4 Main Reason for Exit Reported by Leased-up Exiters, Study Respondents (N=74) 

| percent 

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing. 

Note: *Difficulty with housing includes conflict with landlord, conflict with neighbors, dissatisfaction with apartment, 

and dissatisfaction with neighborhood.

Source: Veteran Survey

Exhibit 8.5 Main Reason for Exit Reported by Nonleased Exiters, Study Respondents (N=53) 

| percent 

 

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing. 

Note: *Difficulty with housing includes dissatisfaction with available apartments, inability to find an apartment to rent 

with the voucher, and apartment did not pass housing authority inspection. **Difficulty with HUD-VASH case management/

services includes conflict with HUD-VASH case manager or program staff and disagreement with program rules.

Source: Veteran Survey

Increase in income

27%

Worsening in 

medical, mental 

health or substance 

use condition

20%

Difficulty with 

housing*

12%

Offer from family or friend 

to move in to their 

housing

11%

Difficulty paying rent

8%

Evicted from apartment

7%

Difficulty with 

HUD-VASH case 

management

6%

Legal trouble

4%

Voucher revoked 

by HA

4%

Improvement in 

substance use condition

1%
Chapter 8: Exits From HUD-VASH

HUD-VASH Exit Study 85 Final Report

Qualitative Respondents

Leased-up and nonleased exiters discussed their exit from HUD-VASH in greater detail during 

qualitative interviews. Most qualitative respondents cited a series of experiences and multiple 

factors that precipitated their exit. Exhibit 8.6 lists common reasons for exit. Leased-up exiters 

most frequently cited problems with the program, eviction, or financial issues. Nonleased exiters 

listed as important factors in their exit that their voucher had expired; financial issues; lack of or 

dissatisfaction with available housing; offers from family or friends to move into their housing; 

and worsening in medical, mental health, or substance use conditions.

Exhibit 8.6 Reasons for Exit, Qualitative Respondents

Leased-up exiters Nonleased exiters

Arrest Arrest

Disagreement/problem with program Disagreement/problem with program

Dissatisfaction with unit/conflict with property owner Disputed housing area or type

Eviction Eligibility issues (homelessness status, income)

Financial issues Enrollment issues

Housing authority issues Financial issues

Increase in income Increase in income

Medical concerns Inspection issue

Moved in with family or friend Lack of housing options/dissatisfaction with units

Noncompliance with housing authority rules Medical or mental health concerns

Recertification problem Moved in with family or friend

Substance use Substance use

VA case management issue/noncompliance Voucher expired while dealing with personal circumstances

Voucher expired before new unit found

VA = U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing.

Source: Veteran Interview

Disagreement/Problem with Program

One of the most frequent factors contributing to program exit was issues with the HUD-VASH 

program. Leased-up exiters referenced VA case management issues (for example, being 

noncompliant with the VA case management requirement and personal issues with individual VA 

case managers), as well as problems with the housing authority (for example, not complying with 

program rules, such as including all tenants on the lease). They further described HUD-VASH 

requirements as burdensome. One Veteran indicated that “it didn’t make sense to keep dealing with 

them” for the $100 voucher payment (Leased-up exiter—Los Angeles), and another indicated that 

difficulty with recertification led to the voucher being revoked and the Veteran was unable to 

remain in the housing unit without rental assistance. Nonleased exiters described problems with 

enrollment, including lost paperwork and communication issues with HUD-VASH staff, as well as 

concerns over continued eligibility, with one Veteran fearful that working would put his or her 

income over the maximum for eligibility. 

Well, now the reason why, and this is one thing that really sort of perplexed me—the 

reason why I lost my voucher was because I was over here. I had a doctor’s appointment. 

And I guess it was basically around the same time that I had that voucher reinstatement 

thing. But I’m like, “Okay, if I’m in the voucher program and I get certified, why should I 
Chapter 8: Exits From HUD-VASH

HUD-VASH Exit Study 86 Final Report

have to go through recertification over and over and over?” It’s difficult. I’m a single 

parent without transportation, and it’s like, “Are you kidding me? I got to lug my child out 

here in the cold?” And I was like,” I’m not going to do it.” (Leased-up exiter—

Philadelphia)

I was on the phone with them. The VASH chick did not know. The VASH’s boss did not 

know. The public housing authority did not know. I found out by the time my voucher was 

expired—they had an answer for me. (Nonleased exiter—Los Angeles)

Eviction and Financial Issues

A substantial number of leased-up exiters left their HUD-VASH units following eviction. Reasons 

for eviction were complex and often intersected with financial problems, legal trouble, and 

substance use. One Veteran never paid the security deposit, even after 17 months of living in a 

unit, reporting that it was because the Veteran was “actively into” an addiction (Leased-up exiter—

Palo Alto). Others did not pay rent because of changes in employment or benefits payments, the 

death of a fiduciary, or arrest. Substantial rent increases or changes to the amount paid through the 

voucher also caused difficulties. More than one Veteran described making rent payments for an 

incorrect amount and being unable to afford the back rent and late fees when the oversight came to 

light. One Veteran resorted to illegal activities in an attempt to get money for rent and avoid 

eviction. Veterans who were evicted described losing everything and sometimes ending up on the 

street.

She said, “Well, you need to call Section 8. You need to talk to the landlord.” I explained 

to her, “Both of us or you would do better than just me, because they are not trying to hear 

anything that I have to say.” Anyway, she didn’t do it. I have a bipolar condition. I can’t 

take pressure. I wound up being 302 for about a month. This is without pay. I got out of the 

hospital, took a spill—I slipped. Anyway, I slipped; that was like another month and a half 

out of work. That is like close to 3 months out of work without pay. Now, I got the eviction 

notice, which I gave to the case manager. I said, “I would really appreciate it if you would 

come down to the court with me.” She didn’t come down there. I went down to Section 8. 

They were telling the judge that I owed them back rent and they didn’t want to hear 

anything about the letter. I had the letter with me. About 2 weeks later, me and my son got 

evicted. I lost everything I had, and as a direct result of that, both of us were sleeping in 

my car for about 3 weeks. (Leased-up exiter—Philadelphia) 

[My mother] was diagnosed with cancer and she passed away 2 weeks later. It was just so 

quick. I did not get a chance to call or set up another arrangement. When she passed 

away, I was still getting the hard checks. I was calling every other week. They said they 

already processed it. I kept calling and calling. They finally told me to stop calling. I said I 

could not stop calling; I could not get evicted. Nobody wanted to help me. It took 3 or 4 

months before they even assigned a new fiduciary person to come. That took another 2 

months. I even asked if there was a protocol or something, if there was an emergency, in 

case of this happening. (Leased-up exiter—Los Angeles)

It had changed so much. At one time, I owed them $4,000, because they said PHA had 

went up. First my rent was $38. I was paying that, paying that, paying that. I got locked 

up. Me and my girlfriend had a little misunderstanding and the cops locked me up for all 

of August. When I got out, I called my landlord to tell them the reason why I didn’t pay the 
Chapter 8: Exits From HUD-VASH

HUD-VASH Exit Study 87 Final Report

rent was because I was locked up. They told me that I owed them $4,000 because my rent 

had went up to $138, not $38. But I’d been paying them $38 since I got on unemployment. 

And I find out that PHA went up without really—when I already let them know that I 

wasn’t working. I’m collecting unemployment, but I had no problem paying that $38 with 

my unemployment check, so that’s what I kept doing. Now it’s September and they sent me 

this bill from February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, at $138. They 

didn’t even say $100—I did pay $38, you know—but they got $138, $138, $138, $138, 

$138, and late fees, too—came to like $4,000-something. (Leased-up exiter—Philadelphia)

I have not seen her since before I was evicted, I think, because I had lost contact with her 

almost 2 months before I was evicted, because I was locked out by the sheriffs. And, what 

happened was the landlord had served me a 3-day notice after I did not have the money for 

the month in advance, and he rejected the 2 months. He served a three-day notice, and I 

got no further paperwork stating when to come to court or anything. Two weeks later, I am 

locked out of my apartment. So, I had no way of getting paperwork or any of the papers to 

try to contact my worker here at the VA. So, we lost contact briefly because of that. And, I 

got desperate and tried to make the money illicitly, because I did not want to lose my 

place. And, that is how I wound up getting locked up. So, it has all been a nightmare. 

(Leased-up exiter—Los Angeles)

I was devastated, I was. Because I lost everything, like I said—my TV, my furniture, my 

appliances. I lost everything. (Leased-up exiter—Palo Alto)

Voucher Expired

Voucher expiration was the main reason that nonleased Veterans exited HUD-VASH. Respondents 

described many underlying reasons for voucher expiration; however, the reasons were 

overwhelmingly negative. Only one Veteran no longer required rental assistance and allowed the 

voucher to expire. Others had negative experiences with the program or could not find an 

appropriate unit to rent and decided not to move forward. Some described not being able to afford 

a unit even with the voucher, or personal issues, such as mental health issues or substance use, that 

kept them from engaging in the program and finding a unit. 

I just went and said here’s your voucher and all of that. I just told them, “Thank you, but I 

don’t need this right now at this present time. You couldn’t help, and I can move on and 

give the voucher to somebody else that is much more in-need than I am.” (Nonleased 

exiter—Palo Alto)

I hated doing that, because I went so far along to get to where I was, and it was not an 

easy thing to do. I changed my mind. I went over to the housing office, and they were really 

nice about that too. She’s like, “Well, okay. I’ll just cancel all of the vouchers and 

everything.” And I said, “Maybe somebody else needs it and can do it, because I’m okay 

now.” She said, “If you ever need to reapply, just go through your VASH person and they 

will be there.” So it wasn’t difficult getting out of it—it’s just I felt kind of guilty. I went so 

far. (Nonleased exiter—Los Angeles)

When I decided to leave, I just explained to my VASH worker what had happened and I 

just decided that it would be best for me just to find a place on my own because [of all of 

the paperwork], I just did not want to go through that again. I just thought it was easier for 
Chapter 8: Exits From HUD-VASH

HUD-VASH Exit Study 88 Final Report

me to just deal on my own as opposed to dealing with the process. I did not know that I 

could do it all over again or continue. So I just said that I would just leave it alone for a 

minute ’cause that was a pretty draining experience for me. And I just did not want to, at 

that point, I just did not want to continue anymore—to deal with it. (Nonleased exiter—Los 

Angeles)

Your voucher is based on the percentage of disability that you receive. At the end of the 

month, once I received my check, I still was not able to afford it. I received a voucher for a 

two bedroom and [had] difficulties finding a two bedroom that was suitable for my family, 

my two boys. Because of financial purposes, my case manager advised me to go to a one 

bedroom. I went back to the housing authority to get an extension and get a voucher for a 

one bedroom. I turned in my paperwork and never received a call back about it. Once I 

followed up on it, I was told that I was kicked out of the program and I had to start all over 

again. (Nonleased exiter—Houston)

I was feeding my addiction and I didn’t come back for about 2 months. I fell off the grid. I 

just went on with my addiction for a while—drinking. I lost contact with everybody. 

(Nonleased exiter—Palo Alto)

CHARACTERISTICS PREDICTING EXIT

To determine characteristics that may predict whether a Veteran exits HUD-VASH, the research 

team ran two logistic regressions: the first one modeled whether a Veteran who moved into 

HUD-VASH housing later exited the program (that is, whether the Veteran was considered a 

leased-up exiter or a stayer), and the second modeled, among exiters, whether the Veteran exited 

the program before leasing a housing unit. A detailed description of the methods for this analysis 

is included in appendix C.

Exhibit 8.7 provides results from the two logistic regressions. The first panel lists the odds ratios 

for characteristics that were associated with Veterans exiting the program after accessing 

housing; in addition to several control variables (that is, study site and male sex), having a 

service-connected disability increased the odds by 37 percent that Veterans who moved into 

housing would exit. The second panel lists the odds ratios for characteristics that were associated 

with Veterans exiting the program after receiving a voucher but before accessing housing; in this 

case, a diagnosis of PTSD increased the odds by 25 percent that a Veteran would exit HUDVASH before moving into a unit. 
Chapter 8: Exits From HUD-VASH

HUD-VASH Exit Study 89 Final Report

Exhibit 8.7 Logistic Regression Modeling Exits From HUD-VASH, HUD-VASH Participants

Leased-Up Exit vs. Stay

N=5,850

Nonleased vs. Leased-Up Exit

N=4,565

OR 95% CI OR 95% CI

Houston 2.65 2.32–3.03 0.38 0.33–0.45

Palo Alto 2.90 2.48–3.40 0.55 0.46–0.65

Philadelphia 0.58 0.47–0.71 0.83 0.62–1.11

Age 0.99 0.99–1.00 0.99 0.99–1.00

Male 1.22 1.02–1.46 1.09 0.87–1.36

White 1.01 0.90–1.14 1.54 1.35–1.77

Other race 1.03 0.81–1.32 1.45 1.12–1.89

Service-connected disability 1.37 1.22–1.53 0.93 0.82–1.07

PTSD — — 1.25 1.01–1.56

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing. CI = confidence interval. OR = odds ratio. PTSD = post-traumatic stress disorder.

Notes: Reference categories: Study site—Los Angeles; Gender—Female; Race—Black; Service-connected disability—No 

service-connected disability; PTSD—No diagnosis; Schizophrenia—No diagnosis. Statistical significance is indicated by 

bold font (p ≤ 0.05).

Sources: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System; VA Medical Record 

PROFILES OF EXITERS

To better understand and describe Veterans who exited HUD-VASH and the nature of their exit, 

the research team conducted a series of latent class analyses (LCAs). This type of analysis uses 

data that describe the study sample—in this case, demographics, health conditions, reason for 

exiting the program—to group the members of the study sample into subgroups. The results 

describe the heterogeneity among exiters, which is useful in understanding how the 

characteristics and circumstances of exits may vary greatly within the population of exiters, 

informing potential policy and practice responses tailored to Veterans who meet a certain profile. 

A detailed description of the methods for this analysis is included in appendix C.

Exhibits 8.8 and 8.9 describe the subgroups or classes of leased and nonleased exiters, arranged 

in order of most to least successful exits. Classes where a majority of Veterans exited the 

program because they had accomplished their goals or became financially ineligible—possibly 

related to an increase in income through employment or some other means—are considered more 

successful than classes where decidedly negative exit reasons such as eviction or incarceration 

are more common.

Exhibit 8.8 describes five classes of leased-up exiters. The first three classes varied 

demographically, but those Veterans generally left HUD-VASH because they had accomplished 

their goals or became financially ineligible. The smallest and least successful class of Veterans 

had high needs and little income and used acute or intensive services more frequently; those 

Veterans tended to exit the program for reasons such as noncompliance or incarceration. (See 

exhibit 8.10 for details).

Exhibit 8.9 describes the three classes of nonleased exiters. Approximately one-fourth of 

nonleased exiters seemed to have few needs, had access to income, and left the program before 

accessing housing as a result of other opportunities. The other two classes seemed to have a 

range of needs and left the program for a variety of reasons, least frequently because they had 

accomplished their goals (see exhibit 8.11 for details).
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 90 Final Report

Exhibit 8.8 Profiles of Leased-Up Exiters, HUD-VASH Participants (N=2,959) | percent

Demographics Clinical Characteristics Reasons for Exit

Class 1

20.9%

Younger

Female

SC disability

Low rates of chronic medical and 

behavioral health conditions

Accomplished goals

Found other housing

Financially ineligible

Class 2

16.4%

Older

Male

No SC disability

Low rates of chronic medical and 

behavioral health conditions Accomplished goals

Class 3

16.6%

Middle-aged

Male & female

SC disability

High rates of behavioral health 

conditions; chronic medical conditions

Accomplished goals

Financially ineligible

Class 4

32.2%

Older 

Male

No SC disability

Low rates of chronic medical and 

behavioral health conditions

Accomplished goals

Lost contact, incarcerated

Non-compliance, eviction

Class 5

13.9%

Older

Male

No SC disability

High rates of chronic medical and 

behavioral health conditions, inpatient 

care

Lost contact, incarcerated

Non-compliance, eviction

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing. 

Source: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System

Exhibit 8.9 Profiles of Nonleased Exiters, HUD-VASH Participants (N=1,037) | percent

Class 1

25.2%

Younger

Female

SC disability

Low rates of mental\behavioral health 

and/or substance abuse problems

Found housing elsewhere

Were no longer interested in 

HUD-VASH

Class 2

44.9%

Older

Male

No SC disability

Low rates of mental/behavioral health 

and/or substance abuse problems Typically did not accomplish goals

Class 3

29.9%

Younger to middleaged

Male

No SC disability or 

>50% disability

High rates of mental/behavioral health 

and/or substance abuse problems

Use of inpatient care prior to exit

Loss of contact (with VA)

Illness

Incarceration

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing. 

Source: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System

Taken together, the two LCAs describe three categories of exiters. The most successful leased-up 

exiters and nonleased exiters had similar profiles: younger, black, female Veterans with a 

service-connected disability who had minimal medical problems or mental, or behavioral health 

problems and demonstrated that they no longer needed the program. The least successful 

Veterans in the two exiter groups also shared several characteristics: those Veterans less 

frequently had a service-connected disability but had very high rates of medical, mental or 

behavioral health, or substance use conditions and somewhat frequent use of inpatient care 

before exiting HUD-VASH, often exiting because they were unable to be located, ill, or 

incarcerated. A third category of exiters—consistent with leased-up exiter class 4 and nonleased 

exiter class 2—were also similar: older, black, male Veterans without a service-connected 

disability, who were less successful than Veterans in other classes, and who typically did not 

leave HUD-VASH for positive reasons. 
Chapter 8: Exits From HUD-VASH

HUD-VASH Exit Study 91 Final Report

Exhibit 8.10 Latent Class Analysis of Leased-Up Exiters, HUD-VASH Participants

Class 1

N=666, 

20.9%

Class 2

N=536, 16.4%

Class 3

N=507, 16.6%

Class 4

N=833, 32.2%

Class 5

N=417, 13.9%

N % N % N % N % N %

Study site

Houston 316 47.5 0 0.0 199 39.3 352 42.3 122 29.3

Los Angeles 268 40.3 172 32 147 29.0 429 51.5 173 41.5

Palo Alto 45 6.7 364 68 151 29.8 0 0.0 88 21.1

Philadelphia 37 5.5 0 0.0 10 1.9 52 6.2 34 8.2

Gender

Female 223 33.5 24 4.5 66 13.0 8 1.0 5 1.2

Male 443 66.5 512 95.5 441 87.0 825 99.0 412 98.9

Age

<35 230 34.6 30 5.6 77 15.1 0 0.0 0 0.0

35–44 194 29.1 41 7.6 100 19.8 22 2.7 1 0.2

45–54 150 22.5 205 38.3 200 39.5 302 36.2 146 35.1

55–64 90 13.5 196 36.5 115 22.7 418 50.2 239 57.3

≥65 2 0.3 64 11.9 15 3.0 92 11.0 31 7.4

Race

Black 478 71.7 169 31.6 234 46.2 592 71.1 224 53.6

White 161 24.1 322 60.0 233 45.9 197 23.7 181 43.3

Other 28 4.2 46 8.5 40 7.9 44 5.3 13 3.1

Enrollment priority group

≥50% service-connected 

disability 314 47.2 102 19.1 251 49.5 78 9.4 51 12.3

<50% service-connected 

disability 145 21.8 84 15.6 107 21.2 133 16.0 58 14.0

No service-connected disability 168 25.3 321 59.8 134 26.4 558 67.0 286 68.5

Other 38 5.7 29 5.5 15 2.9 63 7.6 22 5.2

Medical conditions and mental or behavioral health conditions and service use

Any medical condition 37 5.5 75 14 247 48.8 130 15.6 343 82.2

Any mental health condition 34 5.1 41 7.7 415 81.9 53 6.4 316 75.7

Any substance use condition 23 3.4 53 9.8 401 79.1 142 17.1 354 84.8

Any inpatient stay before exit 13 2.0 31 5.8 45 8.9 75 9.0 103 24.8

VA case managers’ reason for exit

Accomplished goals 282 42.4 349 65.1 237 46.7 314 37.7 80 19.1

Cannot be located, too ill, 

incarcerated, or deceased 28 4.2 62 11.6 47 9.2 197 23.6 166 39.8

No longer financially eligible 69 10.3 6 1.2 58 11.5 11 1.3 1 0.3

Noncompliant with VA case 

management or evicted 87 13.1 27 5.1 41 8.1 111 13.3 86 20.6

Transferred to another HUDVASH program or found other 

housing

91 13.6 31 5.8 55 10.8 77 9.3 30 7.3

Unhappy with housing or no 

longer interested in participating 52 7.8 24 4.4 37 7.3 47 5.6 26 6.3

Other 58 8.7 38 7 77 9.2 28 6.6 32 6.4

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing.

Sources: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System; VA Medical Record
Chapter 8: Exits From HUD-VASH

HUD-VASH Exit Study 92 Final Report

Exhibit 8.11 Latent Class Analysis of Nonleased Exiters, HUD-VASH Participants

Class 1

N=273, 25.2%

Class 2

N=451, 44.9%

Class 3

N=313, 29.9%

N % N % N %

Study site

Houston 54 19.9 66 14.7 46 14.7

Los Angeles 176 64.5 298 66.1 180 57.5

Palo Alto 35 13.0 73 16.1 73 23.3

Philadelphia 7 2.6 16 3.5 14 4.5

Gender

Female 79 28.8 7 1.5 11 3.4

Male 194 71.2 444 98.5 303 96.7

Age group

<35 95 34.9 10 2.3 49 15.5

35–44 89 32.6 16 3.5 33 10.6

45–54 52 19.2 150 33.3 102 32.5

55–64 37 13.4 200 44.3 113 36.0

≥65 0 0.0 75 16.6 17 5.5

Race

Black 130 47.6 230 51.0 116 37.1

White 105 38.4 206 45.7 171 54.7

Other 38 14.1 15 3.3 26 8.2

Enrollment priority group

≥50% SC 124 45.3 53 11.8 104 33.2

<50% SC 78 28.6 68 15.0 50 16.1

No SC 64 23.4 294 65.2 148 47.4

Other 7 2.7 36 8.0 11 3.4

Medical conditions and mental or behavioral health 

conditions and service use

Any medical condition 18 6.5 62 13.8 203 64.8

Any mental health condition 26 9.5 17 3.8 271 86.6

Any substance use condition 11 4.0 38 8.4 270 86.2

Any inpatient stay before exit 27 6.0 75 24.0 15 5.4

VA case managers’ reason for exit

Accomplished goals 10 3.5 9 1.9 4 1.2

Cannot be located, too ill, incarcerated, or deceased 38 14.1 124 27.6 99 31.6

No longer financially eligible 17 6.1 18 4.0 8 2.6

Noncompliant with VA case management or evicted 37 13.6 55 12.1 41 13.2

Transferred to another HUD-VASH program or found other 

housing 61 22.5 71 15.7 49 15.6

Unhappy with housing or no longer interested in 

participating 56 20.6 93 20.7 57 18.1

Other 54 19.7 81 17.9 55 17.7

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing. SC = service-connected disability.

Sources: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System; VA Medical Record
Chapter 8: Exits From HUD-VASH

HUD-VASH Exit Study 93 Final Report

VETERANS’ STATUS AFTER EXIT

At the time of program exit, Veterans exited HUD-VASH case management; however, 17.7 

percent of leased-up exiters and 10.7 percent of nonleased exiters reported during surveys that 

they received assistance from their VA case manager in finding a place to stay after they exited 

the program. Fewer than one in five study respondents reported having ongoing contact with 

their VA case manager (16.5 percent of leased-up exiters and 18.2 percent of nonleased exiters), 

but the majority planned to continue using VA services after their exit from HUD-VASH (94.9 

percent of leased-up exiters and 96.5 percent of nonleased exiters). 

RETURNS TO HOMELESSNESS

Returns to VA Homeless Programs

HUD-VASH participants who exited the program could use VA homeless programs after their 

exit. Exhibit 8.12 illustrates the proportion of Veterans who exited HUD-VASH and returned to 

homelessness during the year after exiting the program. Almost 93 percent of leased-up exiters 

and 90 percent of nonleased exiters did not return to VA homeless programs during the 

observation period. Veterans may have accessed other community-based homelessness 

assistance programs; however, the research team did not have access to data related to local 

Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) or unsheltered homelessness. 

Exhibit 8.12 Avoiding Returns to VA Homeless Programs 360 Days After Exit, HUD-VASH 

Participants (N=4,595) | count

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 

Supportive Housing. 

Source: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System

0.00

0.25

0.50

0.75

1.00

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350

Cumulative survival

Leased-Up Exiters Non-Leased Exiters
Chapter 8: Exits From HUD-VASH

HUD-VASH Exit Study 94 Final Report

The results of the Cox Proportional Hazards survival analysis presented in exhibit 8.13 indicate 

factors associated with Veterans’ return to a VA homeless program after exiting HUD-VASH. 

The hazard ratios indicate that, compared with leased-up exiters, nonleased exiters were more 

likely to return to homelessness. Women were significantly less likely than men to return to 

homelessness. Veterans with a service-connected disability were less likely to return to 

homelessness following program exit, whereas those with a drug abuse disorder were more likely 

to return to homelessness following program exit. A detailed description of the methods for this

analysis is included in appendix C.

Exhibit 8.13 Cox Proportional Hazards Survival Analysis for Time To Return to 

Homelessness Within 360 Days, HUD-VASH Participants (N = 303)

Estimate Standard Error Hazard Ratio p

Houston -0.261 0.144 0.770 0.070

Palo Alto -0.314 0.160 0.731 0.050

Philadelphia 0.060 0.246 1.062 0.807

Nonleased exiters 0.371 0.121 1.449 0.002

Age -0.007 0.006 0.993 0.183

Male 0.563 0.258 1.757 0.029

White -0.117 0.126 0.890 0.353

Other race -0.069 0.245 0.934 0.779

Service-connected disability -0.339 0.122 0.713 0.006

Drug abuse 0.859 0.118 2.360 0.000

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing. 

Notes: Reference categories: Study site—Los Angeles; Study group—Leased-up exiters; Gender—Female; Race—Black; 

Service-connected disability—No service-connected disability; Drug abuse condition—No diagnosis. Statistical 

significance is indicated by bold font (p ≤ 0.05).

Source: VA Medical Record

Returns to HUD-VASH

Very few HUD-VASH participants returned to HUD-VASH after an initial exit (N = 11, 0.2 

percent). During qualitative interviews, some Veterans noted that they would return to the program 

if they received better VA case management or housing options in other geographic areas. Several 

nonleased exiters were not interested in returning to HUD-VASH, however, because it did not suit 

their current housing needs or did not work well for them.

I have nothing bad to say about HUD-VASH, nothing. They did what they were supposed 

to do. I, on the other hand, didn’t get a chance to really do what I was supposed to do. I 

didn’t make the meetings. I didn’t make the recertification. So, you know, I’m just going to 

have to swallow that pill. (Leased-up exiter—Philadelphia)

If it was an opportunity where I could have grown some more intellectually, morally, or 

socially. All those things are important. To stay in the program—to continue to help a 

Veteran, I would have stayed in. If they would have had more options—I had to keep going 

on and doing what I had to do. (Leased-up exiter—Houston)

[I would need] someone that actually followed through. Maybe not like every week, but at 

least a phone call every other week, like, “Okay, over the last week, how many places did 
Chapter 8: Exits From HUD-VASH

HUD-VASH Exit Study 95 Final Report

you go to? How many of them accept Section 8? Did you find any that you like?” I never 

got that. It was always like, wait, wait, call. I haven’t heard from her in 2 months and, 

“Are you still my caseworker?” It got to the point where it felt like that I had a piece of 

paper and a nice little wave goodbye and the middle finger saying, “FU. Go have fun.” 

(Nonleased exiter—Los Angeles)

SUMMARY

Among HUD-VASH participants at each of the four study sites, 37.8 percent were considered 

stayers, 41.8 percent leased-up exiters, and 20.4 percent nonleased exiters. Leased-up exiters 

remained in the program for an average of 658 days, or a little less than 2 years, whereas 

nonleased exiters participated in the program—from receipt of voucher to exit—for almost 5 

months.

Several factors were associated with HUD-VASH participants not staying in the program. 

Veterans with a service-connected disability were more likely to exit the program after being 

housed. Veterans who had a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were more likely 

to leave the program after they received a HUD-VASH voucher but before accessing permanent 

housing. Study respondents provided evidence that having a helpful VA case manager who 

agreed with the Veteran’s goals increased the likelihood that the Veteran would obtain housing 

and stay in the program for at least several years; having a diagnosis of depression or 

schizophrenia decreased that likelihood.

VA case managers and Veterans identified a number of reasons why Veterans exited the HUDVASH program. According to VA case managers, the majority of leased-up exiters left their 

HUD-VASH housing unit because they had accomplished their goals, found other housing, or 

were no longer eligible for the program. Nonleased exiters, on the other hand, were no longer 

interested in the program, could not be located, or found other housing before leasing a unit with 

their voucher.

Study respondents also provided information on their reason for leaving HUD-VASH. Leased-up 

exiters most frequently reported an increase in income as the main reason for their exit—which 

would be considered a success as these Veterans were able to live independently—but worsening 

in a medical, mental health, or substance use condition and difficulties with housing were also 

common among this group. Nonleased exiters most commonly cited having the voucher revoked 

by the housing authority or challenges with finding housing, including dissatisfaction with 

available units and not being able to find a unit to rent with the voucher, which qualitative 

respondents described as often leading to their voucher expiring before they could access 

housing. Nonleased exiters also commonly received offers from friends or family to move into 

their housing, particularly when they didn’t have money for move-in costs.

To better understand program exits, the research team identified profiles of types of exiters, with 

three types emerging among both leased-up and nonleased Veterans:

1. Younger, female Veterans with a service-connected disability who had minimal 

medical problems or mental, or behavioral problems and demonstrated that they 

no longer needed the program. 

2. Older, male Veterans without a service-connected disability who exited HUDVASH for reasons other than accomplishing their goals or identified housing that 

was a better fit.
Chapter 8: Exits From HUD-VASH

HUD-VASH Exit Study 96 Final Report

3. Veterans who had lower levels of service-connected disabilities but very high 

rates of medical, mental or behavioral health, and substance use conditions; 

somewhat frequently used inpatient care; and often left the program because they

could not be located, were ill, or were incarcerated.

After their exit from the program, the vast majority of Veterans—almost 93 percent of leased-up 

exiters and 90 percent of nonleased exiters—did not return to VA homeless programs within 1 

year. Nonleased exiters were more likely to return to homelessness, as were Veterans with a 

substance use disorder. Having a service-connected disability, which indicates that the Veteran is 

receiving cash benefits, seemed to be a protective factor. 
HUD-VASH Exit Study 97 Final Report

CHAPTER 9:

PROGRAM FACILITATORS AND BARRIERS

During site visits, the research team elicited perspectives from local housing authority and VA 

case management staff on program facilitators and barriers. Veterans’ views on those topics were 

gathered during qualitative interviews. In addition, program staff and Veterans offered their 

recommendations for how to improve HUD-VASH.

FACILITATORS

Program Staff Perspectives

The research team asked housing authority and VA staff from each study site what they believed 

facilitated successful outcomes in the HUD-VASH program. Responses included facilitators 

based on communication and collaboration, program processes and staffing, and Veterans’ 

relationships with program staff. The facilitators identified by each study site are shown in 

exhibit 9.1. This section provides further detail on the most common facilitators mentioned 

across all sites.

Collaboration with Community Partners

In Houston, community partners have been essential in reaching citywide goals to end 

homelessness. In Palo Alto, community-based organizations are integral to every step of HUDVASH, including identifying Veterans experiencing homelessness through outreach efforts, as well 

as providing medical services, transportation, and financial move-in assistance. Staff in 

Philadelphia noted that community connections, such as co-locating HUD and VA services at the 

Veterans Multi-Service Center and maintaining relationships with community service providers 

and local property owners, have been invaluable to Veterans served through HUD-VASH.

Connecting Veterans to Wrap-Around Services and Community Resources

In Los Angeles, the VA case management teams include a nurse who can help Veterans with 

ongoing medical issues, sometimes directly in their homes. In Palo Alto, HUD-VASH offers 

Veterans the opportunity to participate in life skills groups that help them get and stay housed. 

The Philadelphia VA team described housing, peer support, and substance use disorder (SUD) 

specialists as vital to their team, as well as community resources that assist Veterans interested in 

furthering their education or finding employment or volunteer work that may help them 

transition out of HUD-VASH.

HUD-VASH Boot Camps

Houston, Palo Alto, and Philadelphia described the utility of participating in HUD-VASH Boot 

Camps that bring HUD, VA, and community providers together to collaborate and discover better 

ways to serve Veterans. 

Program Flexibility

Staff mentioned that program flexibility is key to facilitating faster housing outcomes for Veterans. 

The Houston Housing Authority (HHA), for example, has a waiver that enables the housing 

authority to pay up to 110 percent Fair Market Rents (FMR) in opportunity areas, enabling 

Veterans to move to areas that often have better schools and more community resources. The 

Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (HACoLA) also described flexibility in 
Chapter 9: Program Facilitators and Barriers

HUD-VASH Exit Study 98 Final Report

regulatory requirements for HUD-VASH participants that have allowed them to eliminate 

unnecessary or redundant processes, making the program easier to navigate. Likewise, the Housing 

Authority of the City of Camden (HACC) indicated that their smaller size allows the housing 

authority to have more flexibility to tailor the services they offer to Veterans.

Exhibit 9.1 Program Facilitators Identified by Housing Authority and VA Staff

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

Community collaboration

Collaboration with community partners X - X X

Connecting Veteran to wraparound services and 

community resources - X X X

HUD and VA collaboration

Co-location of housing authority and VA case management X - - -

Communication between HUD and VA - - X X

HUD-VASH Boot Camps X - X X

One main point of contact between HUD and VA - - X

Program processes

Decrease in initial voucher issuance period - - - X

Decrease in time to housing (preparing Veteran for housing 

search, decreasing process times) - X - -

Group meetings (housing groups, life skills) - - X -

Opportunity areas within housing authority jurisdiction X - - -

Preinspected units - - - X

Program flexibility X X - X

Streamlined internal processes (one core application across 

housing authorities, prioritizing Veteran applicants, daily 

VA case management huddles)

- X X X

VA case management

VA case manager as advocate/intermediary X - X -

VA case manager assisting with application or advising 

during meetings with housing authority - - X -

Motivational interviewing X X -

Smaller VA caseloads - - - X

VA specialists (employment, housing, peer support, SUD) X - X X

Veteran relationship with program staff X X - X

Veteran strengths

Veteran motivation X - - -

HUD = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. VA = U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Source: Staff Interview

Streamlined Internal Processes

HACLA and HACoLA have worked to create a single, uniform HUD-VASH application, which 

makes it easier for VA staff to assist Veterans in completing the application and providing 

necessary documents. Similarly, VA staff complete the voucher application for the Housing 

Authority of the county of Monterey (HACM), making turnaround time shorter for HUD-VASH 

participants than for other households served by the housing authority, and the Philadelphia 

Housing Authority (PHA) provides VA and Veterans with checklists to ensure that all application 

materials are clear and completed correctly. 
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 99 Final Report

VA Specialists

Staff in Houston, Palo Alto, and Philadelphia mentioned the value of VA specialists trained to 

assist Veterans in specific areas. Those VA case management teams rely on VA specialists in 

employment, housing, peer support, and SUD to provide Veterans with individualized services. 

Veterans’ Relationship With Program Staff

Building a relationship of trust between Veterans and program staff is integral to Veterans’ success 

in HUD-VASH. Housing stability often is an outcome of that relationship because VA staff can 

assist Veterans with issues and, as staff in Houston described, Veterans who have good contact and 

communication with VA staff often follow program rules and requirements. Los Angeles further 

indicated that the VA team environment provided a supportive network for Veterans, and the 

Philadelphia team noted that a close relationship between Veterans and VA case managers may 

allow VA case managers to identify issues that Veterans are experiencing before they escalate. 

Veteran Perspectives

During qualitative interviews, Veterans discussed how the program’s facilitation of both housing 

(for example, reestablishing a renting record) and nonhousing factors (for example, connections 

with social support services; meeting educational, work-related, or personal goals) affected their 

experience in the HUD-VASH program (see exhibit 9.2).

Exhibit 9.2 Program Facilitators Identified by Qualitative Respondents

Connecting to community resources

Household assistance 

Promoting Veteran independence

Source: Veteran Interview

Connecting to Community Resources

Respondents discussed accessing a variety of programs and social supports that aided in their 

community connections. Those programs included attending meetings to remain sober; classes on 

managing anger, therapy, or money; and pursuing opportunities for educational or vocational growth.

They have classes, you know. They have computer classes. There is just a lot of things that 

they have going on. Some things you may be eligible for and without them you would not 

know about it. (Stayer—Philadelphia)

Honestly, HUD-VASH here has a lot of very helpful information as far as going back to 

school, as far as gaining employment within the city. They are really good for that. Like I 

said, with me it’s kind of a different case, because my mother is still my number one 

priority. So, I had to take different routes, and a lot of the help that I received has been 

through VUB, Veterans Upward Bound. It’s a program for Veterans who want to go back 

to college. So, being in that program really helped me out a lot as far as employment, and 

going back to school. And they work together as a matter of fact like HUD-VASH, the VA 

and the VUB—they work together. It’s like a lot of the people who are in HUD-VASH are 

students at the VUB and vice versa, because at the VUB, I met a lot of homeless Veterans. 

(Stayer—Philadelphia)
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 100 Final Report

They give out information about different places. Maybe there was another place you 

could move to, or maybe hotels were giving discounts on furniture and stuff, or if there was 

a flea market somewhere or other kind of information, or somebody that is providing some 

food or something. They would give information for that. (Leased-up exiter—Philadelphia)

Household Assistance

Respondents reported a variety of ways they received housing assistance through HUD-VASH. 

Access to furniture and other household items often was necessary once a Veteran was housed. 

Respondents also were often connected to other programs to help with move-in deposits, rental 

costs, utility bills, phone expenses, and food assistance. 

I went to [a local organization]. They gave me some kitchen stuff that people had donated. 

It took me like a month to get my bed, though, after that because I wasn’t going to get a 

bed from that place. I accumulated my stuff within a couple of months. But my basic stuff, 

like a couple pots and pans and some kitchen utensils, I got that when I moved in. So I got 

most of that from the [local organization]. (Stayer—Philadelphia)

They gave us—they helped us with the furniture voucher, and these vouchers are based on 

the size of your family and your requirements. I got everything that I needed to move in at 

the time, basically—beds, tables, a sofa, and the basic things. I was able to move in 

comfortably. (Stayer—Philadelphia)

The time when I was having some money difficulties, they helped me with finding a 

program that would assist me in paying a bill. And on top of that, the VASH did help me 

with—I had a lot of tickets that I had. So I was going to roll them to some homeless court 

program through the VASH, which was very helpful. (Stayer—Los Angeles)

Promoting Veteran Independence

Respondents described how the program helped them reestablish their rental and credit histories 

and assisted with other factors that promoted their independence. One respondent reported 

becoming self-sufficient and no longer needing the HUD-VASH program for support. 

I had an eviction and that hindered me from renting from anyone and I had no income. 

Basically, once I started receiving income then it was a matter of not having any 

background rental history, so we had to start, so VASH helped me get started. Now I got 5 

years of me paying rent on my own. (Leased-up exiter—Los Angeles)

They help you with your credit and stuff, to correct your credit. And once you get that 

completed, then if you want to, you can apply for a house. (Stayer—Philadelphia)

They give you programs where they send us to different seminars we can approach to buy 

our own homes, get our credit repaired, and these things. In other words, they’re not 

leaving stuff here when you leave forever. You could if you wanted to stay in the program, 

but if you want to advance and go out of the program, they’re making ways that you could 

have an opportunity to leave out of it, and it’s very good. As a matter of fact we have a 

meeting that we have to go to. It’s a mandatory meeting. We will meet with bank lenders 

and business people and housing people to see how they can best help us to acquire our 

own property. (Stayer—Philadelphia)
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 101 Final Report

BARRIERS

Program Staff Perspectives

Housing authority and VA staff noted barriers faced by the HUD-VASH program and its 

participants: access to resources, program issues, property owners and housing, and Veteran 

issues. Exhibit 9.3 provides further detail for the most common barriers mentioned across sites. 

Veteran Mental Health or Substance Use Conditions

Staff in Houston indicated that Veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or SUD may have 

difficulty accessing and maintaining housing. The Los Angeles VA case management team 

reported an insufficient number of VA SUD specialists; the specialists must primarily focus on 

crisis management rather than supporting Veterans before they fall into crisis. VA staff also

described how Veterans with SUD are more likely to abandon their units and may face losing their 

housing while in treatment. In addition, HACSC staff reported that Veterans with mental health 

issues, such as PTSD, often have difficulty communicating and may become easily agitated and, 

although those Veterans are receiving services through VA, may not be compliant with their 

treatment or refuse to follow up with providers. Finally, staff in Philadelphia mentioned that 

Veterans in recovery may relapse when they have a space of their own; some experience a 

“honeymoon period” when they first move into housing and feel that their lives are in order, but 

the pressure to maintain it may lead to relapse. 

Veteran Readiness

In Houston, staff described how the transition from living on the streets to renting a housing unit is 

easier for some Veterans than for others, particularly because it requires some Veterans to learn a 

new way of interacting in the world that they may find challenging and stressful. Additionally,

staff in Los Angeles described the difficulty of providing case management to this hard-to-serve 

population, many of whom do not engage well with VA case managers and the community. Given 

their Housing First approach, staff in Palo Alto indicated that they are not working on housing 

readiness and that as the program enrolls more chronically homeless Veterans, Veteran readiness 

has become an increasing challenge. Philadelphia staff echoed the sentiment that some Veterans 

who are experiencing homelessness are not ready to accept the assistance being offered because of 

personal circumstances, particularly mental health challenges or drug dependency.

Move-In Costs

Staff described move-in costs and access to assistance for Veterans in need as a common barrier. In 

Houston, many property owners will not let Veterans move into housing without a letter from a 

service provider that is offering financial assistance. Many providers require specific documents, 

however, such as proof of a passed inspection, which can delay a Veteran’s moving into the unit. 

Palo Alto staff further indicated that although a Veteran with no income can be approved for HUDVASH, community partners, including Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), are not 

required to provide move-in assistance. Because Veterans with zero income cannot prove that they 

can sustain payments, many organizations do not want to provide move-in assistance. 
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 102 Final Report

Exhibit 9.3 Program Barriers Identified by Housing Authority and VA Staff 

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

Access to resources

Lack of available move-in assistance (funds, furniture) X - - -

Move-in costs (application fees, security deposit) X X X

Program issues

Differing program requirements across housing 

authorities - X - -

Inefficient processes X - - X

Inspection timeline - X - -

Insufficient staff - - X -

Mass briefings X - - -

Multiple points of contact - X - -

Program regulations (data entry, changes to payment 

standards) - - X -

Reduction in voucher amount - - - X

Tension between HUD and VA performance measures - - - X

VA case manager as overzealous in advocacy efforts - X - -

Property owners and housing

Lack of affordable housing - X X -

Location of affordable units - X - -

Retaining support from property owners - - - X

Unethical property owners X - - -

Veteran issues

Lack of communication between Veteran and VA case 

manager - X - -

Veteran background characteristics (past evictions, poor 

credit, criminal background) X - X X

Veteran financial issues (zero/low income, money 

mismanagement) X - - X

Veteran medical conditions - X - -

Veteran mental health conditions X X X X

Veteran misunderstanding of program rules and 

requirements - X - -

Veteran motivation - - - X

Veteran readiness X X X X

Veteran substance use conditions X X X X

HUD = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. VA = U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Source: Staff Interview

Veteran Background Characteristics

Common barriers to housing outlined by Houston staff included past evictions, previous broken 

leases, poor credit, and criminal background. Additionally, staff mentioned that Veterans in 

recovery may have felony charges, and the only property owners willing to rent to them are in 

locations that compromise their recovery. Staff in Palo Alto also indicated that Veterans with those 

types of background characteristics often have difficulty finding a property owner who will rent to 

them and Veterans who are frequently denied housing because of those issues may become 

discouraged by the process. 
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 103 Final Report

Veteran Perspectives

Study respondents discussed aspects of the HUD-VASH program that they found challenging to 

their housing stability: negative experiences while enrolling in or participating in HUD-VASH;

not having adequate support both in terms of rental assistance and ancillary needs, such as 

deposits, utilities, moving costs, or food; and difficulties with processing their applications or 

other procedural issues. Themes that emerged in this category are listed in Exhibit 9.4.

Exhibit 9.4 Program Barriers Identified by Qualitative Respondents 

Discrimination Program rules Transportation

Need for additional support Staff interactions

Source: Veteran Interview

Discrimination

Some respondents felt that they experienced discrimination because of their background. Instances 

included being charged higher amounts for security deposits, having difficulty securing housing, 

and feeling judged by potential property owners. Other respondents had difficulty securing housing 

because of their disabilities, and some respondents described feeling discriminated against simply 

because they had a HUD-VASH voucher.

People and society, they have a stigma about Veterans, especially the homeless or [ones] 

with mental health issues. So, the stigma is really when people are trying to get some 

things. People look at, “oh, they’re a disabled Veteran with health issues,” and people 

fear and push you away instead of helping. So, all these people that are trying to 

reintegrate and trying to readjust are having issues because society is pushing back while 

we are just trying to find out what’s available to us. If you have some gang member, he 

could get Section 8. Why can’t a disabled Vet? (Nonleased exiter—Los Angeles)

Three places I got to putting in an application. None of them got back to me, so I got back 

to them. Then finally one landlord told me what time it was, “You ain’t got a job. How 

would you pay your rent?” And that was basically it, that “We ain’t gonna rent to you 

because you ain’t got a job.” The other one is the story too, but they wouldn’t say it 

because it’s discrimination, because I got a voucher. (Nonleased exiter—Palo Alto)

It was so-so. I went down to pick up another package to look for housing, places to stay—

and a lot of them, they go back 10 years on your background. (Stayer—Houston)

Those apartment listings that they give you—if I had known then that those listings do not 

help Veterans with background issues, then I probably would have looked at it a little 

differently. That was one of my reasons. My primary reason was that I did not want to go 

back to being homeless. Two, I did not want to still be staying with my sister. Three, I knew 

I had background issues. I know in [the county], not the housing authority but [the county] 

in general, they frown upon people with x’s on their head. I wish that as a Veteran like 

myself, I wish I could change that across the board. (Leased-up exiter—Houston)
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Need for Additional Support

When discussing challenges and barriers, respondents discussed the need for additional support, 

primarily financial or programmatic. Some Veterans were unaware of any available assistance, 

such as help with moving furniture or financial assistance with move-in costs, which they 

reportedly could have used. Some respondents needed help paying their rent as a result of 

unforeseen rent increases. 

I needed everything... When I came down to the program, I moved, because I was staying 

in the Salvation Army. I was in there. I waited for a VA slot to open up. So I had a suitcase 

and that was it. (Stayer—Palo Alto)

Just the resources. I mean you have organizations that fake that they have references and 

they go to ask people for money to help them find [stuff] and all those leads are nothing. 

You have people that you know post on Craigslist or different things—all those lead to 

nothing. And it just makes it difficult because, you have to—all these places are like, “Give 

us this much money. We’ll help you find an apartment.” And you have all these resources 

in society, but when it comes to a Vet trying to find those resources, those resources are 

just like taking advantage of Vets, and then the resource that was supposed to help Vets 

aren’t promoting them enough, so Vets can be like, “Okay. I want this. I want that.” You 

have to go and ask. Nobody is promoting. You don’t see a sign at the hospital saying, “Oh, 

are you homeless? Sign-up for—.” You know, you don’t see those. (Nonleased exiter—Los 

Angeles)

Program Rules

Some Veterans expressed difficulty complying with the program’s rules for maintaining housing, 

such as staying sober, finding suitable housing that met their needs within the time allotted, or not 

allowing friends or family to live in the apartment with them. Several respondents mentioned 

difficulties attending VA case management meetings because of other responsibilities or simply 

finding them onerous.

I was ready to have company. I was ready to have visitors or whatever so that they would 

not be scrutinized. They get into some points they want to check people’s bags coming in 

there or whatever. We are not in a prison. You are not going to take over my rights—check 

anybody’s bags when they dealing with a house. That apartment is a house. They under an 

apartment—under their place, under their apartment. So it is not any different than any 

other apartments, so people do stuff they should not do. They violate a lot of our rights. 

(Leased-up exiter —Houston)

I do not know how much the agency that supplements us gives them, but for the places we 

live in. I mean, the places you are actually getting to live in, it is poverty already there. It 

exists. So how are you supposed to get out when you are kept in a society to where, hey, 

this is it. Good for you. You are not worth moving up or put you in a more expensive place 

because you are who you are. You are stuck there. You should be glad that you got a place 

to live. I am grateful for that, but I mean, I believe for the money that they are getting by 

the federal government, and in the places where we are only allowed to live, because the 

cost of living and stuff, I would try to move. In my personal opinion, I think we are getting 

ripped off man. Because I am sure that our government gives a whole lot of money, man, to 

help us. And here we are, keeping us at poverty level. Because Section 8 has their own 
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 105 Final Report

rules and regulations and the state has their own rules and regulations. ... I am sad. I hate 

to say it, but it is sad. I honestly do feel we, well, not us, because I am grateful. I have a 

place to live. But the money that these men receive—the federal agencies, even the states 

receive to help us out—they are getting ripped off, man. I mean, they are. If our 

government is going to take that time to help us out and get us out of the streets and do 

everything, why are we so limited? Because of the rules and regulations that Section 8 or 

the state or the county or the city have? I mean, why? You are getting paid. You are not 

getting a whole bunch. You are being helped out here. Come on. You know, I am sorry. It 

does not work like that. (Stayer—Houston)

Staff Interactions

Respondents described difficulty getting in touch with VA case managers, dealing with hostile 

staff at the housing authority, or simply not getting enough information out of overworked staff. 

They kept saying that they were going to come. They did not show up and I called. At one 

time, they had been on the phone for an hour and 10 minutes. They never answered it. At 

one point I called back another day; it was almost an hour and someone picked up the 

phone and hung up. I had to keep starting the process over. It was hell getting through. 

Finally, I could not believe it, she emailed them and got a message back from them that 

they would be there, but she failed to call and let me know. (Leased-up exiter—Houston)

They were very cold and unsupportive. It was like we were bothering them; I was 

bothering them. But I got a new case manager at the [housing authority]. I do not know 

what she is like yet; I have not met her yet. See how challenging that one will be. I did not 

realize that I had to be so concise with them and everything, how everything is like, “Do 

not bother us about that. Do not bother. You give us one of those.” You know, I still would 

like to get a part-time job and I still do not understand where I have to—I know the income 

limits, but it is like I have to bring them the receipts? And if I am making too much, then 

what? Do they just throw me off the program? They do not tell me. They do not explain 

things to me. At least this woman did not, the case manager that I am dealing with right 

now. (Stayer—Philadelphia)

Transportation

Respondents who spoke about transportation often reported difficulty with it in the context of their 

housing search and move-in experience. Lack of a vehicle was also a factor that limited some 

Veterans to selecting housing close to public transportation rather than in their preferred location. 

Individuals not close to transportation centers expressed discontent with their ability to get around. 

Other transportation concerns included needing a reliable way to get to work or other meetings, the 

expenses associated with taking public transportation, and the inability to use public transportation 

because they were ill. 

[Move-in] was difficult because I had to do it all myself. I specifically bought an old pickup truck for that purpose because I knew I wouldn’t have the money to rent one and to hire 

anyone else to help me, so I bought a dolly and an old pick-up truck and I moved 

everything in there myself. It was more difficult. It did deplete all of my resources, but I 

didn’t have a choice. (Stayer—Los Angeles)

I would just say [the most difficult part] just inability to really get around like I needed to. 

Even though I do have a bus pass, it is time consuming; public transportation is time 
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 106 Final Report

consuming. So, having to get off this bus, that bus, this bus, it lessens the amount of places 

that you could get to in a day’s time. (Leased-up exiter—Los Angeles)

One of the reasons I stay there was just because of the fact of the transportation. That if I 

would have gotten a job, since I do not drive, it would have been easy for me to get from 

point A to point B. But in reality, the place we live in, I mean, I do not like it at all really. I 

am there because, don’t get me wrong, like I said, I am grateful, I am very grateful that I 

got a place to live and everything else. But I do not like that place. (Stayer—Houston)

You end up, as you get the Internet, using that as one way to get a lot of apartment 

complexes. You have to do some serious phone campaigns, if you really want to find 

apartments that accept felonies. If you are on public transportation, you cannot really go 

to all of them. You can only pick out three or four you can do on a Saturday. (Leased-up 

exiter—Houston)

RECOMMENDATIONS

Program Staff 

Program recommendations provided by housing authority and VA staff generally fell into the 

following categories: communication and collaboration, process improvements, property owner 

incentives, resources, and VA staffing (see exhibit 9.5).

Communication and Collaboration

Program staff identified collaboration as a key factor in the success of HUD-VASH. 

Recommendations offered by staff included the following: 

• Coordinate HUD-VASH Boot Camps and events—Events that bring together staff from 

HUD, VA, and the community foster a collaborative spirit. PHA staff said that the Boot 

Camp opened dialogue between service providers and enabled the program to operate 

more quickly and effectively. 

• Identify solutions to resolve tension between HUD and VA performance measures—

Housing authorities gauge the success of HUD-VASH by the number of Veterans who 

lease housing through the program, whereas VA measures performance by the number of 

Veterans enrolled in the program; however, Veterans who are enrolled in HUD-VASH 

are not necessarily housed. Enrollment in the program means that Veterans, many of 

whom have been chronically homeless, are receiving VA case management and typically 

require a great deal of support and encouragement to reach the point of leasing an 

apartment. The biggest challenge for HCHA, for example, is receiving enough referrals 

from VA to keep all of their vouchers in use. HCHA reports that they have requested 

additional referrals but do not receive them. 

• Improve data use and sharing—HHA suggested that HUD and VA ensure that each has 

access to the same information about Veterans. HHA said that, at times, information in 

the VA HOMES system, including consent forms, would be useful to HHA staff who are 

unable to access the system. Having one system would make HUD-VASH operate more 

effectively and efficiently. HACC also mentioned the importance of data sharing between 

HUD and VA to ensure that the program is meeting its goals. 
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 107 Final Report

• Revise definition/implementation of chronically homeless—HACoLA indicated that the 

definition of chronically homeless has made serving the large homeless population in Los 

Angeles difficult. In effect, Veterans may be told that they are not “homeless enough” to 

meet program eligibility requirements; however, particularly for Veterans with children, 

meeting the federal definition may not be in the best interest of their family. If Veterans 

stay in a shelter, they may be separated from their children. Similarly, families cannot 

stay in parks or cars because the Department of Children and Family Services will 

remove the children.

Exhibit 9.5 Recommendations Identified by Housing Authority and VA Staff 

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

Communication and collaboration

HUD-VASH Boot Camps and events - - - X

Identify solutions to resolve tension between HUD 

and VA performance measures X - X -

Improve data use and sharing X - - X

Revise definition/implementation of “chronically 

homeless” - X - -

Process improvements

Checklists for processes - - X -

Deputize VA staff to conduct inspections - - X -

Flexibility in program requirements X X X -

Improve coordinated access and use of assessment 

tools to determine Veterans’ level of need X - - -

Include VA on notices sent to Veterans by housing 

authority - X - -

More frequent Veteran assessments for wraparound 

services - X - -

One-on-one VA case management meetings with 

Veterans at start of program X - - -

Property owner incentives

Certify property owners who consistently meet 

inspection guidelines and debar property owners 

who engage in unethical practices

X - - -

Housing fairs/events to recruit property owners - X - -

Resources

Move-in assistance - X X X

Transportation - - - X

Veteran computer access - - - X

VA staffing

Continuing education for staff on evidence-based 

practices - X X -

VA specialists (benefits, employment, housing) X X - -

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 

Supportive Housing. 

Source: Staff Interview
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 108 Final Report

Process Improvements

All of the study sites described how they work to improve their processes to better serve Veterans. 

Process improvements, some implemented and others on the “wish list,” are included below. 

• Create checklists for processes—In an effort to streamline procedures, HACSC and VA 

staff mapped out the HUD-VASH processes and highlighted the barriers for both teams. 

They discussed ways to make the process more efficient, such as including a documents 

checklist to assist VA case managers with completing the voucher application.

• Deputize VA staff to conduct inspections—The Palo Alto VA team suggested that in 

areas where it can take a long time to schedule inspections because of geographic 

limitations, having VA housin g specialists conduct inspections would be helpful. In 

some areas, that could reduce the lease-up time by 3 to 4 weeks.

• Make program requirements more flexible—HUD-VASH participants would benefit 

from more flexibility in program requirements. According to HHA, Veterans would 

ideally be involved in a minimal number of interactions with HHA during enrollment and 

housing; however, additional interactions often are necessary to fulfill program 

requirements. For example, Veterans may have difficulty providing income verifications, 

which can delay the housing process. If HHA can confirm that the Veteran is eligible and 

will be paying a standard amount, waiving the HUD-VASH income verification 

requirement would be beneficial. HACLA has been granted a waiver from HUD that has 

streamlined the recertification process. Rather than providing all of the verifications for 

bank accounts, Veterans may self-certify accounts less than $5,000.

Current guidelines require income verification documents to have been issued within 60 

days of the voucher release date. Veterans may provide current documents when they 

initially enroll in HUD-VASH, but by the time a voucher is issued, they are no longer 

current. HACoLA suggested that the guidelines be adjusted to record the date that the 

income verification documents are received, independent of the time of voucher issuance.

Other suggestions regarding program flexibility included a cost-of-living allowance for 

expensive housing markets. VA case managers in Alameda, for example, struggle to 

house Veterans in that area. Often, Veterans are encouraged to find a unit that is 

acceptable in the short term, even if only for a 6-month lease, and then continue their 

housing search once they have moved in. That allows Veterans to get housed and then 

look for a place that meets their long-term housing criteria.

• Improve coordinated access and use of assessment tools to determine Veterans’ level of 

need—HHA suggested using the Vulnerability Index to determine the appropriate level 

of housing for individual Veterans. For example, some Veterans may do better in 

transitional housing than living independently through the HUD-VASH program. Using 

the coordinated access intake to inform the services that Veterans receive—possibly 

including questions regarding the Veterans’ preferred type of living situation (for 

example, group housing, independent)—would be helpful.

• Include VA case management staff on notices sent to Veterans by the housing 

authority—In the past, HACLA made an effort to copy a VA case management point of 

contact on all correspondence sent to Veterans. Now HACLA is in the process of 
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 109 Final Report

purchasing a program that will allow their system to automatically generate third-party 

notices, enabling the housing authority to include individual VA case managers, as well 

as general VA contacts, on notices. That capability will allow VA case managers to stay 

abreast of any communications that Veterans in HUD-VASH receive from the housing 

authority (for example, upcoming recertification, notification of program violations).

• Complete more frequent Veteran assessments for wraparound services—HACoLA 

believes that offering additional wraparound services for Veterans is important and 

suggests completing more frequent assessments and reassessments as Veterans’ needs 

change. The housing authority indicated that more frequent check-ins with Veterans and 

assistance helping them communicate with property owners would be useful for Veterans 

with housing issues.

• Offer one-on-one VA case management meetings with Veterans as they enter the 

program—The Houston VA case management team recommends meeting with Veterans 

individually at the start of the program. The team indicated that mass briefings make 

assisting Veterans and ensuring their understanding of the program difficult.

Property Owner Incentives

Property owners are a key component of HUD-VASH. Good relationships with property owners 

often are instrumental in securing Veterans’ long-term housing sustainability, whereas property 

owners who take advantage of Veterans or fail to maintain properties are a barrier to that outcome. 

• Certify property owners who consistently meet inspection guidelines, and debar property 

owners who engage in unethical practices—HHA has found that inspections and 

reinspections often delay housing and recertification processes. The housing authority 

would like to certify property owners who consistently meet inspection guidelines. 

Conversely, HHA is aware that some property owners exploit HUD-VASH Veterans—

often because they have few housing options—and would like to be able to debar them.

• Recruit property owners through housing fairs or other events—HACoLA is in the 

process of organizing a property owner service fair. The housing authority anticipates 

inviting all property owners currently involved with the housing authority to set up a 

booth at either the housing authority or VAMC to advertise their housing to voucher 

holders. Depending on the success of the initial fair, the housing authority would consider 

hosting this event bimonthly.

Resources

VA case managers assist Veterans in a variety of ways. Program staff recommend access to 

additional resources, whether through the program directly or through outside community providers.

• Move-in assistance—Additional funding for move-in assistance was one of the most 

common recommendations made by program staff. In Palo Alto, for example, VA case 

management teams suggested expanding SSVF to all counties in the service area. 

Additionally, the VA teams would like the allocations to be larger for SSVF so that those 

agencies do not run the risk of expending all of the assistance available for Veterans in 

HUD-VASH. Using SSVF funds for application fees would also be helpful, particularly 

for Veterans with zero income or no savings. This site also suggested having each 

voucher allocation come with a set amount of funds to be used for move-in expenses, 

ideally an amount equal to the area’s median rent. 
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 110 Final Report

The Philadelphia VA case management team reported that additional resources for 

furniture and other items Veterans need for move-in would improve that process. The 

team said that furniture and funding for household items are difficult to find, often 

leading to Veterans renting furniture, which is cost prohibitive.

• Transportation—VA case managers in Philadelphia must share cars and vans. If each VA 

case manager had a car, the staff would be able to better serve Veterans.

• Computer access—Computer access for Veterans would enable the Philadelphia program 

to help Veterans with job searches and e-mail communications. Veterans currently use 

VA case managers’ computers for those tasks, which is not ideal. 

VA Staffing

VA case management teams have been adding specialized staff to better serve Veterans with a 

variety of needs. Several sites suggested hiring additional specialized VA staff trained to assist 

Veterans in specific areas, such as benefits, employment, and housing, and keeping all staff 

updated on evidence-based practices. 

• Continuing education for staff on evidence-based practices—Members of the Los 

Angeles VA case management team participated in the cognitive behavioral therapy 

(CBT) training provided by National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans 

(NCHAV), which allows staff to provide therapy for Veterans in their homes. The team 

indicated that additional funding to educate staff on other evidence-based treatments 

would be useful moving forward. Similarly, the Palo Alto VA case management team 

described the benefits of motivational interviewing. They said it has been useful for 

addressing issues ranging from substance use to housing to Veteran ambivalence. VA 

teams suggested further training to enable VA case managers to become more proficient 

with this technique.

• VA specialists (benefits, employment, housing)—Many staff considered VA specialists to 

be program facilitators; several suggested adding specialists to their staff to improve 

program outcomes. The Houston VA case management team would like to incorporate 

additional housing specialists, which may be particularly helpful for Veterans with special 

needs or felony records, as both present challenges to accessing appropriate housing. In 

addition to assisting with the housing search, VA housing specialists could speak to 

property owners on Veterans’ behalf. Likewise, the Los Angeles VA team believes that 

having specialized staff to assist Veterans in obtaining benefits would be helpful and an 

occupational therapist would be useful for Veterans in West Los Angeles. HACoLA is also 

interested in adding housing specialists to the team to maximize lease-ups. 

Veteran 

Interviewers asked respondents to share their recommendations for the program; those 

recommendations were related to additional assistance, process improvements, and staffing 

issues (see exhibit 9.6).

Exhibit 9.6 Recommendations Identified by Qualitative Respondents

Additional assistance Process improvements

Changes to program qualifications and requirements Staffing 

Outreach and communication

Source: Veteran Interview
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Additional Assistance

Many respondents recommended that the program provide more assistance to Veterans for rent, 

finding and purchasing furniture and food, and move-in costs, such as security and utility deposits. 

If the Veteran’s money should get cut off or anything should happen to their pay, I would 

have something set up to help the Veteran until they get this situation back in order again. 

Because the way they are doing now is just like okay, I am going to help you get in the 

apartment but then when it comes time to pay—[if] I do not have the money to pay them, I 

have to get out. (Stayer—Houston)

There was getting all the furniture in and stuff—having chairs and having beds for [my 

family]. Making an improvement for me, I would say would be maybe offer more 

assistance for families developing. I have a three bedroom where it is hard to fill up a 

three bedroom house with what little money I have. You can get stuff second-hand, but you 

can’t get a bed second-hand, so that was a little difficult. We shared beds for a while. That 

was difficult. (Stayer—Palo Alto)

Like when you are trying to get groceries and food. Food, we really need food. There are 

places that we can go, but it’s too bad that the VA don’t have places where Veterans can 

go. (Leased-up exiter—Palo Alto)

HUD-VASH program covers the rent, but there is nothing for them as far as deposits are 

concerned. A lot of those guys, they are having to go to churches and places asking for 

help. A lot of them don’t get it. They might get lucky and find somebody that allows them to 

pay $50 a month payment toward the deposit. (Leased-up exiter—Palo Alto)

Changes to Program Qualifications and Requirements

Many respondents recommended changes to the qualifications for entering the program or the rules 

for maintaining housing under HUD-VASH. Veterans suggested improving approaches to 

determine financial need and support, such as deducting child support payments from income 

calculations; providing more time to find an apartment; limiting rules about housing qualifications; 

enforcing less harsh consequences for failing to meet program requirements; providing better care 

for Veterans’ spouses; and developing easier processes for changing locations. 

The guidelines for gross net income; change it from gross income down to net. That’d be 

the only thing that I’d change because if you’re going by your gross, you’re not thinking 

about well, they’re taking $200/week out of his check. He’s not going to have any money 

left. That would be the one thing that I would change. (Stayer—Los Angeles)

If the 90-day limit wasn’t there and it wasn’t so picky about where you are going to live. 

(Nonleased exiter—Palo Alto)

It is a shame we have to go all the way to [City], or going to a county we do not even want 

to live in, just because they do not have it in [County 2]. The VA here, they should have 

branches for you to deal with in [County 2], not just [County 1]. I have lived in [County 2] 

for 16 years. Why should I have to go to [County 1]? It is my thing, you know. They should 

have something for us in [County 2]. When I first came to the VA, I found out I was 

supposed to come over here and deal with this. I came from [County 2]. That is when I got 

signed up for it. I had my own house and all that. This is the big hospital nearest to us. If 
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you can take me to that, then why don’t you have somebody assigned to take care of the 

housing? (Leased-up exiter—Philadelphia)

Outreach and Communication

Several respondents asked for more outreach and information about HUD-VASH and additional 

services available to Veterans experiencing homelessness. They suggested that the program engage 

Veterans on the street and increase face-to-face interactions.

I wish it was more publicized within the VA, on message boards or whatever. You know, 

like, “Hey are you at risk for homelessness? Are you homeless? There is a program for 

you.” I am always telling everybody that. (Leased-up exiter—Palo Alto)

They didn’t actually tell me—she didn’t actually tell me that I would have assistance as far 

as the deposit and all that. It was my friend that was in the program. She told me and she 

took me to the place. You know it’s hard to get that anyhow. (Nonleased exiter—Los 

Angeles)

If it is possible, find someone—a Veteran—who would not mind volunteering to hang some 

flyers up. I think that would probably really help Veterans. There are a lot of Veterans 

standing on corners. If they knew about VASH, they would probably just say, “I don’t have 

to stand on the corner and panhandle. I could probably go over here and maybe they’ll 

help get me a place.” They are scared and they do not know where to go. That is the big 

thing for most Veterans. They are scared. They do not know how to talk to people. If there 

are programs that can make them talk to other Veterans and see other Veterans who have 

problems, then they will start listening up. It is kind of like that stress program, a program 

where they can go and sit among each other. It is not that bad. You can talk to people. You 

need stuff like that. I would say more advertising and more interaction. (Leased-up 

exiter—Los Angeles)

I am the type that I cannot do it over the phone. I just cannot say what is on my mind. I 

have to be there in person. And a lot of times, they want you to do it over the phone; they 

do not want you to come in. But they could set up a day and we could sit down. We could 

go over stuff and how I feel about certain things. Better communication. (Leased-up 

exiter—Los Angeles)

Process Improvements

Respondents made recommendations about improving the process of applying for and using HUDVASH vouchers; Veterans wished to see more streamlined paperwork processes, along with a 

quicker turnaround of their applications and better coordination among the parties involved. 

Veterans requested additional assistance with the housing search, including transportation to 

prospective apartments, help locating suitable housing units that accept vouchers, and assistance 

physically moving into their new apartment.

Sometimes, the housing authority would not be on the same page as the HUD-VASH case 

manager, and then you have to have the apartment people, sometimes they do not be on the 

same page, and sometimes the apartment people do not know what the housing authority—

what kind of paperwork—they really want, because they change. Like, they will change 

and then they do not tell nobody. When you go, you got to go get this paper signed, or get 
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this here, and you do not know, because it is something they done changed, that the 

apartment people do not know about. (Stayer—Houston)

I think it should be quicker than the whole 30 days or 45 days before you actually can 

move in because you never know, unless you are staying at a shelter or stay at a friend’s, 

you never know the criteria how that is going. (Leased-up exiter—Houston)

I suppose it is coordination. There is a built-in difficulty with coordinating between four 

agencies, so whatever you want to call it—better communication? Frankly, it is advocacy. 

Frankly, vetting—VA vetting of landlords so that if you are card-carrying slumlord with 

investigative articles written about them. [If] you can Google the man’s name and his 

address and read about him for 57 pages, probably people should not be taking vets there. 

(Leased-up exiter—Los Angeles)

If you’re going to help somebody, you help them all of the way. Part of being sufficient is 

having transportation. [My VA case manager] was telling me that that’s a privilege. I 

don’t see it like that. That’s why a lot of these dudes get in the situations that they’re in 

because they don’t have anybody. They’ve got to depend on other people for basic stuff. 

Having a car should be—that should be a privilege that everybody can enjoy. (Stayer—

Houston)

It would have been nice to have some people on the side that would help you—we are 

going to move him in this day—depending on a person’s condition. I could have used some 

help, but I ended up doing it all by myself. But then again—perseverance—that is how bad 

I wanted it. (Nonleased exiter—Los Angeles)

Staffing

Respondents spoke about the importance of working with staff who know and understand their 

needs and experiences, suggesting that the program should engage more VA peer mentors. 

Veterans suggested including more Veterans on VA case management teams, ensuring that staff 

are empathetic to Veterans with complex background issues, decreasing VA case managers’ 

caseloads, and having VA case managers spend more time with their clients. Respondents also 

noted the frequent turnover of VA case managers and wanted to see the VA address that issue. 

They also spoke about the value of posthousing support, suggesting that the involvement of the VA 

case manager is important even after housing is secured.

It is nothing better than for Veterans to help other Veterans. The thing is this: I think on 

the housing side for HUD-VASH and VA counselors, they need to listen to Veterans talk 

like this. They need to hear Veterans. Whether it is public transportation, clothing, food, 

housing, or just getting some blood pressure medicine—listen to us. In order for you to 

network with us, you have to listen to some of the stuff that goes on out there. Some of the 

HUD-VASH counselors and workers are not out there on the pavement like that. Th ey are 

not really out there. They do not know the frustration that some of the Veterans may go 

through, looking for places. I am not saying be so sympathetic that you just turn a blind 

eye to it. What I am saying is be sympathetic to the idea of this guy having some things 

going on in his life. Help us out. The way to help us out is finding apartment complexes, or 

working with other Veterans, that know people that help Veterans with background issues. 

They are willing to help Veterans that have handicaps, blind Veterans, Veterans with 
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wheelchair accessibility. All that stuff is great. They have a lot of that stuff out there for 

you. They do not have complexes that help Veterans with background issues. I wish they 

would help us with that kind of stuff. (Leased-up exiter—Houston)

Overall I think that the information should be given properly. People who will be assisting 

Veterans need to be more kind and give different options if it is possible. Listen to the 

people to see what they have as concerns. If you could not help, then you could direct them 

where they might get help. (Nonleased exiter—Philadelphia)

If I would have been able to talk to my new case manager about the decision that I made 

and find me somewhere to go when I left from there, it would have been extremely helpful. 

But we did not have a conversation like my first case manager. I think if she would have 

been paying close attention—I do not know how many people she have on her log—but if 

she had been paying attention to what was really going on, like she came and said, “Okay, 

we need to discuss this here.” Because the only thing she came over was about my 

company that I was having. (Leased-up exiter—Houston)

But the thing is, once you get your apartment, you’re kind of on your own after that. I think 

HUD-VASH should try to spend more time with their clients; the caseworkers try to spend 

more time because once a month is not enough. A lot of times, I waited for my meetings 

with him to tell him something. (Leased-up exiter—Palo Alto)

Stop changing people, stop changing these branches. Get somebody in there that’s going 

to do something and let them stay there. Every time I turn around—I’m serious, the last 4 

years we’ve went through five people. I’m serious. And that’s the thing that bothers me. I 

want to say that. They’re not there long enough to do anything. (Stayer—Philadelphia)

SUMMARY

Housing authority and VA staff identified as key facilitators the importance of leveraging 

relationships with community partners and connecting Veterans to wraparound services and

community resources. They specifically described HUD-VASH Boot Camps as effective. 

Program staff acknowledged flexible program requirements (for example, 110 percent Fair 

Market Rents [FMR] in opportunity areas) and streamlined processes (for example, application 

checklists) that have emerged from collaborative efforts and led to better program outcomes. 

Veterans also described the importance of outside resources, both for household assistance (for 

example, move-in deposits) and social supports (for example, educational opportunities).

Both program staff and Veterans described the relationship between VA case managers and 

Veterans as an important program facilitator. A relationship of trust allows VA case managers to 

identify issues Veterans are experiencing, advocate on their behalf, and motivate Veterans to 

meet their goals. Program staff have found that a team approach using specialized VA staff can 

provide more individualized attention for Veterans who may need it, and Veterans described how 

their relationship with VA case managers can promote their independence and ability to find and 

maintain housing.

Program staff and Veterans commonly identified the need for additional financial support; both 

groups focused on the need to provide assistance for move-in costs, and Veterans also mentioned 

needing transportation during the housing search and assistance with furnishing their apartments. 
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 115 Final Report

Veterans’ mental or behavioral health issues and or substance use issues, as well as other 

background characteristics (for example, criminal backgrounds), may pose barriers to accessing 

and maintaining housing. Some Veterans reported facing discrimination during their housing 

searches because of those issues. Similarly, program staff identified Veterans’ lack of readiness 

as a barrier, and Veterans expressed difficulty complying with program rules (for example, 

difficulty meeting VA case management requirements).

Finally, respondents recounted difficult staff interactions—with the housing authority and with 

VA case managers—as a program barrier. Veterans recommended decreasing VA case 

managers’ caseloads and addressing their frequent turnover. 
HUD-VASH Exit Study 116 Final Report

CHAPTER 10:

CONCLUSIONS

This study illustrated how and why Veterans exit the HUD-VASH program, identified obstacles 

to their obtaining and maintaining housing with a HUD-VASH voucher, described the value of 

services within the context of PSH, and distinguished facilitators and barriers to successful 

collaboration between VA and HUD in the administration of the program. This final chapter

summarizes the findings presented in this report and identifies opportunities for program 

improvements as well as potential next steps.

HUD-VASH IS SUCCESSFUL

Among HUD-VASH participants who met the study criteria and moved into voucher-supported 

housing—both stayers and leased-up exiters—86.6 percent remained in the program for at least 1 

year and 60.4 percent for at least 2 years.

HUD-VASH participants—regardless of whether they moved into housing—received their 

vouchers, on average, within 3 months of program admission; both admission to the program 

after HUD-VASH’s transition to a Housing First approach and the frequency of VA case 

management contact significantly contributed to a decrease in the number of days required for a 

Veteran to receive a voucher for permanent housing. During that time, Veterans received the 

most frequent VA case management, with a gradual decrease following move-in. In general, 

study respondents reported that HUD-VASH was a good fit for their needs.

HUD-VASH participants who remained in their housing tended to be older. Although one-fourth 

(25.3 percent) had at least one medical condition and approximately one-third (33.5 percent) had 

a mental or behavioral health condition—most frequently a history of alcohol or substance 

abuse—stayers were less likely to have a service-connected disability than were Veterans who 

exited the program. Veteran respondents who stayed in HUD-VASH most frequently reported 

receiving their vouchers while living in a supportive environment, such as transitional housing or 

a treatment facility (47.3 percent). They also reported slightly higher levels of satisfaction with 

VA case management, stating that their VA case managers were able to help them and that they 

agreed on goals. 

VETERANS LEAVE HUD-VASH HOUSING FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS

Although 52.6 percent of the HUD-VASH participants who moved into permanent housing later 

exited the program for a variety of reasons, 74.8 percent of leased-up exiters remained in housing 

for at least 1 year, and 36.1 percent remained in housing for 2 years or more. Their average 

length of stay in the program was 658 days. After leaving HUD-VASH, almost 93 percent of 

leased-up exiters did not access a VA homeless program within 1 year.

Reasons for Exiting HUD-VASH After Obtaining Housing

When a Veteran exits HUD-VASH, VA case managers indicate one of 12 reasons why Veterans 

ended their involvement in HUD-VASH case management. According to VA case managers, the 

majority (55 percent) of leased-up exiters left the HUD-VASH program because they had 

accomplished their goals or obtained access to other services and no longer had a need for the 
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 117 Final Report

program (42.5 percent), found other housing (8.1 percent), or were no longer eligible for a HUDVASH voucher (4.9 percent). Among study respondents,slightly more than one-half of leased-up 

exiters reported that they decided to leave HUD-VASH as opposed to being asked to leave and 

most frequently reported that an increase in income (27.0 percent), the worsening in a medical, 

mental health or substance use condition (20.3 percent), or difficulty with housing (12.2 percent) 

were the main reason for their exit..

Characteristics of Leased-Up Exiters

Leased-up exiters were the most likely of any study group to have a medical (27.7 percent) or 

mental or behavioral health condition (40.4 percent). Nearly one-half of all leased-up exiter 

respondents (48.7 percent) received their HUD-VASH vouchers while living in a supportive 

environment; those Veterans also used emergent and acute care at higher rates before program 

entry than did Veterans who stayed in housing, which may have implications for their transition 

to independent living. Their more frequent use of acute care before program entry, however, was 

followed by declines after housing placement, suggesting that their needs were being addressed. 

HUD-VASH participants with a service-connected disability were 37 percent more likely to 

leave HUD-VASH after obtaining housing, perhaps indicating that they had sufficient income to 

live independently. 

Profiles of Leased-Up Exiters

Five distinct profiles described leased-up exiters and indicated a range of success in the program: 

more than one-half (53.9 percent) of Veterans who left their HUD-VASH after obtaining housing 

matched profiles that had largely successful exits. Three profiles identified leased-up exiters 

who, for the most part, accomplished their goals, identified other housing, or left housing after 

becoming financially ineligible to participate in the program, implying that their income had 

increased. Members of those groups seemed to require neither the intensive services nor the 

subsidy provided by HUD-VASH. The profiles suggest that HUD-VASH serves as a throughput 

to independent housing for many Veterans who are able to accomplish their goals and move on 

without the support the program offers. Other Veterans, however, may need additional support; 

the remaining two profiles of leased-up exiters were likely very low income and had a high level 

of need related to medical issues, mental or behavioral health, or substance use.

SOME VETERANS NEVER USE THEIR HUD-VASH VOUCHERS

Approximately one in five HUD-VASH participants exited HUD-VASH after receiving a 

voucher but before leasing a housing unit. Only one of 10 Veterans who were admitted to HUDVASH but did not use their voucher, however, accessed a VA homeless program within 1 year 

following their exit from HUD-VASH. Although those Veterans never accessed housing through 

HUD-VASH, they also did not return to homelessness.

Reasons for Exiting HUD-VASH Before Accessing Housing

According to VA case managers, nonleased exiters most frequently left the program because 

they were no longer interested in participating (21.9 percent), could not be located (16.6 percent), 

or found other housing (14.2 percent). Almost three in five nonleased respondents reported that 

they decided to leave the program, most commonly because the voucher has been revoked by the 

housing authority (22.6 percent) or other difficulties related to the housing search, including 
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 118 Final Report

dissastifaction with available apartments, inability to find an available apartment with the 

voucher, or the apartment that was found not passing the housing authority inspection (20.8 

percent). Nonleased respondents also exited due to offers from family or friends to move into 

their housing (15.1 percent).

Characteristics of Nonleased Exiters

Compared with Veterans who accessed permanent housing, nonleased exiters were younger and 

most likely to have been deployed during Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF), Iraqi Freedom 

(OIF), and New Dawn (OND). Nearly one-third of nonleased exiters received their vouchers at a 

time when they were literally homeless (30.0 percent), the same proportion as those who entered 

HUD-VASH from a supportive environment. They received less frequent VA case management 

between referral to the housing authority and voucher receipt compared with Veterans who 

accessed housing and reported finding the housing process more difficult. Nonleased exiters 

were the most likely to report poor health during their time in the program and used emergency 

and acute care more frequently both before and after entry than did Veterans who moved into 

housing. Veterans with a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a history of 

suicide or self-inflicted injury had increased odds of not moving into housing. 

Profiles of Nonleased Exiters

Three distinct profiles described nonleased exiters, indicating a range of success in the program. 

Those profiles suggest that approximately one-fourth of nonleased exiters did not need HUDVASH—they were younger, had access to income related to service-connected disabilities, and 

had low rates of medical, mental or behavioral health, or substance use conditions—and they 

most frequently left the program because they found other housing, or were no longer interested 

in participating in HUD-VASH. The remaining nonleased exiters had very low incomes or a high 

level of need related to medical, mental or behavioral health, or substance use; more than 40 

percent left the program before obtaining permanent housing because the program could not 

locate them or they were too ill, incarcerated, deceased, or noncompliant with VA case 

management. 

Those profiles indicate that some Veterans who were admitted to HUD-VASH likely could find 

housing on their own without the assistance of a VA case manager. In contrast, Veterans with 

more severe medical, mental or behavioral health, or substance use issues may have required 

more intensive services than they received. 

FACILITATORS AND BARRIERS

Both housing authority and VA staff identified the importance of collaborating with community 

partners and connecting Veterans to wrap-around services and community resources as key 

facilitators of housing; one particularly useful resource was Supportive Services for Veteran 

Families (SSVF). Collaborative efforts between HUD and VA have led to system changes, such 

as flexible program requirements and streamlined processes for Veterans to access vouchers, 

leading to better housing outcomes. Program staff and Veterans described the relationship 

between VA case managers and Veterans as important in helping Veterans access and maintain 

permanent housing; a team approach that uses specialized VA staff can provide more 

individualized attention for Veterans who need it.
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 119 Final Report

Program staff and Veterans commonly identified the need for additional financial support for 

Veterans as a barrier to housing. Program staff identified assistance with move-in costs as a 

significant need, and Veterans also requested transportation assistance during the housing search 

and assistance with furnishing their apartments. Program staff described Veterans’ mental or 

behavioral health or substance use issues and readiness for independent housing as barriers to 

accessing and maintaining housing. Often Veterans’ background characteristics (for example, 

criminal history) made finding housing hard for them, and they expressed having difficulty 

complying with program rules (for example, meeting VA case management requirements). 

Finally, respondents recounted difficult staff interactions—with the housing authority and with 

VA case managers—and recommended decreasing VA case managers’ caseloads and addressing 

their frequent turnover.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS

This study found that HUD-VASH is successful, demonstrated by high rates of retention in 

housing and, for Veterans who leave their housing or never access permanent housing, low rates 

of returns to VA homeless programs. The program serves Veterans with a variety of 

characteristics and a range of needs: more than one-fourth of the HUD-VASH participants had at 

least one medical condition, and more than one-third had a mental or behavioral health condition. 

The implementation of several policies—most notably Housing First and SSVF—have 

contributed to high-need Veterans accessing permanent housing more quickly, validating the 

evolution of VA’s homelessness programs. Moving forward, HUD-VASH should also focus on 

regularly assessing Veterans’ needs, increasing their income and benefits, and encouraging 

ongoing collaboration between HUD and VA, as well as community-based providers. 

Use SSVF to Facilitate Entries and Exits

SSVF has the capacity to address important barriers affecting Veterans’ abilities to access 

housing, stay in housing, and successfully exit subsidized housing. One of the most frequently 

identified barriers to housing—by program staff as well as Veterans—was difficulty accessing 

move-in resources, leading to Veterans’ inability to use their vouchers and their exiting the 

program before being housed. Continuing to use SSVF for move-in expenses and developing 

deep collaborations with community-based organizations that administer SSVF grants may 

reduce the rate at which Veterans exit the program before accessing housing.

In addition to using SSVF as a move-in resource, this program can be used to keep Veterans in 

housing by assisting with utility bills or unpaid rent. Among Veterans who were evicted from 

their HUD-VASH housing, 60 percent identified difficulty paying rent as a contributing factor. 

Recognizing that issue in a timely manner and connecting Veterans to appropriate resources can 

decrease the frequency of evictions.

One way that SSVF does not currently seem to be used is to help Veterans successfully transition 

out of HUD-VASH once they no longer need case management or more intensive services. 

SSVF could be used to provide shallow subsidies, along with lower intensity supportive services, 

for Veterans wishing to transition to housing that is not subsidized with a HUD-VASH voucher. 

That level of intervention also could be used for Veterans who leave HUD-VASH to live with 

friends or family or in other housing; rather than using HUD-VASH as a throughput to other 

permanent housing, a longer-term shallow subsidy could assist Veterans in their transition out of 

the program into other stable housing. Having such an alternative would allow scarce and 
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 120 Final Report

expensive resources such as HUD-VASH to be targeted to Veterans with the greatest need and 

promote Veterans’ independence and choice (Tempel, 2013). Several jurisdictions have had 

some success with such a program, targeting individuals living in PSH with long-term rental 

histories and no rental or utility arrears, who have ongoing benefits and income, are medically 

(including mentally and behaviorally) stable, and have not recently required crisis intervention 

(Haley, 2013).

Continue Using a Housing First Approach with the Option of Increased Transition Assistance

Veterans who were admitted to HUD-VASH during the years following HUD-VASH’s 

transition to a Housing First approach accessed housing more quickly (and those who did not 

access housing received their vouchers more quickly) compared with those who entered the 

program during earlier years. That paradigm shift included increased intensity of VA case 

management services (as evidenced in this report), important system changes for HUD and VA, 

and conscious efforts to link governmental agencies together and with community-based 

organizations—with the common goal of quickly housing Veterans experiencing homelessness 

and then supporting their long-term housing stability. Several options may increase the 

effectiveness of that approach, including a focus on team-based case management, increased 

assistance during the housing search, more intensive assistance during Veterans’ transitions to 

independent housing, and use of project-based vouchers.

Team-Based Case Management

Program staff and Veterans described the relationship between VA case managers and Veterans as 

an important program facilitator. Program staff identified using a team-based approach—

incorporating employment, housing, peer support, and SUD specialists—as best practice and 

reflective of the strong clinical approach that Housing First promotes. Using VA specialists to 

assist with Veterans’ case management needs on the front end (for example, using VA housing 

specialists during the housing search) and on the back end (for example, offering practical supports 

to assist with independent living) can help Veterans find and sustain housing. A team-based 

approach also can address the break in continuity that Veterans experience when staff leave the 

program, a challenge that Veterans repeatedly voiced during in-person interviews. In addition, VA 

staff training related to trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral 

therapy, and other evidence-based practices may further facilitate successful outcomes for 

Veterans. 

The Housing Search

VA case managers and housing authority staff must balance the housing search with Veterans’ 

other case management needs (Austin et al., 2014). In general, Veterans who were unable to access 

permanent housing found the HUD-VASH housing process more difficult; although nearly onehalf of nonleased exiter study respondents visited four or more apartments during their housing 

search, they ultimately did not move into permanent housing, and the majority reported not 

receiving assistance with that process. This study identified a number of best practices to facilitate 

the process: maintaining relationships with property owners, which can facilitate acceptance of 

Veterans with undesirable background characteristics (for example, criminal history) into housing; 

identifying and preinspecting housing units so they are ready for rapid move-in; and offering “ridealongs,” in which VA staff regularly accompany groups of Veterans on housing searches. VA peer 

support and housing specialists also have been beneficial to that process.
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 121 Final Report

Critical Time Intervention

During the 90 days preceding Veterans’ admission to HUD-VASH, larger proportions of Veterans 

who left the program—either before or after accessing permanent housing—used inpatient or 

emergency care services compared with those who stayed in the program. Additionally, Veterans 

who accessed housing were more likely to enter the program from a somewhat supported living 

situation, such as transitional housing or a substance use treatment facility or detox center, whereas 

Veterans who did not were more likely to have been living on the streets. A more intensive level of 

support to transition to independent living using Critical Time Intervention (CTI) may be 

appropriate for some Veterans who are transitioning out of inpatient or emergency services, out of 

correctional programs, or from the streets to housing.

CTI is a focused, time-limited case management model that uses formal and informal supports to 

transition people to an integrated life in the community. CTI was developed in response to the 

observation that formerly homeless individuals with serious mental illness were reappearing in the 

homeless system during their transition from more to less supportive housing situations (Caton, 

Wyatt, and Felix, 1992; Gounis and Susser, 1990). To address that phenomenon, CTI provides 

highly focused, time-limited support during the transition period; the primary goals are to build the 

individual’s connections to formal and informal sources of community support while helping to 

develop the individual’s independent living skills (Herman et al., 2000). Evidence of CTI’s effect 

includes a significant reduction in days homeless and improvement in psychiatric symptoms 

among those who received CTI compared with controls (Herman et al., 2011; Hermanet al., 2000; 

Susser et al., 1997). 

Project-Based Housing

Although the vast majority of Veterans participating in HUD-VASH use a tenant-based voucher to 

access scattered-site housing, a project-based modality may be more appropriate—and the 

preference—for Veterans with particularly high needs. Previous research has found that programs 

that offer a Housing First approach to PSH using project-based housing can increase housing 

stability (Pearson, Montgomery, and Locke, 2009) and decrease substance use issues among hardto-serve and high-need populations (Collinset al., 2012). Staff affiliated with project-based PSH 

have indicated that this housing configuration provides the “opportunity to serve clients who had 

previously failed in independent housing arrangements and would be difficult to place directly into 

mainstream units” and allows for additional support and interventions to sustain housing stability 

(Kresky-Wolff et al., 2010, p. 219).

Regularly Assess Veterans’ Needs 

Appropriately targeting Veterans for HUD-VASH who need higher levels of case management is 

also important. Veterans with less need for case management assistance may be better served by 

SSVF or other lighter-touch VA programs. The profiles of Veterans who left HUD-VASH before 

accessing housing because they found other housing or were no longer interested in participating 

indicate that younger Veterans with few medical issues or mental or behavioral health issues may 

be able to resolve their homelessness through a less intensive intervention, reserving HUDVASH for more vulnerable Veterans.

Accurately assessing Veterans’ needs, strengths, abilities, and preferences at program admission 

and then throughout their participation in and exit from the program is also important. This 

information will identify the types of services that the Veteran may need, the level of assistance a 

Veteran may require to transition to independent living (for example, CTI), as well as preferences 
Chapter 10: Conclusions

HUD-VASH Exit Study 122 Final Report

in terms of housing type (for example, project based versus scattered site) and location. Continued 

assessment throughout the Veteran’s participation in HUD-VASH is critical to determine which 

and how much of the two components of HUD-VASH—housing and services—the Veteran needs.

As the profiles of Veterans who exited HUD-VASH indicate, some Veterans seem to have fewer 

needs and often leave the program as they exceed the income limit or identify other permanent 

housing, whereas other Veterans have experiences that lead to less successful program exits. 

Consistent with criminal justice literature that posits the need to assess the risk of recidivism to 

determine the appropriate level of services to reduce future criminal activity (Andrews and 

Bonta, 2010), assessing the risk of negative exit at program entry could help VA case managers 

determine the intensity of support that should be provided to HUD-VASH Veterans. Doing so 

would enable VA case managers to allocate their time and resources based on the individual’s 

risk of exiting the program, thereby providing more intensive service to those most at risk.

Assessment before and after program exit is also essential. As identified in this report, many 

Veterans left HUD-VASH both during the housing process and after accessing permanent 

housing to live with family or friends or in some other housing situation. Veterans should be 

supported to access housing that is appropriate for them, which may include reuniting with their 

families. In addition, more accurate metrics should be developed to identify those Veterans who 

are ready to “graduate” from HUD-VASH.

Finally, continuing to serve Veterans effectively requires knowing more about the circumstances 

of their exit from the program. Although VA case managers currently report the reasons why 

Veterans exit HUD-VASH, information from the program’s perspective may not tell the full 

story. Consistent with VA’s renewed focus on Veteran-centric care, a useful approach would be 

to conduct exiter surveys among samples of Veterans leaving the program to identify what 

worked, what did not work, what could work, and whether the Veteran’s exit indicates that the 

program was successful.

Increase Veterans’ Access to Benefits and Income 

A repeated finding throughout this study was that many Veterans successfully exited HUDVASH when they became ineligible as a result of an increase in income, which indicates that a 

significant portion of the population’s income security changes over time, perhaps through 

employment or access to benefits. Additionally, the findings suggest that because stayers were 

less likely to have a service-connected disability—and likely had a lower income—they may 

have had fewer options beyond HUD-VASH, whereas leased-up exiters with a service-connected 

disability may have had a higher income that afforded them more housing options.

Other studies have found that Veterans with a service-connected disability are less likely to 

experience homelessness or ongoing housing instability compared with those who do not have a 

service-connected disability and are very low income (Byrne et al., 2015; Montgomery et al., 

2015). The findings from the present study are similar: having a service-connected disability was 

significantly associated with Veterans successfully leaving HUD-VASH.

Two key objectives of Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness 

are to “increase meaningful and sustainable employment” and “improve access to mainstream 

programs and services to reduce people’s financial vulnerability” (USICH, 2010, pp. 40–41). 

Working with Veterans to increase their economic security to support successful entries to and 

exits from HUD-VASH may take a number of forms, including accessing benefits and securing 
Chapter 10: Conclusions

HUD-VASH Exit Study 123 Final Report

vocational training and employment. In addition to benefits from the Veteran Benefits 

Administration (VBA), Veterans may be eligible for benefits through the Social Security 

Administration (SSA): Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Veterans who are aging or disabled 

and have low incomes and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for those who are unable to 

participate in “substantial gainful activity” as a result of a disabling condition (Elder, 2014). 

SSA has launched two initiatives to expedite Veterans’ applications for SSI and SSDI. The 100% 

Permanent and Total Veterans Initiative places a high priority on applications from Veterans 

who have been identified by VA as having a 100 percent permanent and total disability (SSA, 

2016). The Wounded Warriors initiative also expedites disability claims for Veterans who were 

disabled during active military service on or before October 1, 2001 (Elder, 2014).

In addition to financial benefits, Veterans may receive employment-related support. Several 

federal agencies—including VA and the Department of Labor (DOL)—support programs 

intended to increase employment opportunities for Veterans:

• Homeless Veteran Supported Employment Program (HVSEP)—This program, initiated 

by VA in FFY 2011, employs formerly homeless or at-risk Veterans to serve as 

vocational rehabilitation specialists to support Veterans in obtaining and sustaining 

employment (Heitzman, 2015).

• Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) Program—CWT, another program funded by VA 

but not specifically for Veterans experiencing homelessness, places “work-ready” 

Veterans in competitive employment positions and works with employers to support 

Veterans in their employment and to determine employers’ staffing needs (VA, 2015).

• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program—A third VA program 

works with Veterans who have service-connected disabilities and an “employment 

handicap” to access and sustain employment (Riley et al., 2014).

• Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP)—DOL provides grants to public and 

private governmental and nonprofit organizations to assist Veterans experiencing 

homelessness in “reintegrating into society and the labor force” (USICH, 2014, p. 23). 

Accessing these resources is particularly important for Veterans with no income. Program staff 

indicated that although those Veterans are eligible to participate in HUD-VASH, accessing 

housing is very difficult for them without funds for application fees, utility deposits, and the 

necessities required to move into a home. 

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

This study used a mixed methods approach with multiple perspectives—Veterans and staff from 

both HUD and VA—and a wide array of data, including primary quantitative and qualitative data 

and secondary data collected through VA homeless programs and medical records. Using 

primary data allowed the research team to interpret findings from administrative data in the 

context of Veterans’ and staff’s experience and opinions. In addition, using multiple study sites 

increased the generalizability of the findings. 

Although the wealth of data is a strength of this study, it also presents several limitations. First, 

because a considerable amount of data were missing, the research team was unable to assess 

Veterans’ history and chronicity of homelessness, incarceration, family composition, and other 
Chapter 10: Conclusions

HUD-VASH Exit Study 124 Final Report

characteristics that add to the complex understanding of homelessness and housing stability. 

Second, primary data collected from Veterans and program staff are subject to recall and social 

desirability biases. Third, although multiple perspectives are useful in understanding the HUDVASH programs and the nature of Veterans’ exit from the program, no “gold standard” 

determines which perspective is accurate; rather, considering multiple perspectives contributes to 

a more complex understanding of the issues. 

In addition, including multiple sites for primary data collection has some limitations. Although 

NCHAV staff conducted a number of quality assurance activities, the study methodology may 

have been carried out inconsistently across sites. In addition, the sites were quite heterogeneous 

in terms of geography, housing markets, and systems. Even though adhering to federal HUDVASH requirements, each site administered HUD-VASH differently at all levels, from Veteran 

engagement to interactions between large, community-level governmental agencies. Further, 

each site was at a different stage in its evolution to a Housing First approach. 

Finally, an important limitation of the study is that a Veteran was considered to have exited 

HUD-VASH when the Veteran exited HUD-VASH case management and was no longer 

receiving supportive services from the program. The definition is based on the exit status 

indicated by VA case managers in VA administrative data systems, which does not include an 

indication of whether the Veteran continued to use their HUD-VASH voucher to subsidize 

housing expenses. Therefore, this study did not explore the relationship between an exit from 

HUD-VASH case management and an exit from voucher-subsidized housing.

NEXT STEPS

The present study identified two areas for significant future research: developing assessments 

and testing interventions. Future work should focus on developing more accurate metrics to be 

used at assessment or program admission, throughout the housing process, and regularly while 

Veterans are in housing as well as during program exit. These instruments could help to ensure 

that Veterans are appropriately targeted for the program and that they receive the level of 

assistance they need to access and maintain permanent housing. Assessments should be informed 

by not only existing administrative data but also best practices used in the mainstream 

community and pilot testing and rigorous evaluation of new measures. In addition to assessing 

Veterans’ needs throughout their tenure in the program, the program also must assess Veterans’ 

satisfaction with HUD-VASH and the circumstances surrounding their exit. Surveying Veterans 

directly would provide a deeper understanding regarding what constitutes success in HUDVASH and Veterans’ perceptions of what is needed to attain it.

In terms of supporting Veterans once they are in the program, interventions with two levels of 

intensity should be considered. Veterans who may not need the full complement of services 

afforded in the HUD-VASH program may benefit from a lower intensity intervention, including 

shallow subsidies for Veterans transitioning out of the program. Veterans transitioning from a 

literally homeless or institutional environment may require more intensive services, such as CTI, 

for a longer period of time. Both levels of service provision should be formulated and evaluated 

within the context of VA and HUD-VASH. In addition, the role of project-based vouchers in 

addressing the needs of particularly vulnerable populations should be considered. Each of these 

recommendations is intended to support Veterans’ successful housing outcome.
HUD-VASH Exit Study 125 Final Report

APPENDIX A: 

GLOSSARY

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team—Team treatment approach designed to 

provide comprehensive, community-based psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation, and support to 

persons with serious and persistent mental illness

Chronic homelessness—An individual or family with a disabling condition who has been 

continuously homeless for a year or more or has had at least four episodes of homelessness in the 

past three years

DD-214—Form issued to Veterans by the Defense Department, identifying condition of 

discharge: honorable, general, other than honorable, dishonorable or bad conduct

Fair Market Rent (FMR)—Gross rent estimate used to determine payment standard amounts 

for HCV program, which includes the cost of rent plus the cost of all tenant-paid utilities, except 

telephones, cable or satellite television service, and internet service; based on either the 40th or 

50th percentile of rents charged for standard rental housing in the FMR area

Hardship extension—According to HUD-VASH program rules, the initial search term for 

locating housing using a HUD-VASH voucher must be at least 60 calendar days; in recognition 

of the potential challenges associated with locating appropriate housing, this search can be 

extended to 120 days or longer if a Veteran requests a hardship extension

Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract—The HAP contract is executed between the 

housing authority and the property owner renting to a HUD-VASH client; contract must be in the 

form required by HUD and include the same term as the lease executed between the property 

owner and the HUD-VASH client

Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program—The HCV Program is the federal government's 

main housing assistance program, administered locally by public housing agencies; it allows 

participants to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited 

to units located in subsidized housing projects; rental units must meet minimum standards of 

health and safety, as determined by the housing authority

Housing First—Housing model based on a philosophy of focusing on getting participants into 

housing without first requiring treatment

Housing Quality Standards (HQS)—Basic standards, outlined by HUD, that units rented 

through HCV must meet before assistance can be paid on behalf of a family; HQSs establish the 

minimum criteria for the health and safety of program participants

HUD-VASH Boot Camps—Multi-day events with HUD, VA, and community providers 

focused on improving housing placement rates for homeless Veterans in the community

Lease—The lease agreement is executed between the property owner and the Veteran 

participating in HUD-VASH; outlines terms of the property rental

Moving to Work (MTW)—A demonstration program for housing authorities that provides them 

the opportunity to design and test innovative, locally-designed, and cost-effective strategies; 
Appendix A: Glossary

HUD-VASH Exit Study 126 Final Report

MTW grants PHAs more flexibility in how federal funds are spent and offers exemptions from 

existing rules

Pathways to Housing—A housing program based on the Housing First model to address 

homelessness among people with psychiatric disabilities

Payment standard—Payment standards are used to calculate the rent paid by the housing 

authority for a HUD-VASH client; the range of possible payment standard amounts is based on 

HUD’s published FMR schedule

Port—Transfer process that enables HCV holders to relocate and select housing in other 

locations in the United States

Public Housing Authority (HA)—A government agency, generally affiliated with a local 

government, whose responsibility is the ownership and operation of subsidized housing and 

rental assistance programs

Recertification—The process by which the housing authority re-verifies income and completes 

a housing unit inspection, typically on an annual basis, for HCV holders

Reexaminations—The process by which a Veteran informs the housing authority of a change to 

income or household composition

Rent comparables—In conducting rent reasonableness, the housing authority must determine 

whether the rent the property owner has requested is reasonable in comparison to rent for other 

comparable unassisted units; in determining comparability, the housing authority must consider: 

(1) location, quality, size, unit type, and age of the contract unit, and (2) amenities, housing 

services, maintenance, and utilities the owner must provide under the lease

Rent reasonableness—Housing authorities must ensure that rents charged by owners to HCV 

program participants are reasonable; this determination involves two comparisons: (1) a 

comparison of the rent for the voucher unit to rents for similar unassisted units in the 

marketplace, and (2) a comparison to the rents for similar units on the premises

Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA)—Required HUD form completed by HCV clients 

with details on a desired rental unit and property owner; completed by HUD-VASH clients 

and/or property owner and submitted to housing authority as the first step in formalizing the 

lease and HAP contract

Service-connected disability—VA’s enrollment priority groups indicate the extent to which a 

Veteran is receiving compensation as a result of a disability incurred during military service, as 

well as whether a Veteran is very low income. Higher service-connected disability ratings likely 

reflect a greater level of disability, as well as higher income received by the Veteran from the 

VA.

Voucher briefing—Housing authorities require that HUD-VASH clients participate in this 

informational session prior to providing the Veteran a HUD-VASH voucher

Vulnerability Index—A tool for identifying and prioritizing the street homeless populations for 

housing according to the fragility of their health; may take into account issues such as age; 

chronic medical conditions; co-occurring psychiatric, substance abuse, and chronic medical 

conditions; and/or number of hospitalizations or emergency room visits during the past year 
HUD-VASH Exit Study 127 Final Report

APPENDIX B: 

TERMS

ACT—Assertive Community Treatment 

CBOC—Community-Based Outpatient Clinic

CoC—Continuum of Care

CPRS—VA Computerized Patient Record System 

CTI—Critical Time Intervention

CWT—Compensated Work Therapy

FFY—Federal Fiscal Year

FMR—Fair Market Rent

DCHV—Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans

DOL—Department of Labor

GPD—Grant and Per Diem 

HA—Housing Authority 

HACA—Housing Authority of the County of Alameda

HACC—Housing Authority of the City of Camden

HACLA—Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles

HACM—Housing Authority of Monterey County

HACoLA—Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles

HACSC—Housing Authority of the County of Santa Clara 

HACSCUZ—Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz

HACSJ—Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin

HACSM—Housing Authority of the County of San Mateo

HACSTAN—Housing Authority of the County of Stanislaus 

HAP—Housing Assistance Payment

HCHA—Harris County Housing Authority 

HCHV—Healthcare for Homeless Veterans

HCV—Housing Choice Voucher

HEARTH Act—Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act

HHA—Houston Housing Authority 

HMIS—Homeless Management Information System 

HOMES—VA Homeless Management and Evaluation System
Appendix B: Terms

HUD-VASH Exit Study 128 Final Report

HPACT—Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team

HUD—U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

HUD-VASH—Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing

HVRP—Homeless Veterans Rehabilitation Program

HVSEP—Homeless Veteran Supported Employment Program

IRB—Institutional Review Board

LCA—Latent Class Analysis

MMRL—Mixed Methods Research Lab at the University of Pennsylvania

MTW—Moving to Work

NCHAV—VA National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans

OEF—Operation Enduring Freedom

OIF—Operation Iraqi Freedom

OND—Operation New Dawn

PHA—Either Public Housing Authority or Philadelphia Housing Authority

PIT—Point-in-Time

PSH—Permanent Supportive Housing

PTSD—Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

RFTA—Request for Tenancy Approval

ROI—Release of Information

SPA—Service Planning Area

SSI/SSDI—Supplemental Security Income/Social Security Disability Insurance

SSVF—Supportive Services for Veteran Families

SUD—Substance Use Disorder

TBI—Traumatic Brain Injury

USICH—U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness 

VA—U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

VAMC—Veterans Affairs Medical Center

VHA—Veterans Health Administration

VISN—Veterans Integrated Service Networks

VJO—Veterans Justice Outreach

VR&E—Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program
HUD-VASH Exit Study 129 Final Report

APPENDIX C: 

METHODS

VETERAN INTERVIEW MATERIALS

Veteran Questionnaire -- Cover Page

1. Are you currently enrolled in the HUD-VASH program? 

1) Yes

2) No

If “Yes” check “Stayer” below and continue to “Stayer” interview questionnaire. 

If “No” continue to question 2. 

2. On approximately what date did you exit the HUD-VASH program? 

Date: _________________

3. Before you left the program, did you sign a lease on an apartment? 

1) Yes

2) No

If “Yes,” check “Leased-Up Exiter” below, use Leased-Up Exiter questionnaire. 

If “No” check “Non-Leased Exiter” below, use Non-Leased Exiter questionnaire.

Veteran Questionnaire -- Stayer

Housing and Homelessness History

1. I want you to think about where you have been living since you enrolled in the HUD-VASH program. We would like to 

know all of the places where you’ve stayed during this time, including hospitals. Let’s look at this calendar together, 

and I’ll make notes as you talk. Why don’t we start with where you are living now and work backwards from there, 

place by place. [Refer to CARD 1]

Location 

Letter

Date Moved In Date Moved Out Location Type (code) Composition (code)

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

F.

G.

H.

2. Using the chart, please point out where you were staying when you obtained a HUD-VASH Voucher. 

Choose Location Letter from list above: ____________________________________

3. Using the chart, please point out where you were staying when you found an apartment with your HUD-VASH voucher 

Choose Location Letter from list above: ____________________________________

• HUD-VASH Housing Process

4. How would you describe the different steps involved in getting a voucher? 

[Refer to CARD 2 to code each step from Very Difficult to Very Easy]

Step Code (from CARD 2)

A. Enrolling in the HUD-VASH program

B. Submitting application to PHA

C. Providing documentation of identity and income to Public

Housing Authority
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 130 Final Report

5. Did you receive help from your HUD-VASH case manager or other HUD-VASH staff in either of the following steps 

in obtaining a voucher? [Check yes or no for each step]

Step Yes (Received Help) No (Did not receive help) 

A. Getting and attending appointment with 

the PHA

B. Providing proof of identity or income

C. Completing and submitting the PHA 

application

6. Now I want to ask you about your impressions of the condition and location of the apartments that you visited during 

your housing search. Approximately how many apartments did you visit during your housing search? 

_______ apartments 

7. Of those apartments, how many did you think were: 

Acceptable_________ Unacceptable_______

8. How would you describe the different steps involved in obtaining a lease? 

[Refer to CARD 2 to code each step from Very Difficult to Very Easy]

Step Code (from CARD 2)

A. Finding listings of available apartments

B. Finding an acceptable apartment option

C. Getting an apartment inspected by PHA

D. Being selected as a tenant by a landlord 

E. Obtaining money for rent, security deposit or moving costs

9. How did you find the apartment options you chose from? 

a. On my own

b. With help of friends or family 

c. With help of HUD-VASH program staff such as case manager or housing specialist

d. With help of staff from the PHA

e. VASH program staff conducted the apartment search for me

10. What was your primary reason for choosing your apartment?

a. Location/neighborhood

b. Good repair/quality

c. Particular features of apartment (e.g. appliances, space, appearance, pets OK) 

d. I didn't have a choice

11. Did you have any of the following for your move into the apartment? Check yes or no for each item

Item Yes No

A. Basic items essential to move in (e.g. bed, table, sheets)

B. Assistance from HUD-VASH program staff in getting essential move-in items

C. Help from HUD-VASH program staff moving belongings into the apartment

D. Help from HUD-VASH program with setting up your utilities (e.g. phone, 

electricity, gas, cable)

Housing Satisfaction: HUD-VASH apartment

12. How comfortable did you feel staying in the apartment on your first few days there? 

a. Not comfortable

b. Moderately comfortable

c. Very comfortable
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 131 Final Report

13. How satisfied are you with the following qualities of your apartment? Refer to CARD 3 to code satisfaction with each 

quality

Quality Code

A. Apartment condition

B. Affordability

C. Building safety and security

D. Access to shopping 

E Access to public transportation

E. Neighborhood safety

F. Opportunities to socialize

14. Do you think the HUD-VASH program is a good fit for your needs? 

a. Yes

b. No

15. If you answered "No" to the previous question, what is your primary reason? 

a. I don’t need as much support as the program offered 

b. I need greater support than the program offers

c. Program has more rules than is acceptable to me

d. Housing unit does not fit my needs 

e. Other 

Income, work and school: While enrolled in HUD-VASH

16. What are your current sources of income? Circle all that apply

a. VA Compensation

b. VA Pension

c. Social Security Retirement

d. SSI

e. SSD/I

f. Full-time work

g. Part-time work

h. Other _______________________________

•

17. Are you involved in any educational or vocational program? 

a. Yes

b. No

HUD-VASH Case Manager Relationship

18. On average, how many times a month do you meet with your case manager?

________ times per month

19. How often do the following statements apply to you? Refer to CARD 4 to code level of agreement with each 

statement.

Statement Code

A. My case manager is able to help me.

B. My case manager and I agree on goals.

C. My case manager and I have different ideas about what my problems are.

D. My case manager and I trust one another.

Medical Condition

20. Have you had any serious medical problems while in the HUD-VASH program? 

a. Yes

b. No

21. Have you ever hospitalized for any medical problem while in the HUD-VASH program? 

a. Yes

b. No
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 132 Final Report

22. In general, during your time in the HUD-VASH program, how would you describe your health? 

a. Excellent

b. Very good

c. Good

d. Fair

e. Poor

23. During your time in HUD-VASH, has your health ever limited you from doing any of the following? Refer to CARD 

4 to code how often the Veteran has been limited from each task

Activity Code

A. Bathing or dressing yourself

B. Climbing one flight of stairs

C. Lifting or carrying groceries

D. Cooking for yourself

Mental Health Condition

24. While in the HUD-VASH program, have you had any serious mental health problems? 

a. Yes

b. No

25. Have you been hospitalized for any mental health problem while in HUD-VASH?

a. Yes

b. No

26. During your time in HUD-VASH, how often have you had the following feelings? Refer to CARD 4 to code how often 

the Veteran has experienced each feeling

Feeling Code

A. Your mood was good

B. Under strain, stress, or pressure

C. Bothered by nervousness

D. Sad, discouraged, or hopeless

E. Like you were losing control over the way you acted, talked, or thought

Substance Abuse Status

27. While in the HUD-VASH program, how troubled or bothered have you been by drugs or alcohol? 

a. Not at all

b. Slightly

c. Moderately 

d. Considerably

e. Extremely 

28. Have you received any inpatient or outpatient treatment for drug or alcohol use while in the HUD-VASH program?

a. Inpatient treatment

b. Outpatient treatment

c. Both inpatient and outpatient treatment

d. No treatment

Veteran Questionnaire -- Stayer, Open-Ended

Introduction

I’d like to start the interview by having you walk me through your experiences in the HUD-VASH program. I’m going to start by 

asking about how you first learned about the program, and then ask you more specifically about the different steps and 

components of the program. After that, I will ask you some survey questions about these experiences. 

Open-Ended Questions

First, I’d like to ask you some questions about how you learned about HUD-VASH and your initial experiences with the 

program. 
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 133 Final Report

Probes: How did you learn about HUD-VASH? How long did it take for you to enroll in HUD-VASH? Did it take 

longer than you expected, about what you expected, or less time than you expected? Why? 

After you enrolled in HUD-VASH, tell me how you learned about how the program works. Describe your first 

meeting with your case manager. Did you have an orientation? If so, who was the orientation with (HUD-VASH and/or 

PHA, jointly/separately)? Was it helpful? Were there things you would have liked to know about the program that you 

didn’t learn about until later in the process? What would you have wanted to know and why? 

From the time that you first enrolled in HUD-VASH, describe the process for completing the PHA application and 

receiving your housing voucher. Is there anything that you feel could have been improved about this process? 

Next, tell me about your housing search.

Probes: Was it difficult to find a suitable housing option? Why?

Tell me more about being selected as a tenant by the landlord of the property. Did you have to go through any specific 

screening processes to be selected as a tenant, such as a criminal background check, credit check or drug test? Were 

you told about any requirements that you would need to meet in order to stay in permanent housing? If so, what were 

they (e.g., abstinence, sobriety, treatment)? Were you worried that these requirements would make staying in the 

program hard for you? If so, which one(s)?

Once you decided on an apartment, describe the process for getting the apartment inspected, and preparing for move-in. 

Is there anything that you feel could have been improved about this process? Did you receive any additional assistance 

for move-in, such as assistance with move-in costs or furniture? If so, where did you receive assistance from? How did 

you learn about available assistance? If not, would you have liked to receive assistance? What kind of assistance would 

have been helpful?

Where did you stay prior to moving into your HUD-VASH housing unit?

Describe your relationship with your case manager.

Probes: What aspects of your relationship with your case manager were helpful? What aspects were unhelpful? What 

are some things you would change about your relationship with your case manager and/or the HUD-VASH team?

Did you develop a Housing Recovery Plan with your case manager? If so, when did you make it? How did you decide 

what to include in your plan? Did you ever change your plan? Why? 

Was the HUD-VASH team able to help you reach your goals / be successful in maintaining your housing? If not, what 

else do you wish the HUD-VASH team could have done to help you?

What kind of services did you receive through HUD-VASH (e.g., peer support, supported employment)? Did you 

participate in any HUD-VASH groups? If so, what groups did you participate in?

Tell me about any parts of the HUD-VASH program that you found challenging. 

Probes: Did you have any housing issues or problems after moving into your apartment? If so, were the HUD-VASH 

team and/or PHA able to assist you to ensure you were able to maintain your housing? If not, why weren’t they able to 

help you?

Did you find it difficult to follow any of the rules from the HUD-VASH team, PHA or landlord? If so, which one(s)?

Now I’d like to talk for a few minutes about your general feelings about the HUD-VASH program.

Probes: What have been the most helpful aspects of the program? What have been the least helpful? Why? If there was 

one thing that you could change about the HUD-VASH program, what would it be?

Closed-Ended Questions

Thanks for telling me about your experiences with HUD-VASH. Now, I’m going to ask you some additional survey questions 

about these experiences. (See Appendix A.2a.)
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 134 Final Report

• Conclusion

Alright, so I asked very generally about your experiences in HUD-VASH, and then I asked you some survey questions related to 

your experience. Is there anything else you would like to say about your experience with the program that I haven’t asked? 

Veteran Questionnaire -- Leased-Up Exiter 

Housing and Homelessness History

1. I want you to think about where you have been living since you enrolled in the HUD-VASH program. We would like to 

know all of the places where you’ve stayed during this time, including hospitals. Let’s look at this calendar together, 

and I’ll make notes as you talk. Why don’t we start with where you are living now and work backwards from there, 

place by place. [Refer to CARD 1]

Location 

Letter

Date Moved In Date Moved Out Location Type (code) Composition (code)

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

F.

G.

H.

2. Using the chart, please point out where you were staying when you obtained a HUD-VASH Voucher. 

Choose Location Letter from list above: ____________________________________

3. Using the chart, please point out where you were staying when you found an apartment with your HUD-VASH voucher 

Choose Location Letter from list above: ____________________________________

HUD-VASH Housing Process

4. How would you describe the different steps involved in getting a voucher?

[Refer to CARD 2 to code each step from Very Difficult to Very Easy]

Step Code (from CARD 2)

A. Enrolling in the HUD-VASH program

B. Submitting application to PHA

C. Providing documentation of identity and income to Public 

Housing Authority

5. Did you receive help from your HUD-VASH case manager or other HUD-VASH staff in either of the following steps 

in obtaining a voucher? [Check yes or no for each step]

Step Yes (Received Help) No (Did not receive help) 

A. Getting and attending appointment with the 

PHA

B. Providing proof of identity or income

C. Completing and submitting the PHA 

application

6. Now I want to ask you about your impressions of the condition and location of the apartments that you visited during 

your housing search. Approximately how many apartments did you visit during your housing search? 

_______ apartments 

7. Of those apartments, how many did you think were: 

Acceptable_________ Unacceptable_______
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 135 Final Report

8. How would you describe the different steps involved in obtaining a lease? 

[Refer to CARD 2 to code each step from Very Difficult to Very Easy]

Step Code (from CARD 2)

A Finding listings of available apartments

B Finding an acceptable apartment option

C Getting an apartment inspected by PHA

D Being selected as a tenant by a landlord 

E Obtaining money for rent, security deposit or moving costs

9. How did you find the apartment options you chose from? 

a. On my own

b. With help of friends or family 

c. With help of HUD-VASH program staff such as case manager or housing specialist

d. With help of staff from the PHA

e. VASH program staff conducted the apartment search for me

10. What was your primary reason for choosing your apartment?

a. Location/neighborhood

b. Good repair/quality

c. Particular features of apartment (e.g. appliances, space, appearance, pets OK) 

d. I didn't have a choice

11. Did you have any of the following for your move into the apartment? Check yes or no for each item

Item Yes No

A. Basic items essential to move in (e.g. bed, table, sheets)

B. Assistance from HUD-VASH program staff in getting essential move-in items

C. Help from HUD-VASH program staff moving belongings into the apartment

D. Help from HUD-VASH program with setting up your utilities (e.g. phone, 

electricity, gas, cable)

Housing Satisfaction: HUD-VASH apartment

12. How comfortable did you feel staying in the apartment on your first few days there? 

a. Not comfortable

b. Moderately comfortable

c. Very comfortable

13. How satisfied were you with the following qualities of your apartment? Refer to CARD 3 to code satisfaction with 

each quality

Quality Code

A. Apartment condition

B. Affordability

C. Building safety and security

D. Access to shopping 

E Access to public transportation

E. Neighborhood safety

F. Opportunities to socialize

14. Do you think the HUD-VASH program was a good fit for your needs? 

a. Yes

b. No

15. If you answered "No" to the previous question, what is your primary reason? 

a. I didn’t need as much support as the program offered 

b. I needed greater support than the program offered

c. Program had more rules than was acceptable to me

d. Housing unit did not fit my needs 

e. Other 
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 136 Final Report

Income, work and school: While enrolled in HUD-VASH

16. What were your sources of income while you were in the HUD-VASH program? Circle all that apply

a. VA Compensation

b. VA Pension

c. Social Security Retirement

d. SSI

e. SSD/I

f. Full-time work

g. Part-time work

h. Other _______________________________

17. Were you involved in any educational or vocational program while enrolled in HUD-VASH? 

a. Yes

b. No

HUD-VASH Case Manager Relationship

18. On average, how many times a month did you meet with your case manager when you were enrolled in the program? 

________ times per month

19. While you were in the HUD-VASH program, how often did the following statements apply to you? 

Refer to CARD 4 to code level of agreement with each statement.

Statement Code

A. My case manager was able to help me.

B. My case manager and I agreed on goals.

C. My case manager and I had different ideas about what my problems were.

D. My case manager and I trusted one another.

Medical Condition

20. While in the HUD-VASH program, did you have any serious medical problems? 

a. Yes

b. No

21. Were you ever hospitalized for any medical problem while in HUD-VASH? 

a. Yes

b. No

22. In general, during your time in the HUD-VASH program, how would you describe your health? 

a. Excellent

b. Very good

c. Good

d. Fair

e. Poor

23. During your time in HUD-VASH, did your health ever limit you from doing any of the following? Refer to CARD 4 to 

code how often the Veteran was limited from each task

Activity Code

A. Bathing or dressing yourself

B. Climbing one flight of stairs

C. Lifting or carrying groceries

D. Cooking for yourself

Mental Health Condition

24. While in the HUD-VASH program, did you have any serious mental health problems? 

a. Yes

b. No

25. Were you hospitalized for any mental health problem while in HUD-VASH?

a. Yes

b. No
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 137 Final Report

26. During your time in HUD-VASH, how often did you have the following feelings? Refer to CARD 4 to code how often 

the Veteran experienced each feeling

Feeling Code

A. Your mood was good

B. Under strain, stress, or pressure

C. Bothered by nervousness

D. Sad, discouraged, or hopeless

E. Like you were losing control over the way you acted, talked, or thought

Substance Abuse Status

27. While in the HUD-VASH program, how troubled or bothered were you by drugs or alcohol 

a. Not at all

b. Slightly

c. Moderately 

d. Considerably

e. Extremely 

28. Did you receive any inpatient or outpatient treatment for drug or alcohol use while in the HUD-VASH program?

a. Inpatient treatment

b. Outpatient treatment

c. Both inpatient and outpatient treatment

d. No treatment

Program Exit

29. Did you decide to leave the HUD-VASH program, or were you asked to leave? 

 I decided to leave

 I was asked to leave

If you answered “I decided to leave” continue to Question 30. If you answered “I was asked to leave” skip to Question 31. 

30. When you decided to leave, did you have plans for a place to live after you left? 

a. Yes

b. No

31. In your own words, what was the main reason you left the HUD-VASH program? 

32. Which of the following situations contributed to you leaving the HUD-VASH program? Check all that apply

a. Difficulty paying the rent

b. Increase in income

c. Dissatisfaction with apartment

d. Dissatisfaction with neighborhood

e. Conflict with neighbors

f. Conflict with landlord

g. Conflict with HUD-VASH case manager or other program staff

h. Disagreement with program rules 

i. Worsening in medical condition

j. Worsening in mental health condition 

k. Worsening in substance abuse condition

l. Improvement in health condition

m. Improvement in mental health condition

n. Improvement in substance abuse condition

o. Legal trouble such as arrest, jail, warrant, probation, lawsuit or trial

p. Offer from family or friend to move in to their housing

q. Evicted from apartment

r. Voucher revoked by PHA

33. Of the reasons listed, which one best matches the main reason that you left the HUD-VASH program? [Write the 

letter corresponding to the reason from list above] ___________ 
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 138 Final Report

34. Did HUD-VASH staff help you find a new place to stay when you left the program?

a. Yes

b. No

Housing Satisfaction: Current Housing

35. How satisfied are you with the following qualities of your current housing? 

Quality Code

A. Apartment condition

B. Affordability

C. Building safety and security

D. Access to shopping

E. Access to public transportation

F. Neighborhood safety

G. Opportunities to socialize

Post-Exit Contact with VA

36. Have you used or do you plan to use VA medical services after leaving the HUD-VASH program?

a. Yes

b. No

37. After leaving the HUD-VASH program, are you still in contact with your HUD-VASH case manager?

a. Yes

b. No

Income, Work and School: Post-Exit

38. What are your current sources of income? 

a. VA Compensation

b. VA Pension

c. Social Security Retirement

d. SSI

e. SSD/I

f. Full-time work

g. Part-time work

h. Other _______________________________ 

39. Are you currently involved in any educational or vocational program? 

a. Yes

b. No

Veteran Questionnaire -- Leased-Up Exiter, Open-Ended

Introduction

I’d like to start the interview by having you walk me through your experiences in the HUD-VASH program. I’m going to start by 

asking about how you first learned about the program, and then ask you more specifically about the different steps and 

components of the program. After that, I will ask you some survey questions about these experiences. 

Open-Ended Questions

First, I’d like to ask you some questions about how you learned about HUD-VASH and your initial experiences with the 

program. 

Probes: How did you learn about HUD-VASH? How long did it take for you to enroll in HUD-VASH? Did it take 

longer than you expected, about what you expected, or less time than you expected? Why? 

After you enrolled in HUD-VASH, tell me how you learned about how the program works. Describe your first 

meeting with your case manager. Did you have an orientation? If so, who was the orientation with (HUD-VASH and/or 

PHA, jointly/separately)? Was it helpful? Were there things you would have liked to know about the program that you 

didn’t learn about until later in the process? What would you have wanted to know and why? 

From the time that you first enrolled in HUD-VASH, describe the process for completing the PHA application and 

receiving your housing voucher. Is there anything that you feel could have been improved about this process? 
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 139 Final Report

Next, tell me about your housing search.

Probes: Was it difficult to find a suitable housing option? Why?

Tell me more about being selected as a tenant by the landlord of the property. Did you have to go through any specific 

screening processes to be selected as a tenant, such as a criminal background check, credit check or drug test? Were 

you told about any requirements that you would need to meet in order to stay in permanent housing? If so, what were 

they (e.g., abstinence, sobriety, treatment)? Were you worried that these requirements would make staying in the 

program hard for you? If so, which one(s)?

Once you decided on an apartment, describe the process for getting the apartment inspected, and preparing for move-in. 

Is there anything that you feel could have been improved about this process? Did you receive any additional assistance 

for move-in, such as assistance with move-in costs or furniture? If so, where did you receive assistance from? How did 

you learn about available assistance? If not, would you have liked to receive assistance? What kind of assistance would 

have been helpful?

Where did you stay prior to moving into your HUD-VASH housing unit?

Describe your relationship with your case manager. 

Probes: What aspects of your relationship with your case manager were helpful? What aspects were unhelpful? What 

are some things you would change about your relationship with your case manager and/or the HUD-VASH team?

Did you develop a Housing Recovery Plan with your case manager? If so, when did you make it? How did you decide 

what to include in your plan? Did you ever change your plan? Why? 

Was the HUD-VASH team able to help you reach your goals / be successful in maintaining your housing? If not, what 

else do you wish the HUD-VASH team could have done to help you?

What kind of services did you receive through HUD-VASH (e.g., peer support, supported employment)? Did you 

participate in any HUD-VASH groups? If so, what groups did you participate in?

Tell me about any parts of the HUD-VASH program that you found challenging. 

Probes: Did you have any housing issues or problems after moving into your apartment? If so, were the HUD-VASH 

team and/or PHA able to assist you to ensure you were able to maintain your housing? If not, why weren’t they able to 

help you?

Did you find it difficult to follow any of the rules from the HUD-VASH team, PHA or landlord? If so, which one(s)?

Now I’d like to talk for a few minutes about the time when you left the HUD-VASH program. 

Probes: When did you first think of leaving the program? Tell me how you came to that decision. What were your 

feelings about leaving the program? Were you happy to be leaving? Did you want to stay in the program? Why or why 

not? How were things going for you at the time you left the program? Did any of those things affect your housing 

situation? 

What could have changed that would have made you decide to stay in HUD-VASH? If there was one thing that you 

could change about the HUD-VASH program, what would it be?

Would you participate in HUD-VASH again? Why or why not?

Closed-Ended Questions

Thanks for telling me about your experiences with HUD-VASH. Now I’m going to ask you some more specific survey questions 

about your housing history and experiences in HUD-VASH. (See Appendix A.3a.)

Conclusion

Alright, so I asked very generally about your experiences in HUD-VASH, and then I asked you some survey questions related to 

your experience. Is there anything else you would like to say about your experience with the program that I haven’t asked? 
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 140 Final Report

Veteran Questionnaire -- Non-Leased Exiter 

Housing and Homelessness History

1. I want you to think about where you have been living since you enrolled in the HUD-VASH program. We would like to 

know all of the places where you’ve stayed during this time, including hospitals. Let’s look at this calendar together, 

and I’ll make notes as you talk. Why don’t we start with where you are living now and work backwards from there, 

place by place. [Refer to CARD 1]

Location 

Letter

Date Moved In Date Moved Out Location Type (code) Composition (code)

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

F.

G.

H.

2. Using the chart, please point out where you were staying when you obtained a HUD-VASH Voucher. 

Choose Location Letter from list above: ____________________________________

3. Using the chart, please point out where you were staying when you found an apartment with your HUD-VASH voucher 

Choose Location Letter from list above: ____________________________________

HUD-VASH Housing Process

4. How would you describe the different steps involved in getting a voucher? 

[Refer to CARD 2 to code each step from Very Difficult to Very Easy]

Step Code (from CARD 2)

A. Enrolling in the HUD-VASH program

B. Submitting application to PHA

C. Providing documentation of identity and income to Public Housing 

Authority

5. Did you receive help from your HUD-VASH case manager or other HUD-VASH staff in either of the following steps 

in obtaining a voucher? [Check yes or no for each step]

Step Yes (Received Help) No (Did not receive help) 

A. Getting and attending appointment with the 

PHA

B. Providing proof of identity or income

C. Completing and submitting the PHA 

application

6. Now I want to ask you about your impressions of the condition and location of the apartments that you visited during 

your housing search. Approximately how many apartments did you visit during your housing search? 

_______ apartments 

7. Of those apartments, how many did you think were: 

Acceptable_________ Unacceptable_______

8. Had you completed any of the following steps in the housing process before you left the HUD-VASH program? 

[Check all steps that Veteran completed before exiting]

Step Completed

A Finding listings of available apartments

B Finding an acceptable apartment option

C Getting an apartment inspected by PHA

D Being selected as a tenant by a landlord 

E Obtaining money for rent, security deposit or moving costs
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 141 Final Report

9. Did you receive any assistance looking for apartments? 

a. No, I searched on my own

b. Yes, from friends or family 

c. Yes, from HUD-VASH program staff such as case manager or housing specialist

d. Yes, from staff from the PHA

10. Do you think the HUD-VASH program was a good fit for your needs? 

a. Yes

b. No

11. If you answered "No" to the previous question, what is your primary reason? 

a. I didn’t need as much support as the program offered 

b. I needed greater support than the program offered

c. Program had more rules than was acceptable to me

d. Housing options I found did not fit my needs 

e. Other___________________________________________________________________________________

Income, work and school: While enrolled in HUD-VASH

12. What were your sources of income while you were in the HUD-VASH program? Circle all that apply

a. VA Compensation

b. VA Pension

c. Social Security Retirement

d. SSI

e. SSD/I

f. Full-time work

g. Part-time work

h. Other _______________________________

13. Were you involved in any educational or vocational program while enrolled in HUD-VASH? 

a. Yes

b. No

HUD-VASH Case Manager Relationship

14. On average, how many times a month did you meet with your case manager when you were enrolled in the program? 

________ times per month

15. While you were in the HUD-VASH program, how often did the following statements apply to you? Refer to CARD 4 

to code level of agreement with each statement.

Statement Code

A. My case manager was able to help me.

B. My case manager and I agreed on goals.

C. My case manager and I had different ideas about what my problems were.

D. My case manager and I trusted one another.

Medical Condition

16. While in the HUD-VASH program, did you have any serious medical problems? 

a. Yes

b. No

17. Were you ever hospitalized for any medical problem while in HUD-VASH? 

a. Yes

b. No

18. In general, during your time in the HUD-VASH program, how would you describe your health? 

a. Excellent

b. Very good

c. Good

d. Fair

e. Poor
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 142 Final Report

19. During your time in HUD-VASH, did your health ever limit you from doing any of the following? Refer to CARD 4 to 

code how often the Veteran was limited from each task

Activity Code

A. Bathing or dressing yourself

B. Climbing one flight of stairs

C. Lifting or carrying groceries

D. Cooking for yourself

Mental Health Condition

20. While in the HUD-VASH program, did you have any serious mental health problems? 

a. Yes

b. No

21. Were you hospitalized for any mental health problem while in HUD-VASH?

a. Yes

b. No

22. During your time in HUD-VASH, how often did you have the following feelings? Refer to CARD 4 to code how often 

the Veteran experienced each feeling

Feeling Code

A. Your mood was good

B. Under strain, stress, or pressure

C. Bothered by nervousness

D. Sad, discouraged, or hopeless

E. Like you were losing control over the way you acted, talked, or thought

Substance Abuse Status

23. While in the HUD-VASH program, how troubled or bothered were you by drugs or alcohol 

a. Not at all

b. Slightly

c. Moderately 

d. Considerably

e. Extremely 

24. Did you receive any inpatient or outpatient treatment for drug or alcohol use while in the HUD-VASH program?

a. Inpatient treatment

b. Outpatient treatment

c. Both inpatient and outpatient treatment

d. No treatment

• Program Exit

25. Did you decide to leave the HUD-VASH program, or were you asked to leave? 

 I decided to leave

 I was asked to leave

If you answered “I decided to leave” continue to Question 30. If you answered “I was asked to leave” skip to Question 31. 

26. When you decided to leave, did you have plans for a place to live after you left? 

a. Yes

b. No

27. In your own words, what was the main reason you left the HUD-VASH program? 
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 143 Final Report

28. Which of the following situations contributed to you leaving the HUD-VASH program? Check all that apply

a. Couldn’t find an available apartment to rent with the HUD-VASH voucher

b. Dissatisfaction with available apartments

c. Apartment that was found did not pass PHA inspection

d. Did not have money to pay for security deposit or furniture

e. Increase in income

f. Conflict with HUD-VASH case manager or other program staff

g. Disagreement with program rules 

h. Worsening in medical condition

i. Worsening in mental health condition 

j. Worsening in substance abuse condition

k. Improvement in health condition

l. Improvement in mental health condition

m. Improvement in substance abuse condition

n. Legal trouble such as arrest, jail, warrant, probation, lawsuit or trial

o. Offer from family or friend to move in to their housing

p. Voucher revoked by PHA

29. Of the reasons listed, which one best matches the main reason that you left the HUD-VASH program? [Write the 

letter corresponding to the reason from list above] ___________ 

30. Did HUD-VASH staff help you find a new place to stay when you left the program?

a. Yes

b. No

Housing Satisfaction: Current Housing

31. How satisfied are you with the following qualities of your current housing? 

Quality Code

A. Apartment condition

B. Affordability

C. Building safety and security

D. Access to shopping

E. Access to public transportation

F. Neighborhood safety

G. Opportunities to socialize

Post-Exit Contact with VA

32. Have you used or do you plan to use VA medical services after leaving the HUD-VASH program?

a. Yes

b. No

33. After leaving the HUD-VASH program, are you still in contact with your HUD-VASH case manager?

a. Yes

b. No

Income, Work and School: Post-Exit

34. What are your current sources of income? 

a. VA Compensation

b. VA Pension

c. Social Security Retirement

d. SSI

e. SSD/I

f. Full-time work

g. Part-time work

h. Other _______________________________ 

35. Are you currently involved in any educational or vocational program? 

a. Yes

b. No
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 144 Final Report

Veteran Questionnaire -- Non-Leased Exiter, Open-Ended

Introduction

I’d like to start the interview by having you walk me through your experiences in the HUD-VASH program. I’m going to start by 

asking about how you first learned about the program, and then ask you more specifically about the different steps and 

components of the program. After that, I will ask you some survey questions about these experiences.

Open-Ended Questions

First, I’d like to ask you some questions about how you learned about HUD-VASH and your initial experiences with the 

program. 

Probes: How did you learn about HUD-VASH? How long did it take for you to enroll in HUD-VASH? Did it take 

longer than you expected, about what you expected, or less time than you expected? Why? 

After you enrolled in HUD-VASH, tell me how you learned about how the program works. Describe your first 

meeting with your case manager. Did you have an orientation? If so, who was the orientation with (HUD-VASH and/or 

PHA, jointly/separately)? Was it helpful? Were there things you would have liked to know about the program that you 

didn’t learn about until later in the process? What would you have wanted to know and why? 

From the time that you first enrolled in HUD-VASH, describe the process for completing the PHA application and 

receiving your housing voucher. Is there anything that you feel could have been improved about this process? 

Next, tell me about your housing search.

Probes: Was it difficult to find a suitable housing option? Why?

Tell me more about being selected as a tenant by the landlord of the property. Did you have to go through any specific 

screening processes to be selected as a tenant, such as a criminal background check, credit check or drug test? Were 

you told about any requirements that you would need to meet in order to stay in permanent housing? If so, what were 

they (e.g., abstinence, sobriety, treatment)? Were you worried that these requirements would make staying in the 

program hard for you? If so, which one(s)?

Once you decided on an apartment, describe the process for getting the apartment inspected, and preparing for move-in. 

Is there anything that you feel could have been improved about this process? Did you receive any additional assistance 

for move-in, such as assistance with move-in costs or furniture? If so, where did you receive assistance from? How did 

you learn about available assistance? If not, would you have liked to receive assistance? What kind of assistance would 

have been helpful?

Where did you stay prior to moving into your HUD-VASH housing unit?

Describe your relationship with your case manager. 

Probes: What aspects of your relationship with your case manager were helpful? What aspects were unhelpful? What 

are some things you would change about your relationship with your case manager and/or the HUD-VASH team?

Did you develop a Housing Recovery Plan with your case manager? If so, when did you make it? How did you decide 

what to include in your plan? Did you ever change your plan? Why? 

What kind of services did you receive through HUD-VASH (e.g., peer support, supported employment)? Did you 

participate in any HUD-VASH groups? If so, what groups did you participate in?

Tell me about any parts of the HUD-VASH program that you found challenging. 

Did you find it difficult to follow any of the rules from the HUD-VASH team or PHA? If so, which one(s)?

Now I’d like to talk for a few minutes about the time when you left the HUD-VASH program. 

Probes: When did you first think of leaving the program? Tell me how you came to that decision. What were your 

feelings about leaving the program? Were you happy to be leaving? Did you want to stay in the program? Why or why

not? How were things going for you at the time you left the program? Did any of those things affect your housing 

situation?
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 145 Final Report

What could have changed that would have made you decide to stay in HUD-VASH? If there was one thing that you 

could change about the HUD-VASH program, what would it be?

Would you participate in HUD-VASH again? Why or why not?

Closed-Ended Questions

Thanks for telling me about your experiences with HUD-VASH. Now, I’m going to ask you some additional survey questions 

about these experiences. (See Appendix A.4a.)

Conclusion

Alright, so I asked very generally about your experiences in HUD-VASH, and then I asked you some survey questions related to 

your experience. Is there anything else you would like to say about your experience with the program that I haven’t asked? 

Veteran Questionnaire -- Response Cards

CARD 1 

Location Codes

01 Emergency shelter, including hotel or motel paid for with emergency shelter voucher

02 Transitional housing for homeless persons

03 Permanent housing for formerly homeless persons

04 Psychiatric hospital or other psychiatric facility

05 Substance abuse treatment facility or detox center

06 Hospital (non-psychiatric)

07 Jail, prison or juvenile detention facility

08 Family member’s room, apartment or house

09 Friend’s room, apartment or house

10 Hotel or motel paid for without emergency shelter voucher

11 Foster care home or foster care group home

12 Place not meant for habitation (e.g., a vehicle, an abandoned building, a train station)

13 Safe Haven

14 Rental by client, with HUD-VASH housing subsidy

15 Rental by client, with other (non-VASH) ongoing housing subsidy

16 Owned by client, with ongoing housing subsidy:

17 Rental by client, no ongoing housing subsidy

18 Owned by client, no ongoing housing subsidy

19 Other

Composition Codes

01 Alone

02 With family

03 With friends

04 With other(s), not friends or family
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 146 Final Report

CARD 2

Very difficult Somewhat difficult Neither easy nor difficult Somewhat easy Very easy

1 2 3 4 5

CARD 3

Very dissatisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Mostly satisfied Very satisfied Completely satisfied

1 2 3 4 5

CARD 4

• Never • Rarely • Sometimes • Usually • Always

1 2 3 4 5

STAFF INTERVIEW MATERIALS

Housing Authority Questionnaire

Introductions

What is your role at the PHA? How long have you worked at the PHA? What is your background and training?

What is your role in housing and services for homeless Veterans?

Describe the general environment for housing homeless Veterans in this community (e.g., discussion of local PHA, landlords, 

rental market, support from community partners).

Program Overview

First, I’d like to just get a basic idea about how your HUD-VASH program works. 

Refer to “Steps in the HUD-VASH Selection, Housing, and Case Management Process” to review steps that may be helpful in 

describing local practices.

1. Does the PHA have staff dedicated (100% of their time) to HUD-VASH? If so, how many staff? What are staff titles/roles?

2. Imagine you receive a new HUD-VASH referral today. Take me through what happens from now until the Veteran is 

housed with a HUD-VASH voucher. 

3. Has this process changed over time? If so, how (e.g., revised leasing process that functions differently from HCV 

program)?

4. Does the PHA offer a HUD-VASH orientation for Veterans? If so, how is the orientation conducted? Does the VA case 

management team play a role in this orientation process?

Eligibility & Application Process

Now let’s talk a bit more specifically about how determine Veterans’ eligibility for the program and the HUD-VASH voucher

application process. 

5. What are the eligibility requirements to be considered for a HUD-VASH voucher? Are there any specific local 

requirements?

6. What are clients required to demonstrate in order obtain a HUD-VASH voucher (e.g., housing readiness)?
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 147 Final Report

7. Does your program have specific performance measures it aims to reach (i.e., does the program aim to enroll a specific 

number or percentage of participants from the targeted population(s))?

8. How does the PHA process referrals? 

9. What is the process for meeting with Veterans and helping them obtain housing vouchers?

10. What do Veterans need to provide in order to complete the PHA application (e.g., proof of identity and income, credit 

history)?

11. How is Veterans’ monthly rental contributions determined? What types of income/benefits are included in determining the 

rental contribution? Could this amount change? If so, under what circumstances?

Housing Process

Next, I’d like to ask you to describe the housing process in more detail. 

12. Does the PHA assist Veterans in their housing search? If so, how?

13. Does the PHA maintain a list of units or landlords that will accept HUD-VASH voucher in order to expedite the leasing 

process? If so, are the units pre-inspected? How often is the list updated?

14. Do Veterans receive assistance from the PHA in setting up appointments and viewing housing options? If so, what type of 

assistance, and how is it provided (e.g., transportation by community partner)?

15. How many apartments are typically viewed by each Veteran before a unit is selected?

16. Does the PHA assist Veterans in being selected by landlords for housing? If so, how?

17. Describe the process for scheduling a HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspection. On average, how long does it 

take for an inspection to be scheduled after the Veteran makes a housing selection? If a unit fails inspection, how long does 

it take to schedule a reinspection? Does the PHA allow case managers to ensure that all issues have been resolved to 

expedite reinspection (i.e., deputize case managers)?

18. Describe the process for setting up the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract.

19. What are the challenges that might lead to Veterans exiting the HUD-VASH program before being housed? What has your 

team done to address these challenges?

20. How many different staff at the PHA typically interact with the Veteran during the application and lease-up process? How 

many times does each Veteran typically meet with the PHA before they are housed?

21. On average, how long does it take a Veteran to obtain housing (from admission to move-in)? What is the typical range? Are 

there common barriers that tend to make this process take longer? What barriers are specific to the PHA and VA? How can 

they be addressed by either the PHA or VA?

22. Tell me about the annual HUD-VASH recertification and HQS inspection process.

Communication with VA

I’d now like to get a better idea of your overall communication with VA. 

23. Describe the communication the PHA has with the VA case management team. Does the HUD field office assist in 

facilitating communication? 

24. Does PHA staff meet regularly with the VA case management team? If so, how often do meetings take place? What is 

discussed during meetings?

25. Is training provided to PHA staff (either by the PHA or VA) to review local policies and procedures? If so, describe the 

training. 

26. Do the PHA and VA case management team exchange data on participants? If so, what type of data is shared (e.g., 

participant outcomes), how often is data reviewed, and what is the process for reviewing data?
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 148 Final Report

Program Exits

We’re also interested on your thoughts as to why Veterans exit HUD-VASH—both for positive and negative reasons. 

27. What are the most common reasons that Veterans exit the HUD-VASH program?

28. Are there any requirements that Veterans must meet to stay in permanent housing that could be related to Veteran exits? If 

so, what are they (e.g., sobriety/treatment)? Are they PHA or VA rules?

29. How do PHA staff typically find out a client is experiencing housing problems (e.g., Veteran, VA, landlords)? Do the PHA 

and VA case management team communicate about existing or potential housing problems? If housing issues arise, does 

the PHA and/or VA case management team get involved? What is done to help ensure that the Veteran maintains their 

housing (e.g., PHA notifies VA case management team prior to taking adverse action against Veteran)?

30. In general, what could be done by the PHA and/or the VA to mitigate negative exits and ensure more Veterans successfully 

maintain housing? Could further assistance be provided by HUD, VA, or other community partners? What type of 

assistance is needed?

31. What is the process for terminating a Veteran from the HUD-VASH program? Are different processes applied for HUDVASH than the regular voucher program? If so, why? 

32. Describe the process that takes place when the termination of a Veteran’s HUD-VASH voucher by the PHA is imminent. 

Does the PHA contact the VA case management team to try to mitigate the cause for termination prior to taking adverse 

action? Describe the communication that takes place between the PHA and the VA case management team. Could this 

process be improved? If so, how?

Organizational Aspects

Finally, let’s talk about the PHA’s goals for HUD-VASH and any challenges staff might face in reaching those goals. 

33. What are the stated goals for the HUD-VASH program at this PHA (e.g., utilizing vouchers, housing the most vulnerable 

Veterans, eliminating Veteran homelessness)? Do these goals differ for VA and/or other community partners? If so, how?

34. Are these goals supported by senior leadership at the PHA? If so, how?

35. Are these goals supported by VA and/or other community partners? If so, how?

36. Does the PHA have the resources necessary to meet these goals? If not, what other resources are necessary?

37. How do you measure/evaluate the program’s progress in meeting its goals? Has this changed over time? If so, why?

38. How would you “rate” your progress in meeting these goals to date?

39. What are the consequences for insufficient progress in meeting the program’s goals?

40. Do you review processes and make process improvements? If so, how is the review done? How often? How are 

improvements made? Are the VA case management team and/or other community partners included in these reviews and 

process improvements? If so, what is their role?

41. How does the PHA support strong networks within the PHA and with the VA and other community partners to ensure that 

everyone involved in housing homeless Veterans is working together?

42. What are the key facilitators and barriers to housing homeless Veterans at the PHA?

43. What do you see as the biggest challenge the PHA faces in trying to house homeless Veterans?

Wrap-up

44. Is there anything else you would like to share about the HUD-VASH program?
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 149 Final Report

VA Case Management Team Pre-Interview Questionnaire

Please complete the following questionnaire, and provide a copy of Veteran screening and/or eligibility tools with your 

responses. 

Program Characteristics

How many HUDVASH vouchers 

are allocated to 

your facility?

 # Vouchers Allocated (FY08-Present)

 # Filled / In Use # Not filled / Available for Use

Of those vouchers currently available for use, how many are:

 Pending PHA process Not yet assigned Other

What is your average VA case management / HUD-VASH staff to Veteran ratio? : 

From which VA settings are Veterans recruited or outreached? Check all that apply. 

VA Settings:

Street outreach initiated by VA staff

Justice system outreach initiated by VA staff

Other community outreach by VA staff

Stand Down

VA MH RRTP (DCHV, CWT / TR, SARRTP, General RRTP)

VA substance abuse outpatient unit

VA mental health outpatient unit

VA medical outpatient unit

VA emergency room

VA inpatient unit

Vet Center / Drop-In Clinic

VBA

VA Homeless Veterans Hotline

Other, specify: 

From which non-VA settings are Veterans recruited or outreached? Check all that apply.

Non-VA Settings:

a. Street outreach initiated by non-VA staff

b. Criminal justice system

c. Shelter staff or other community homeless services provider

d. VA Grant and Per Diem

e. Non-VA community mental health center or clinic

f. Non-VA emergency room

g. Other federal agency (HUD, DoL, HHS)

h. Family member

i. Self

j. Other, specify: 
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 150 Final Report

Which population(s) does your facility target for admission to the HUD-VASH program? Check all that apply.

Veterans experiencing homelessness continuously for 1 year or longer

Veterans having 4 or more separate episodes of homelessness over a 3 year period

Veterans at risk for becoming homeless (e.g., doubled up, coming out of jail or hospital, couch 

surfing, temporarily with friends / family)

Female Veterans

OEF / OIF / OND Veterans

Young adults, ages 18-25

Older adults, ages 55 and over

Families

Substance abuse or dependence only

Mentally ill only

Co-occurring substance use and mental illness

Other, specify: 

Services

Please indicate the types of staff your agency makes available to HUD-VASH participants, indicating whether the position 

is funded through HUD-VASH, the VA, or a community partner. Check all that apply.

HUD-VASH 

Funded

VA 

Funded

Funded by 

Community 

Partner

Primary Service Location 

(VA, community, Veteran 

home)

Psychiatrist

Psychologist

Social worker

Substance abuse counselor

Mental health counselor / Professional 

counselor

Mental illness / Chemical abuse (MICA) 

counselor

Trauma specialist

Vocational specialist

Housing specialist

Case manager

Peer advocate / Peer specialist

Physician

Nurse

Discharge planning specialist

Psychosocial rehabilitation counselor

Education specialist

Other, specify: 
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 151 Final Report

Please indicate if Veterans receive any of the following services, and if so, whether the services are provided directly 

through the VAMC or through referral to other community organizations. Check all that apply.

Name of Service Provided to HUD-VASH 

Veterans at VAMC

Provided to HUD-VASH 

Veterans by other community 

organizations

OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT

SCREENING Leave blank. Respond to sub-items individually.

Mental disorders

Substance abuse or dependence

Co-occurring substance use and mental disorder

Trauma

TREATMENT SERVICES - Substance abuse (SA) 

treatment Leave blank. Respond to sub-items individually.

Assessment (e.g., diagnostic and more in depth)

SA outpatient treatment

SA inpatient / residential treatment

Pharmacotherapy (e.g., Methadone / Buprenorphine)

Detox

TREATMENT SERVICES - Mental health (MH) treatment Leave blank. Respond to sub-items individually.

Assessment (e.g., diagnostic and more in depth)

MH outpatient treatment

MH inpatient / residential treatment

Pharmacotherapy (e.g., anti-depressants, antipsychotics, anti-anxiety medications)

TREATMENT SERVICES - Integrated substance abuse 

and mental health treatment

TREATMENT SERVICES - Trauma / PTSD 

MEDICAL SERVICES Leave blank. Respond to sub-items individually.

General medical treatment

Specialized medical care for women

Medication / medication management

WRAP AROUND SERVICES Leave blank. Respond to sub-items individually.

Case management

Discharge planning

Crisis care (e.g., 24 hour crisis response service)

Peer-to-peer support / Self-help groups (e.g., AA / NA, 

other 12-step peer support, non 12-step approaches)

Peer mentoring

Vocation and employment services

Education / GED program

Transportation

Legal assistance

Support services for families (e.g., parenting skills / 

education, childcare, domestic violence services)

Benefits application (e.g., SSI / SSD, food stamps)
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 152 Final Report

HOUSING SERVICES Leave blank. Respond to sub-items individually.

Assistance in getting and attending appointment(s) 

with the PHA

Assistance in providing documents required for the 

PHA application (e.g., proof of identity or income)

Assistance in completing and submitting the PHA 

application 

Housing search assistance

Independent living skills / Daily living skills (e.g., 

budgeting, food shopping, cleaning, hygiene)

Assistance with getting essential move-in items

Assistance with moving belongings into the apartment

Assistance with setting up utilities

Community integration

What Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) are you implementing at your site?

EBP / Promising or Best Practice Name Has your agency ever implemented this EBP?

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Harm Reduction 

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Transtheoretical Model (TTM) / Stages of Change

Twelve Step Facilitation

Critical Time Intervention (CTI)

Intensive Case Management (ICM)

Peer Support / Mentoring

SSI / SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR)

Supported Employment

Housing First

Challenges

Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree that the following barriers impact implementation and / or 

service delivery for the HUD-VASH program.

Strongly

Agree Agree Neither Disagree StronglyDisagree

Difficulties hiring qualified staff

Difficulties retaining qualified staff

Shortfalls in recruiting or enrolling target Veterans

Veteran reluctance to access HUD-VASH services

Difficulties retaining target Veterans in HUD-VASH 

program 

Difficulties following up with Veterans in HUD-VASH 

program 

Difficulties providing services as planned

Existing agency rules or regulations

Other, specify: 

 Copy of Veteran screening and/or eligibility tools with responses to this questionnaire attached.
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 153 Final Report

VA Case Management Team Questionnaire

Introductions

What is your role at VA? How long have you worked at VA? What is your background and training?

What is your role in housing and services for homeless Veterans?

Describe the general environment for housing homeless Veterans in this community (e.g., discussion of local PHA, landlords, 

rental market, support from community partners).

Program Overview

First, I’d like to just get a basic idea about how your HUD-VASH program works. 

Refer to “Steps in the HUD-VASH Selection, Housing, and Case Management Process” to review steps that may be helpful in 

describing local practices.

45. How many staff are dedicated to HUD-VASH? What are staff titles/roles?

2. Imagine a new client walks in today. Take me through what happens from now until the Veteran is housed with a HUDVASH voucher. 

3. Has this process changed over time? If so, how?

Targeting & Eligibility

Now let’s talk a bit more specifically about how you target Veterans for the program and determine their eligibility. 

Refer to VA Pre-Interview Questionnaire to review target populations.

4. How do you identify and outreach to Veterans who need housing?

5. What are the eligibility requirements to be considered for a HUD-VASH voucher? Are there any specific local 

requirements?

6. How do you determine who should be targeted for admission to HUD-VASH (e.g., federal requirements, input from 

community partners)? 

7. To what degree does your program serve these targeted groups? Do you...

• Recruit and enroll only participants who match all of your target population criteria?

• Recruit participants who match target population criteria and give them priority enrollment, but if there are open 

slots, accept others who don’t match some criteria?

• Not focus recruitment based on target population criteria but give priority enrollment to those who meet the 

criteria?

• Not focus recruitment based on target population criteria and enroll anyone who needs and will benefit from your 

services and programs?

8. Does your program have specific performance measures it aims to reach (i.e., does the program aim to enroll a specific 

number or percentage of participants from the targeted population(s))?

9. What, if anything, are clients required to demonstrate in order to be eligible for admission to the program (e.g., 

sobriety/treatment)? What, if anything, are clients required to demonstrate in order obtain a HUD-VASH voucher (e.g., 

housing readiness)?

Housing Process

Next, I’d like to ask you to describe the housing process in more detail–from referral to the PHA for a HUD-VASH voucher 

through housing selection and move-in. 

Refer to VA Pre-Interview Questionnaire to review housing services. 
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 154 Final Report

10. Does the VA case management team offer a HUD-VASH orientation for Veterans? If so, how is the orientation conducted? 

Does the PHA play a role in this orientation process?

11. Does the VA case management team assist clients with their PHA applications? If so, how?

12. Does the VA case management team assist Veterans in their housing search? If so, how?

13. Does the VA case management team maintain a list of units or landlords that will accept HUD-VASH voucher in order to 

expedite the leasing process? If so, are the units pre-inspected? How often is the list updated?

14. Do Veterans receive assistance from the VA case management team in setting up appointments and viewing housing 

options? If so, what type of assistance, and how is it provided (e.g., transportation by community partner)?

15. How many apartments are typically viewed by each Veteran before a unit is selected?

16. Does the VA case management team assist Veterans in being selected by landlords for housing? If so, how?

17. Describe the process for working with the PHA to schedule a HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspection. On 

average, how long does it take for an inspection to be scheduled after the Veteran makes a housing selection? If a unit fails 

inspection, how long does it take to schedule a reinspection? Does the PHA allow case managers to ensure that all issues 

have been resolved to expedite reinspection (i.e., deputize case managers)?

18. Describe the process for working with the PHA to set up a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract.

19. What are the challenges that might lead to Veterans exiting the HUD-VASH program before being housed? What has your 

team done to address these challenges?

20. Do clients receive any type of move-in assistance? If so, what type of assistance is provided (e.g., financial assistance, 

provision of household goods)? How is it funded/provided (e.g., community partners)?

21. How many different staff at the VA typically interact with each Veteran during the application and lease-up process? How 

many times does each Veteran typically meet with the VA case management team before they are housed?

22. On average, how long does it take a Veteran to obtain housing (from admission to move-in)? What is the typical range? Are 

there common barriers that tend to make this process take longer? What barriers are specific to VA and the PHA? How can 

they be addressed by either VA or the PHA?

23. Tell me about the annual HUD-VASH recertification and HQS inspection process. 

Communication with PHA

I’d now like to get a better idea of your overall communication with the PHA. 

24. Describe the communication the VA case management team has with the PHA. Does the HUD field office assist in 

facilitating communication?

25. Does the VA case management team meet regularly with PHA staff? If so, how often do meetings take place? What is 

discussed during meetings?

26. Is training provided to the VA case management team (either by the VA or PHA) to review local policies and procedures? 

If so, describe the training.

27. Do the VA case management team and PHA staff exchange data on participants? If so, what type of data is shared (e.g., 

participant outcomes), how often is data reviewed, and what is the process for reviewing data?

VA Case Management

Let’s speak a little bit more about Veterans’ interactions with the VA case management team. I encourage you to reflect on 

Veterans’ experiences with case management for their full time in the program, from enrollment, through the housing selection

process, and on until their final exit from the program. 

Refer to VA Pre-Interview Questionnaire to ask for further details on VA staff and services.
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 155 Final Report

28. Do VA case managers meet regularly with clients? If so, describe a typical meeting. How often are meetings held? Does the 

number of meetings change over time? If so, how? Where do VA case managers meet with clients?

29. Do VA case managers develop Housing Recovery Plans with Veterans? If so, what is the process for creating these plans? 

At what point in the housing process is this done?

a. What is the process for determining Veteran goals? (Stated HUD-VASH Housing Recovery Plan Goals = 

Establishing housing stability (rent paid, following rules, etc.); Meeting employment and income needs; 

Resolving legal and financial issues (credit history); Supporting physical, mental, social health)

b. How is progress towards goals monitored?

c. Can the Housing Recovery Plan be revised? If so, when would the plan be revised, and what is the process for 

revising it? (Stated examples of necessary revision = Goals reached; Treatment needs change; Veteran goals 

change; Veteran becomes more independent; Level of care changes)

30. Once Veterans are housed, what are the next steps? How do you engage Veterans in services? How do you keep them

engaged?

31. How are Veterans referred to services? Who provides services? Is there a coordinated effort between VA and other 

community partners?

32. How does the VA case management team help integrate Veterans into the local community?

33. How does the VA case management team typically find out a client is in crisis/experiencing personal problems (e.g., 

Veteran, PHA, landlord)? How do VA case managers respond to clients in crisis? Are services available 24/7? If so, how 

(e.g., case manager on-call, via on-call psychologist)?

34. How does the VA case management team typically find out a client is experiencing housing problems (e.g., Veteran, PHA, 

landlord)? Do the VA case management team and the PHA communicate about existing or potential housing problems? If 

housing issues arise, do the VA case management team and/or PHA get involved? What is done to help ensure that the 

Veteran maintains their housing (e.g., PHA notifies VA case management team prior to taking adverse action against 

Veteran)?

Program Exiters

We’re also interested on your thoughts as to why Veterans exit HUD-VASH—both for positive and negative reasons. 

35. What are the most common reasons that Veterans exit the HUD-VASH program?

36. Can Veterans “graduate” from the program? If so, how? What are the factors that help Veterans successfully exit the 

program for positive reasons?

37. What are the most common reasons that Veterans fail to lease housing or are terminated from the program for negative 

reasons? What are the factors that make it challenging for Veteran to stay in the program?

38. Are there any requirements that Veterans must meet to stay in permanent housing that could be related to Veteran exits? If 

so, what are they (e.g., sobriety/treatment)? Are they VA or PHA rules?

39. How are exiters categorized as positive or negative in HOMES? Are there additional categories of exits that should be 

added to HOMES?

HOMES Categories

Accomplish goals and no longer has a need for program Transferred to another program site

Found other housing Did not comply with case management

Eviction or other housing related issues or problems Unhappy with housing

No longer financially eligible No longer interested in participating

Cannot be located Too ill to participate in program

Incarceration Death

40. In general, what could be done by the VA and/or the PHA to mitigate negative exits and ensure more Veterans successfully 

maintain housing? Could further assistance be provided by VA, HUD or other community partners? What type of 

assistance is needed?

41. What is the process for terminating a Veteran from the HUD-VASH program?
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 156 Final Report

42. Describe the process that takes place when the termination of a Veteran’s HUD-VASH voucher by the PHA is imminent. 

Does the PHA contact the VA case management team to try to mitigate the cause for termination prior to taking adverse 

action? Describe the communication that takes place between the PHA and the VA case management team. Could this 

process be improved? If so, how? 

43. When Veterans exit the program, are they referred to VA services to ensure continuity of care (e.g., primary care, specialty 

care, etc.)?

44. Do VA case managers continue to stay in touch with participants after they have left the HUD-VASH program?

Organizational Aspects

Finally, let’s talk about the team’s goals for HUD-VASH and any challenges the team might face in reaching those goals. 

45. What are the stated goals for your HUD-VASH program here at this VA (e.g., utilizing vouchers, housing the most 

vulnerable Veterans, eliminating Veteran homelessness)? Do these goals differ for the PHA and/or other community 

partners? If so, how?

46. Are these goals supported by senior leadership at the VA? If so, how?

47. Are these goals supported by the PHA and/or other community partners? If so, how?

48. Does the VA case management team have the resources necessary to meet these goals? If not, what other resources are 

necessary?

49. How do you measure and evaluate the program’s progress in meeting its goals? Has this changed over time? If so, why?

50. How would you “rate” your progress to date?

51. What are the consequences for insufficient progress in meeting the program’s goals?

52. Do you review processes to make process improvements? If so, how is the review done? How often? How are 

improvements made? Are the PHA and/or other community partners included in these reviews and process improvements? 

If so, what is their role?

53. How does the VA case management team support strong networks within the VA and with the PHA and other community 

partners to ensure that everyone involved in housing homeless Veterans is working together?

54. What are the key facilitators and barriers to housing homeless Veterans at the VA?

55. What do you see as the biggest challenge the VA case management team faces in trying to house homeless Veterans?

Wrap-up

56. Is there anything else you would like to share about the HUD-VASH program?

QUANTITATIVE VARIABLES & ANALYSES

Power Analysis

Using the statistical software program PASS 2008 (Hintze, 2008), the research team determined 

the sample size required to obtain 80% power to significantly detect an odds ratio up to 2.0 from a 

logistic regression analysis predicting study outcomes, given: (1) at least 30 percent of the sample 

were exiters, based on national HUD-VASH data collected during FFY 2008–2011 indicating that 

one-third of Veterans exited the program; (2) at least 15 percent of the sample indicated a positive 

response on one of the primary predictor variables (e.g., inpatient hospital stays); and (3) an alpha 

of 0.05. Expected participation rates were 50 percent for stayers and 40 percent for exiters (Wong, 

Hadley, & Culhane, 2006) and did not distinguish between types of exiters (i.e., leased-up vs. nonleased). Exiters were not over-sampled as there was an insufficient sample pool.
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 157 Final Report

Because the initial sample size analyses were based on limited data and educated guesses, the 

research team also conducted post-hoc power analyses following the regression and survival 

models conducted in this study given: (1) the size of both the HUD-VASH participant sample as 

well as the subsample of study respondents only, (2) an alpha of 0.05, (3) the number of 

predictor variables included in each model, and (4) either the overall model R2 statistic obtained 

from multiple regression analyses or the magnitude of key odds and hazard ratios from logistic 

regression and Cox Proportional Hazards survival analyses, respectively. Given these 

parameters, power for all models ranged between 95 percent and 99 percent.

Variables

The research team accessed administrative data for the period beginning 12 months prior to a 

Veteran’s admission to HUD-VASH and 12 months following discharge from HUD-VASH, if 

applicable. Exhibit C.1 provides details on administrative data variables. 

Exhibit C.1 Administrative data

Variable Source Definition Values Type

HUD-VASH Data 

Study site HOMES VAMC where Veterans 

enrolled in HUD-VASH

Houston

Los Angeles

Palo Alto

Philadelphia

Nominal 

Study group HOMES Veterans who were 

admitted to the HUDVASH program and 

obtained a HUD-VASH 

voucher met specific 

criteria for one of three 

study groups

Stayers—Obtained a lease with a 

HUD-VASH voucher and remained 

in the housing unit with the 

voucher for 600 days or longer 

and did not exit the program

Leased-up exiters—Discharged 

from HUD-VASH after leasing a 

housing unit, regardless of reason 

for exit

Non-leased exiters—Discharged 

from HUD-VASH after obtaining a 

voucher but prior to leasing a 

housing unit, regardless of reason 

for exit

Nominal 

Year of program 

admission

HOMES Most recent year of 

Veterans’ enrollment in 

HUD-VASH

2008 or before through 2014 Interval, years

Housing First HOMES Whether a Veteran 

entered HUD-VASH after 

the policy shift to a 

Housing First approach 

in FY 2013

Pre-Housing First—entered HUDVASH prior to 2013

Housing First—entered HUDVASH in 2013 or later

Dichotomous
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 158 Final Report

Exhibit C.1 Administrative data

Variable Source Definition Values Type

Process timeframes HOMES Program dates were 

entered by VA case 

managers as HUD-VASH 

steps were completed; 

process timeframes 

were calculated as the 

number of days between 

two program dates

Program dates were entered for 

the following HUD-VASH steps:

Referral

Assessment 

Admission 

HA referral

Receipt of voucher

Housing selection

Inspection

Execution of HAP Contract

Move-in

Exit*

*Note: since stayers did not have 

an exit date, their length of stay is 

calculated using the end of the 

study’s observation period, 

12/02/2014

Interval, days

VA case 

management 

contacts

VA Medical Record Number of VA case 

management contacts 

entered by VA case 

managers

VA case management contacts 

were provided for the following 

time periods:

30 days prior to admission

Between admission and HA 

referral

Between HA referral and receipt 

of voucher

Between receipt of voucher and 

move-in

30 days post-move-in

31-60 days post-move-in

61-90 days post-move-in

91-180 days post-move-in 

181-360 days post-move-in 

361-720 days post-move-in 

30 days post-exit

31-60 days post-exit

61-90 days post-exit

Interval, number 

of contacts 

calculated as a 

monthly average 

(i.e., average 

number of 

contacts in a 30 

days period)

Demographics 

Gender VA Medical Record Veteran sex Male 

Female

Dichotomous

Age Veteran age in years <35

35-44

45-54

55-64

≥65

Ordinal 

categories were 

used in 

descriptive 

findings; interval 

age in years was 

used in models 

Race VA Medical Record Veteran race Black or African America

White

Other

Nominal

Ethnicity VA Medical Record Veteran ethnicity Hispanic/Latino

Non-Hispanic/Non-Latino

Multiple

Nominal
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 159 Final Report

Exhibit C.1 Administrative data

Variable Source Definition Values Type

Marital status VA Medical Record Veteran marital status Married

Widowed

Separated

Divorced

Never married

Nominal

VA enrollment 

priority group

VA Medical Record Veterans’ priority for 

healthcare identified at 

the time of enrollment 

for VHA healthcare, 

based on Veteran’s level 

of disability, exposure to 

certain hazards, and 

income 

≥50% SC disability

<50% SC disability

No SC disability; Medicaid-eligible

No SC disability; Not Medicaideligible 

Other

Ordinal 

categories were 

used in 

descriptive 

findings; 

categories were 

collapsed into a 

dichotomous 

variable in 

models to 

indicate any 

serviceconnected 

disability versus 

no serviceconnected 

disability

Period of service VA Medical Record Military era in which the 

Veteran served

World War II (12/1941–12/1946)

Korean War (7/1950–1/1955)

Vietnam Era (8/1964–4/1975)

Post-Vietnam (5/1975–7/1990)

Persian Gulf War (8/1990–

present)

Other

Nominal

OEF/OIF 

deployment

VA Medical Record Whether the Veteran 

was deployed during 

Operation Enduring 

Freedom (OEF), Iraqi 

Freedom (OIF), or New 

Dawn (OND)

Deployment in OEF/OIF/OND

No deployment in OEF/OIF/OND

Nominal

Combat exposure VA Medical Record Whether the Veteran 

was exposed to combat 

while serving in the 

military

Combat exposue

No combat exposure

Nominal
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 160 Final Report

Exhibit C.1 Administrative data

Variable Source Definition Values Type

Medical And Mental/Behavioral Health Conditions and Service Utilization

Medical conditions VA Medical Record If, during the 12 months 

prior to program 

admission, the Veteran 

had either one inpatient 

stay or two outpatient 

visits more than 30 days 

apart and the primary 

diagnosis associated 

with these visits were 

consistent with the 25 

medical conditions 

defined by Elixhauser 

and colleagues (1998), 

as well as TBI based on 

ICD-9 codes (National 

Center for Health 

Statistics, 1980) 

(Brenner, Ignacio, & 

Blow, 2001)

Any medical condition (includes 

all subcategories)

Hypertension

Diabetes, uncomplicated

Chronic pulmonary disease

Obesity

Traumatic brain injury

Dichotomous

Mental/behavioral 

health conditions

VA Medical Record If, during the 12 months 

prior to program 

admission, the Veteran 

had either one inpatient 

stay or two outpatient 

visits more than 30 days 

apart and the primary 

diagnosis associated 

with these visits were 

consistent with the four 

mental/behavioral 

health conditions 

defined by Elixhauser 

and colleagues (1998), 

as well as schizophrenia, 

PTSD, and suicide and 

intentional self-inflicted 

injury based on ICD-9 

codes (National Center 

for Health Statistics, 

1980) (Kimerling, Gima, 

Smith, Street, & Frayne, 

2007)

Any mental/behavioral health 

condition (includes all mental 

health subcategories)

Any substance use condition 

(alcohol and/or drug abuse)

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Depression

Psychoses

Schizophrenia

Alcohol abuse

Drug abuse

Suicide and intentional selfinflicted injury

Dichotomous
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 161 Final Report

Exhibit C.1 Administrative data

Variable Source Definition Values Type

Medical services VA Medical 

Record

Receipt of outpatient or 

inpatient medical 

services

Service utilization was examined 

for the following time periods:

90 days prior to entry

90 days post entry

90 days post move-in

90 days pre-exit

30 days post-exit

31-90 days post-exit

91-180 days post-exit

181-360 days post-exit

Outpatient 

service use was 

measured using 

the interval 

number of visits; 

inpatient service 

use was 

measured using a 

dichotomous 

variable; 

inpatient length 

of stay was 

measures using 

the interval 

number of days

Mental/behavioral 

health services

VA Medical Record Receipt of outpatient or 

inpatient 

mental/behavioral 

health services

Service utilization was examined 

for the following time periods:

90 days prior to entry

90 days post entry

90 days post move-in

90 days pre-exit

30 days post-exit

31-90 days post-exit

91-180 days post-exit

181-360 days post-exit

Outpatient 

service use was 

measured using 

the interval 

number of visits; 

inpatient service 

use was 

measured using a 

dichotomous 

variable; 

inpatient length 

of stay was 

measures using 

the interval 

number of days

Substance use 

services

VA Medical Record Receipt of outpatient or 

inpatient substance use 

services

Service utilization was examined 

for the following time periods:

90 days prior to entry

90 days post entry

90 days post move-in

90 days pre-exit

30 days post-exit

31-90 days post-exit

91-180 days post-exit

181-360 days post-exit

Outpatient 

service use was 

measured using 

the interval 

number of visits; 

inpatient service 

use was 

measured using a 

dichotomous 

variable; 

inpatient length 

of stay was 

measured using 

the interval 

number of days

Emergency care VA Medical Record Emergency department 

admission

Service utilization was examined 

for the following time periods:

90 days prior to entry

90 days post entry

90 days post move-in

90 days pre-exit

30 days post-exit

31-90 days post-exit

91-180 days post-exit

181-360 days post-exit

Dichotomous
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 162 Final Report

Exhibit C.1 Administrative data

Variable Source Definition Values Type

Exits

Reason for exit HOMES When a Veteran exits 

HUD-VASH, VA case 

managers indicate why 

Veterans ended their 

involvement in HUDVASH case management

Accomplished goals or obtained 

access to services and no longer 

needs program

Cannot be located

Deceased

Evicted by HA or landlord or other 

housing issues

Found/chose other housing

Incarcerated

No longer financially eligible

No longer interested in 

participating in HUD-VASH

Noncompliance with HUD-VASH 

case management

Too ill to participate in HUD-VASH

Transferred to another HUD-VASH 

program site

Unhappy with HUD-VASH housing

Other

Nominal

Return to VA 

homeless programs

HOMES HUD-VASH participants 

who exited the program 

could utilize VA 

homeless programs 

following their exit

VA homeless program use was 

examined for the following time 

periods:

Any (return between exit and end 

of study’s observation period, 

12/02/2014)

Within 30 days

Within 60 days

Within 90 days

Within 180 days

Within 360 days

Dichotomous

Interviewers at each study site used an interview protocol to conduct in-person, one-on-one 

interviews with a subsample of HUD-VASH participants. (referred to here as “study 

respondents”) either on-site at VAMC facilities or over the telephone. Exhibit C.2 provides 

details on survey respondent data variables.

ExhibitC.2 Survey respondent data

Variable Definition Values Type

Study respondent Sample of Veterans that responded to 

close-ended, quantitative interviews at 

each study site

Study respondent

Not a study respondent

Dichotomous

Qualitative 

respondent

Subsample of study respondents that 

completed an additional semi-structured 

qualitative interview

Qualitative respondent

Not a qualitative respondent

Dichotomous
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 163 Final Report

ExhibitC.2 Survey respondent data

Variable Definition Values Type

Living situation 

during HUD-VASH 

housing process

Veteran living situation at two points in 

HUD-VASH housing process: (1) voucher 

receipt and (2) apartment selection

Emergency shelter

Place not meant for human habitation

Permanent housing

Transitional housing for homeless 

person

Substance abuse treatment facility or 

detox center

Family member or friend’s room, 

apartment or house

Nominal

Ease of HUD-VASH 

enrollment and 

housing process

Specific measures: 

Enrolling in the HUD-VASH program

Submitting applications to HA

Providing documentation of identity and 

income to HA

Finding listings of available apartments

Finding an acceptable apartment option

Getting an apartment inspected by HA

Being selected as a tenant by a landlord

Obtaining money for rent, security 

deposit, moving costs

Scale ranging from 1 (very difficult) to 5 

(very easy)

Ordinal

Steps completed in 

the housing 

process by nonleased exiters 

before exit

Specific measures: 

Finding listing of available apartments 

Finding an acceptable apartment option

Getting an apartment inspected by HA

Being selected as a tenant by a landlord

Obtaining money for rent, security 

deposit, moving costs

Completed

Not completed

Dichotomous

Number of 

apartments visited 

during housing 

search

Veteran provided a count of the number 

of apartments viewed

None

One

Two

Three

Four or more

Ordinal

Proportion of 

“acceptable” 

apartments

Proportion of apartment that the Veteran 

viewed that were deemed “acceptable” to 

live in

Interval, %

Reason for 

apartment choice

Veteran’s primary reason for selecting 

apartment

Location/neighborhood

Good repair/quality

Particular features of apartment

I didn't have a choice

Nominal

Comfort during 

first few nights in 

apartment

Veteran’s feeling or comfort or discomfort 

during first nights in apartment

Not comfortable

Moderately comfortable

Very comfortable

Ordinal

Services received 

during housing 

process and movein

Specific measures: 

Assistance getting and receiving 

appointment with HA

Assistance providing proof of identity or 

income

Assistance completing and submitting HA 

application

Assistance finding apartment options

Assistance getting essential move-in 

items

Assistance moving belongings into the 

apartment

Assistance setting up utilities

Received assistance

Did not receive assistance

Dichotomous
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 164 Final Report

ExhibitC.2 Survey respondent data

Variable Definition Values Type

Housing 

satisfaction while 

in HUD-VASH

Specific measure:

Apartment condition

Affordability

Building safety and security

Access to shopping*

Access to public transportation**

Neighborhood safety

Opportunities to socialize

Scale ranging from 1 (very dissatisfied) 

to 5 (completely satisfied)

Ordinal

Housing 

satisfaction after 

exit

Specific measures:

Apartment condition

Affordability

Building safety and security

Access to shopping*

Access to public transportation**

Neighborhood safety

Opportunities to socialize

Scale ranging from 1 (very dissatisfied) 

to 5 (completely satisfied)

Ordinal

Difference in 

housing 

satisfaction of 

leased-up exiters 

while in HUD-VASH 

and after

Specific measures:

Apartment condition

Affordability

Building safety and security

Access to shopping 

Access to public transportation

Neighborhood safety

Opportunities to socialize

Comparison of mean housing 

satisfaction while in HUD-VASH and 

after exit

% change

Veteran believes 

HUD-VASH was a 

good fit for his/her 

needs

Whether the Veteran believed HUD-VASH 

was a good fit

Yes

No

Dichotomous

Reason Veteran 

does not believe 

HUD-VASH was a 

good fit for his/her 

needs

If Veteran did not believe HUD-VASH was 

a good fit, reason why

Did not need as much support as 

offered

Needed more support than offered

Program had more rules than 

acceptable

Housing unit did not fit needs

Other

Nominal

Self-reported 

number of monthly 

meetings with VA 

case manager

Number of times Veteran indicated that 

they usually met with the VA case 

manager each month

Do not meet with case manager

Less than once per month

Once per month

One to two times per month

More than twice per month

Ordinal

VA case 

management 

satisfaction

Specific measures: 

My case manager was able to help me

My case manager and I agreed on goals

My case manager and I had the same 

ideas about what my problems were

My case manager and I trusted each other

Scale ranging from 1 (never) to 5 

(always)

Ordinal; models 

included a 

dichotomous 

variable 

indicating 

whether Veterans 

agreed that the 

VA case manager 

was able to help 

usually (4) or 

always (5) or not 

(1-3)

Self-reported 

health status

Veteran’s view of their health while in 

HUD-VASH

Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

Poor

Ordinal
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 165 Final Report

ExhibitC.2 Survey respondent data

Variable Definition Values Type

Self-reported 

medical problems

Specific measures: 

Experienced serious medical problems

Hospitalized for medical problem

Experienced serious medical problems 

AND were hospitalized for medical 

problem

Yes

No

Dichotomous

Self-reported being 

“troubled” by 

drugs/alcohol

Veteran’s perspective of being “troubled 

or bothered” by drugs or alcohol while in 

HUD-VASH

Not at all

Slightly

Moderately

Considerably

Extremely

Ordinal

Self-reported 

drug/alcohol 

treatment

Veteran’s perceived use of drug or alcohol 

treatment while in HUD-VASH

Inpatient

Outpatient

Both inpatient and outpatient

No treatment

Nominal

Factors 

contributing to exit

Veterans was able to select any of the 

following as factors contributing to their 

exit: 

Apartment that was found did not pass 

inspection

Conflict with HUD-VASH case manager or 

other program staff

Conflict with landlord

Conflict with neighbors

Couldn’t find an available apartment to 

rent with voucher

Did not have money to pay for security 

deposit or furniture

Difficulty paying the rent

Disagreement with program rules

Dissatisfaction with apartment

Dissatisfaction with available apartments

Dissatisfaction with neighborhood

Evicted from apartment

Improvement in health condition

Improvement in mental health condition

Improvement in substance abuse 

condition

Increase in income

Legal trouble such as arrest, jail, warrant, 

probation, lawsuit or trial

Offer from family or friend to move into 

their housing

Voucher revoked by HA

Worsening in medical condition

Worsening in mental health condition

Worsening in substance abuse condition

Yes

No

Dichotomous
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 166 Final Report

ExhibitC.2 Survey respondent data

Variable Definition Values Type

Main reason for 

exit

Of all of the factors contributing to an exit,

Veteran was asked to select the main 

reason

Apartment that was found did not pass 

inspection

Conflict with HUD-VASH case manager 

or other program staff

Conflict with landlord

Conflict with neighbors

Couldn’t find an available apartment to 

rent with voucher

Did not have money to pay for security 

deposit or furniture

Difficulty paying the rent

Disagreement with program rules

Dissatisfaction with apartment

Dissatisfaction with available 

apartments

Dissatisfaction with neighborhood

Evicted from apartment

Improvement in health condition

Improvement in mental health 

condition

Improvement in substance abuse 

condition

Increase in income

Legal trouble such as arrest, jail, 

warrant, probation, lawsuit or trial

Offer from family or friend to move into 

their housing

Voucher revoked by HA

Worsening in medical condition

Worsening in mental health condition

Worsening in substance abuse 

condition

Nominal

Exit type Whether the Veteran decided to leave 

HUD-VASH or was asked to leave

Voluntary

Involuntary

Dichotomous

Plans for living 

arrangement 

following voluntary 

exit

If Veteran decided to leave, whether 

he/she had a plan for a place to live after 

exiting

Plan

No plan

Dichotomous

VA case manager 

assisted in finding 

new place to stay 

following exit

Whether the VA case manager helped 

Veteran find a new place to stay after 

exiting HUD-VASH

Yes

No

Dichotomous

Plan to continue 

utilizing VA 

services

Whether the Veteran plans to use VA 

medical services after exiting HUD-VASH

Yes

No

Dichotomous

Ongoing contact 

with VA case 

manager

Whether the Veteran still has contact with 

VA case manager

Yes

No

Dichotomous

Multiple Regression Analysis Modeling Duration of Housing Process (Exhibit 5.2)

To identify factors related to the speed at which a Veteran proceeded through the HUD-VASH 

housing process, the research team conducted a series of five multiple regression analyses that 

modeled the impact of selected Veteran and program characteristics on the duration of the 
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 167 Final Report

housing process. The dependent variables for the five models were measured as the continuous 

number of days in the following time periods: 

(1) Between program admission and referral to the housing authority 

(2) Between referral to the housing authority and Veteran’s receipt of the HUD-VASH voucher

(3) Between receipt of the voucher and Veteran moving into housing

(4) Between program admission and receipt of voucher

(5) Between program admission and moving into housing

For models 1, 2, and 4, the sample included all HUD-VASH participants. Models 3 and 5 

included only HUD-VASH participants who moved into housing (i.e., stayers or leased-up 

exiters). 

Each of the initial models included the following independent variables: study site, study group, 

age., sex, race, service-connected disability, whether the Veteran entered HUD-VASH before or 

after the transition to a Housing First approach, any medical condition, PTSD, depression, 

psychoses, schizophrenia, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, history of suicide and intentional selfinflicted injury, as well as monthly case management contacts during the time period of interest 

and outpatient and inpatient services utilization 90 days prior to and post entry. 

Only control variables (study site, sex, age, race, and service-connected disability) and 

statistically significant independent variables identified through a backward selection model 

were retained in the final models, as indicated in Exhibit 5.2.

Logistic Regressions Modeling Exits from HUD-VASH (Exhibit 8.2)

To determine characteristics that may predict whether a Veteran exits HUD-VASH, the research 

team modeled logistic regressions for two dichotomous dependent variables: 

(1) Whether a Veteran who moved into HUD-VASH housing later exited the program (leased-up 

exiter = 1, stayer = 0)

(2) Whether the Veteran exited the program prior to leasing a housing unit (non-leased exiter = 

1, leased-up exiter = 0)

For the first model, the sample included HUD-VASH participants who moved into housing (i.e., 

stayers and leased-up exiters only); the sample for the second model included HUD-VASH 

participants who exited the program (i.e., leased-up exiters and non-leased exiters).

Each of the initial models included the following independent variables: study site, sex, age, 

race, service-connected disability, whether the Veteran entered HUD-VASH before or after the 

transition to a Housing First approach, any medical condition, PTSD, depression, psychoses, 

schizophrenia, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and history of suicide and intentional self-inflicted 

injury. 

Only control variables (sex, age, race, and service-connected disability) and statistically 

significant independent variables were retained in the final models, as indicated in Exhibit 8.2. 
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 168 Final Report

Latent Class Analysis Identifying Profiles of Leased-Up and Non-Leased Exiters 

(Exhibits 8.10–8.13)

To identify characteristics of Veterans who exited HUD-VASH, the research team conducted 

two latent class analyses (LCA): one for leased-up exiters and another for non-leased exiters. 

This analysis identifies unobserved subgroups (latent classes) within a population based on 

observed data (McCutcheon, 1987). The use of LCA allowed us to classify and describe 

subgroups of Veterans who exited HUD-VASH in an effort to characterize their exits. 

The analyses included the following measures as manifest variables: 

 Study site

 Sex

 Age 

 Race

 VA enrollment priority group

 Medical conditions–dichotomized to indicate any medical condition

 Mental/behavioral health conditions—dichotomized to indicate any mental/behavioral 

health condition

 Substance use condition—dichotomized to indicate any substance use condition

 Medical services—dichotomized to indicate whether the Veteran had an inpatient stay for 

medical reasons during the 90 days prior to exit

 Reason for exit—collapsed similar categories for a total of seven

Using the poLCA package (Linzer & Lewis, 2011), the research team estimated a series of LCA 

models, specifying 1–10 classes. The model for each study group with the lowest Bayesian 

Information Criterion (BIC) was selected as the best fitting model. 

Cox proportional hazards survival analysis for time to return to homelessness within 360 days 

(Exhibit 8.15)

To assess the time between exiting HUD-VASH and returning to homelessness and to identify 

characteristics that increase the hazard of a Veteran returning to homelessness after exiting 

HUD-VASH, the research team conducted a Cox proportional hazards survival analysis. The 

dependent variable was whether HUD-VASH participants who exited the program returned to a 

VHA Homeless Program within 360 days of their exit. 

The sample included all HUD-VASH participants who exited the program (i.e., leased-up exiters 

and non-leased exiters).

The initial model included the following independent variables: study site, sex, age, race, 

service-connected disability, any medical condition, PTSD, depression, psychoses, 

schizophrenia, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and history of suicide and intentional self-inflicted 

injury.

Only control variables (sex, age, race, and service-connected disability) and statistically 

significant independent variables were retained in the final model, as indicated in Exhibit 8.15.
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 169 Final Report

QUALITATIVE CODING DICTIONARY

Node Name Description

Barriers and negative experiences

Barriers Veterans faced while participating in HUD-VASH; includes: barriers to 

enrollment in the program, barriers to getting housed, barriers to staying in the 

program 

Examples: program requirements, economic barriers, relationships with family, 

relationships with program staff, relationships with landlords, drug & alcohol use 

history/relapse, etc. Also includes instances where veterans had to do things for 

themselves because of lack of support. Include negative experiences

Difficulties with rules & 

regulations Difficulties with the rules & regulations when accessing the program

Landlord problems Problems with their landlord/property management office

Need for additional support Barriers associated with needing additional support

Neighborhood or housing 

barriers Barriers associated with a specific neighborhood or any other housing barriers

Other problems General barriers or negative experience associated with accessing the HUD-VASH 

program

Processing problems Problems with being processed or any other paperwork related barriers to entering 

into the program

Staff or other personnel 

difficulties Difficulties with interacting with staff or other personnel

Discrimination Experiences with discrimination

Examples: gender and race discrimination

Background issues Discrimination due to background; could relate to having an arrest record or other 

perceived issues such as being a Veteran or being homeless

Disability Discrimination due to having a disability

Other discrimination Other types of discrimination

Voucher Discrimination due to having a HUD-VASH voucher

Exposure to program and referral 

source

How Veterans learned about HUD-VASH or the referral source for getting into the 

program

Examples: learned from peers/program staff/a brochure, learned from participating 

in a program, name of referral source

Doctors or other medical 

personnel

Physicians or other medical personnel are the source of exposure or referral to 

HUD-VASH

Family or friends Source of exposure/referral is a family member or friend

Other or cannot recall Referral/exposure source to HUD-VASH isn't similar enough to others or in which 

Veteran cannot recall or isn't clear about how s/he learned about the program

Other Rehab, shelters, or other 

programs

Learned about HUD-VASH through rehab program, shelter or another formal 

program through which they were receiving some kind of support; may include 

personnel (such as case managers/social workers) working for those programs—

should not be coded to VA rehab, shelter, or mental health program

Other Veterans Other Veterans are the source of exposure or referral to the HUD-VASH program

VA

Learned about the HUD-VASH program through another VA program, through 

information pamphlets or information sessions provided by VA, or through case 

managers/social workers or VA personnel other than physicians or medical 

personnel
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 170 Final Report

Node Name Description

Facilitation

Anything associated with using program support and receiving social support—

must be a specific instance; includes self-facilitation/self-motivation

Examples: using services such as peer support, employment support, moving 

support, paperwork support, linking to other resources, other support such as 

training or meetings and education or work related support after leaving the 

program

Promoting Veteran 

independence Facilitation that promoted Veteran independence

Reestablishing rental and 

credit history

Facilitation aspects helped with re-establishing rental, credit history or other means 

of economic assistance

Self sufficiency Facilitation as it relates to being self-sufficient

Support services Participating in various programs

Educational programs Participation in educational programs

Employment assistance Participation in employment assistance programs

Financial assistance Participation in financial assistance programs

Food assistance Participation in food assistance programs

Furniture and household 

items support Participation in furniture and household programs

Other support Participation in other general support programs

Peer counseling help Participation in peer counseling programs

Program and meeting 

support Participation in program and meeting support

Self-support Veteran provided support to themselves

Family and friends influence References to family or friends as influential during HUD-VASH housing 

experience—both positive and negative

Background or context for 

Housing

Reference family in order to tell a personal story that impacted their housing 

circumstances or their ability to get housing

Difficult relationships with 

family or friends Difficult relationships with family or friends

Family or Friends help with 

housing search or move in Assistance from family or friends during housing search or move-in

General reference to family or 

friends General references about family or friends

Place to stay with family or 

friends Staying with family or friends

Homelessness status

Homelessness status and most recent housing situation prior to entering HUD-VASH 

Examples: being required to qualify in the "chronic homelessness" definition in 

order to obtain housing, living in a shelter, staying with family or friends

Family member, spouse, exspouse Respondent living with a family member, spouse, or ex-spouse before HUD-VASH

Friend or acquaintance Respondent living with a friend or acquaintance before HUD-VASH

Car, RV, trailer, etc. Respondent living in a car, RV, or other conveyance

Storage unit, camp, bus station Respondent living in a storage unit, camp, bus station, or unstable/informal housing
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 171 Final Report

Node Name Description

Street Respondent described him/herself as living "on the street" prior to enrollment in 

HUD-VASH

Rented room Respondent staying in a hotel or motel room or other short-term rented room

VA program or shelter Respondent living in a VA associated shelter or in another VA program that 

provided some kind of housing

Other program or shelter Respondent living in a non-VA associated program or shelter

Post HUD-VASH Respondent discusses their housing status after leaving the HUD-VASH program

Prison or detention center Respondent incarcerated prior to applying for HUD-VASH

VA Hospital Respondent in the hospital for an extended period prior to applying for HUD-VASH

House hunting experience

Experience searching for housing—both positive and negative; include the process 

steps throughout the experience and housing qualifications

Examples: whether the HUD-VASH housing list was made available, whether making 

appointments to see houses was easy or difficult, whether searching for houses in 

different geographic areas was easy or difficult, whether there were challenges with 

the move-in requirements, avoiding undesirable neighborhoods

Facilitation Positive house hunting experiences

Good relationship with 

landlord House hunting facilitation related to their relationship with their landlord

Housing deposit help House hunting facilitation related to their housing deposit

List of apartments as helpful House hunting facilitation related to apartment listings

Move in help House hunting facilitation related to move-in

No problems with rules and 

requirements House hunting facilitation related to the rules and regulation requirements

Other resources for housing 

search Other facilitators to housing search

Quick move in House hunting facilitation related to a quick move-in experience

Saved up money House hunting facilitation related to Veteran savings

Supportive or advocative 

case manager

Code here when respondents discuss house hunting facilitation related to their 

relationship with their case manager

Transportation help House hunting facilitation related to transportation

Barriers Negative house hunting experiences

Accessible housing for 

disabled House hunting barriers related to disability access

Bad credit House hunting barriers related to bad credit

Bad neighborhood - High 

crime or drug infested House hunting barriers related to undesirable neighborhoods

Conflicts with landlord or 

apartment management House hunting barriers related to landlord or property management conflicts

Difficulty navigating listing House hunting barriers related to the housing list provided by the VA case manager 

or other HUD-VASH program personnel

Discrimination by 

appearance House hunting barriers related to discrimination due to Veteran appearance
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 172 Final Report

Node Name Description

Health history, substance use House hunting barriers related to health or substance use

High rent House hunting barriers related to unaffordable rent

Incarceration history House hunting barriers related to Veteran incarceration history

Inspection issues House hunting barriers related to getting unit inspected

Lack of resources House hunting barriers related to having a lack of resources

limited funds for deposit House hunting barriers related to having limited funds for the security deposit

Limited housing House hunting barriers related to the limited housing options available to Veteran

Little to no support from 

VASH case manager

House hunting barriers related to having limited or no support from VA case 

manager

Long time for process House hunting barriers related to it taking a long time to enroll in program/process 

paperwork

Problems with requirements House hunting barriers related to having difficulty with the program requirements

Short time frame for 

apartment search

House hunting barriers related to having a short time frame for the apartment 

search

Transportation House hunting barriers related to accessing transportation

Unsuitable housing House hunting barriers related to unsuitable housing

Other General house hunting experiences

General commentary on 

process or steps General process steps related to Veteran house hunting experiences

Housing satisfaction Details related to housing satisfaction

Amenities Housing satisfaction related to amenities

General satisfaction General housing satisfaction

Location Housing satisfaction related to location

Price Housing satisfaction related to pricing

HUD VASH return to program Details on whether leased-up and non-leased exiters would return to HUD-VASH 

No Exiter would NOT return to HUD-VASH

Yes, if qualify and or needed Exiter would return to the HUD-VASH if they qualified or needed the service

Yes, with conditions Exiter would return to the HUD-VASH program with conditions

Initial enrollment process Experience with enrolling in the program

Examples: length of enrollment process, satisfaction with the turnaround time

Can't recall the process Veteran could not recall the enrollment process

Description of enrollment steps Descriptions of the enrollment process—neither positive or negative

Bringing documentation Bringing in documentation as part of the enrollment process

Drug testing Drug tests as part of the enrollment process

Filling out paperwork Filling out paperwork during enrollment process

Meeting with case manager One-on-one meeting with VA case manager as part of the enrollment process

Orientation Orientation as described as part of the enrollment process

Receipt of voucher Receipt of voucher as final step of enrollment
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 173 Final Report

Node Name Description

Screening Screening interviews as part of enrollment process

TB test, vaccinations, other 

preventative medicine Preventive medicine as part of the enrollment process

Documentation required Descriptions of the required documentation that participants had to bring to enroll

Enrollment took less time or as 

long as expected

Enrollment (from initial paperwork to voucher) took as long or less time than 

expected

Higher need Veteran’s homelessness status (multiple instances of homelessness, high risk, etc.) 

led to an expediting of their enrollment

Involved in other program

Involvement in another program to assist the homeless (e.g., VA domiciliary, HPRP, 

shelter, or rehab program) may have played a role in the speed in which Veteran 

enrolled in HUD-VASH

Misinformation Veteran was led to believe the enrollment process would take longer than it did

Mistaken assumptions Enrollment process took less time than expected because Veteran simply assumed 

that it would take longer due to bureaucracy, assumed waiting lists, etc.

Timeframe didn't matter Veteran didn't feel the enrollment process took a long time because their situation 

didn't require enrollment to happen quickly

VA case manager or social 

worker fast tracked the 

enrolment

Enrollment took less time than expected because someone fast-tracked the Veteran

Vouchers were available Enrollment was quick because vouchers were readily available.

Vouchers weren't available Veteran satisfied with the timeframe or in which the timeframe was shorter than 

expected because they knew that there weren't enough vouchers to go around

Enrollment took longer than 

expected Enrollment took longer than expected

Could not get information

Enrollment took longer than expected because Veteran couldn't get accurate 

information about the process (couldn't reach someone by phone, wasn't provided 

the information initially, etc.)

Had to reapply Enrollment took longer than expected because Veteran had to apply a second time 

after being rejected or losing the voucher 

Homelessness status or 

impending homelessness

Shelter or other programs have a time limit and thus make it seem like the voucher 

is taking longer than it should or generally where the individual's homelessness 

status makes waiting seem more difficult

Involvement with another 

program

Instances in which involvement with another VA or separate assistance program 

(CWT, rehab) slows down the process

Misinformation Process took longer than expected because Veteran given misinformation about the 

timeframe

No case manager assigned VA case manager was not assigned to Veteran, resulting in enrollment taking longer 

than expected

VA case worker sat on 

paperwork Enrollment took a long time due to inaction on the part of a VA case worker

Waiting list Veteran placed on a waiting list to receive a voucher due to a lack of vouchers, 

resources, or program closure

Enrollment was difficult Difficulty enrolling in HUD-VASH

A lot of steps Difficulty with enrollment was simply a lot of steps to enrollment
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 174 Final Report

Node Name Description

Gathering documents Enrollment was difficult because it was hard to gather documents

Initial Rejection Veteran initially rejected

Lack of assistance Lack of assistance or helpful information led to the enrollment process being 

difficult

Negotiating between 

different parties Negotiating between all the parties involved made enrollment difficult

Other veterans irritate VASH 

staff

HUD-VASH staff described as rude and the respondent attributes it to the behavior 

of other veterans

Paperwork was lost Enrollment process was difficult because HUD-VASH lost the Veteran’s paperwork

Personal issues Personal issues such as family problems, substance abuse, mental illness, etc., made 

enrollment difficult

Program qualifications were 

complicated

Enrollment was difficult due to the program's qualifications, such as involvement in 

a drug rehab program or the locations for finding housing were limited and 

confusing

Traveling to VASH or PHA 

offices was difficult Enrollment was difficult due to problems with travel

Waiting Waiting for approval, vouchers, etc., was considered a difficulty to enrollment

Enrollment was easy Enrollment in HUD-VASH was easy

Facilitation by VA case 

manager or staff

Ease of enrollment is attributed to assistance by a VA case manager or other HUDVASH staff

Group orientation Group orientation made enrollment easier

Necessary documents were 

readily available Ease of enrollment is attributed to necessary documents being readily available

Support from doctors Enrollment was assisted by a physician, therapist, or other health worker

Support from staff Staff support (including providing good information about what steps to take) made 

enrollment easy

Length of time Descriptions of how long initial enrollment took

Long-term housing plans and goals

Long-term living arrangement and plans; includes any housing post-exit/current 

living situation of exiters—do NOT include if Veteran is homeless

Examples: future plans to stay in the program, plan to own a house after leaving 

HUD-VASH, plan to change neighborhoods

No housing recovery plan Veteran did not make a housing recovery plan

Yes had a housing recovery plan Discussion having a housing recovery plan

Educational goal Educational goals included in housing recovery plan

Homeownership goal Home ownership goal in housing recovery plan

Other goals Other general goals in housing recovery plan

Sobriety goals Sobriety goal in housing recovery plan

Work goals Work or occupational goal in housing recovery plan

Unsure or unclear of housing 

recovery plan Veteran unsure/unclear of housing recovery plan
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 175 Final Report

Node Name Description

Orientation quality

Program orientation provided by either HUD or VA

Examples: whether Veteran received orientation, who provided the orientation, 

positive or negative responses to orientation quality

Attitudes about orientation General attitude about orientation

Dissatisfaction with 

information provided

Dissatisfaction with the amount or quality of information provided in the 

orientation

Information was adequately 

explained Orientation provided the necessary information for participation in HUD-VASH

Information wasn't very 

useful Orientation provided information that was not useful for participation in HUD-VASH

Overall negative Overall negative feeling about the orientation, but no specifics

Examples: it was not helpful; it was bad; I did not like the orientation

Overall positive Overall positive feeling about the orientation, but no specificsExamples: it was helpful; it was good; I liked the orientation

Personal difficulties Personal difficulties caused difficulties with the orientation, not the quality of the 

orientation itself

Self-efficacy Veteran’s tendency to ask for additional help or information or to listen well and 

take notes contributed to the quality of the information provided in the orientation

Can't recall orientation Veteran cannot recall having attended an orientation for the program

Filled out paperwork Paperwork was filled out over the course of the orientation

Host organization Orientation host

HUD-VASH orientation by 

both PHA and VA Orientation was a joint presentation from both the local housing authority and VA

HUD-VASH orientation Orientation was presented by VA

Orientation given by VA case 

manager Orientation was provided during a one-on-one meeting with VA case manager

PHA Orientation Instances in which the orientation is being presented by the local public housing 

authority

Informational materials Descriptions of informational materials (usually the format)

Information presented Information presented at orientation

Explained guidelines

Program guidelines explained during orientation

Examples: descriptions of the locations Veterans allowed to live, rules and 

regulations for apartments under Section 8, rules about drug-free living

Housing tips Housing tips provided during the orientation

Program overview Veteran recalls orientation as simply an overview of HUD-VASH, rather than 

specifics

Program steps Specific information about steps to the program going forward

Tips for living Information about how to budget, get help paying bills, etc.

No orientation Veteran doesn't remember attending or being provided any orientation to the HUDVASH program

Shared experience Other Veterans with similar experiences at the orientation as a positive experience
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 176 Final Report

Node Name Description

Patterns of exiting program

Reason for leaving HUD-VASH

Examples: financial/income conditions, health issues, drug use concerns, finding 

alternative options for housing, being evicted, graduating from the program

Leased exiters Reasons for leased-up exiters leaving the program

Bought a house or ready to 

find own place

Exit due to a change in housing situation

Examples: Veteran bought a house, ready to move on

Evicted due to active 

addiction Exit due to active addiction

Moved to take care of family Exit to take care of family

Multiple reasons for leaving Multiple reasons for leaving the program

Other reason for exiting Other general reasons for leaving the program

Example: legally gave voucher to wife

Unable to pay rent Exit due to unaffordable rent

Voucher revoked/did not 

qualify Exit due to making too much money or missing the recertification deadline

Non-leased exiters Reasons for non-leased exiters leaving the program

Chose alternative program 

or option Exit due to choosing alternative programs or housing options

Did not qualify Exit due to not qualifying

Multiple reasons Multiple reasons for leaving the program

No longer needed housing Exit due to no longer needing housing. 

Example: inherited property

Not chronically homeless Veteran not considered chronically homeless. (will likely be combined with did not 

qualify)

Other reason Other reasons for leaving the program.

Unable to afford rent Exit because Veteran could not afford rent

Unable to live alone Exit because Veteran no longer able to live alone

Example: entered nursing home

Voucher revoked

Voucher revoked

Examples: unable to find place in time, active addiction, incarceration, searched in 

wrong county, lost information necessary for voucher

Stayer with story about exiting 

from previous place Stayer shares story about prior program exit 

Personal history

Veterans personal history

Examples: sharing information on immigration history, family background, reasons 

for becoming homeless, experiencing illness, disability, or other health related 

issues, past physical, psychological, or sexual trauma, military discharge experience 

and transition back into society, incarceration experiences

Addiction Relapse Recovery Personal stories about addiction, relapse or recovery

Arrest Record Personal stories about arrest record

Family Concerns Personal stories about family
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 177 Final Report

Node Name Description

Financial Issues Personal stories about financial difficulties

Health Problems & or Disability Personal stories about health problems or disability

Other Personal History Other personal stories

Physical Sexual Trauma Personal stories about physical or sexual trauma

PTSD or Mental Health 

Concerns or Self Harm Personal stories about PTSD, mental health concerns, or self-harm

Positive experiences Positive experiences during participation in HUD-VASH

Interactions with staff and 

personnel Positive experiences with staff and personnel

Optimism Emotional optimism

Overall good experience General positive experiences

Program help Positive experiences getting program help

Program qualifications

Information on qualifying criteria for program and/or whether Veterans qualified 

Examples: taking a urinalysis as a part of the qualification criteria, receiving 

program qualification information

Additional requirements Miscellaneous or vague requirements that do not fit other categories

Attitudes toward qualifications Attitudes towards program qualifications

Can't recall requirements Veteran isn't aware of, or isn't very familiar with, HUD-VASH rules or requirements

Concern about or problems 

with requirements

Veteran expresses concern about, or specific problems with, following rules or 

keeping up with the requirements of the program

Consequences Consequences for not meeting HUD-VASH requirements

No problem with rules or 

qualifications Rules or qualifications of the program were not an issue

Background or medical Program qualifications related to background or medical checks

Disability qualifications or 

VA connection

Veteran told that s/he needed to have a certain percentage service-connected 

disability

Legal requirements Rules regarding legal trouble

Medical qualifications TB tests, vaccinations, etc.

Case management VA case management requirements 

Case management Rules about keeping up with VA case management, such as having to meet with the 

case manager, home visits, etc.

Class or group therapy 

attendance

Required attendance at group therapy sessions or specific classes (such as on 

budgeting or other life skills) in order to maintain housing

Income requirement Income requirements, including minimums and maximums

Pre-housing requirements Pre-housing requirements to qualify for program

Background or credit checks Specific requirements of landlords such as background checks, credit checks, or 

application fees

Housing qualifications Particular qualifications for housing

Location or region rules Rules about border/particular boundaries 

Examples: specific county lines, specific cities
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 178 Final Report

Node Name Description

Orientation attendance Requirements around attending orientation

Severity of homelessness Severity of homelessness considered a qualification for the program (or possibly for 

determining Veteran priority)

Time to use voucher Time period given to use the voucher

Renter rules and Inspection Renter rules and inspection requirements

Continued occupancy 

requirement Rules regarding how long one can be away from the apartment

Financial or renter rules Qualifications centered on financial issues or keeping up basic lessee contractual 

obligations

Inspection and 

recertification Rules for having an apartment inspected or recertified

Requirements have changed Veteran indicates that HUD-VASH requirements have changed over time

Sobriety Sobriety requirements for staying in HUD-VASH

Recommendations Veteran recommendations on how to improve HUD-VASH program

Additional assistance Recommendations about financial or informational assistance; includes programs 

for those with special needs or complex background issues

Additional locations Recommendations about the availability of additional locations for housing

No recommendations No recommendations about the HUD VASH housing program

Other recommendations General recommendations for the HUD-VASH program

Outreach and communication Improve outreach and communication about the program

Process improvements

Ways to improve the process 

Examples: improvements to paperwork, communication about requirements, 

options for unique requirements

Qualification changes Recommendations about qualification requirements

Quality housing Recommendations about improving neighborhood choices

Staffing Improvements Recommendations about staffing improvements

Examples: consistency, respect for clients, sensitivity to background issues

Relationships with case managers 

(housing authority and VA)

References to relationships with VA case manager, other VA staff or staff from 

public housing authority—both positive and negative

Examples: whether VA case manager was accessible, helpful, knowledgeable, 

communicative, compassionate

Facilitation Facilitation related to relationships with case managers

Access to resources Access to resources as a facilitator to their relationship with case manager

Helped orient to program 

(Individualized service) Program orientation as a facilitator to their relationship with case manager

Highly supportive and 

helpful Supportive and helpful case manager

Importance of accessing 

manager Importance of accessing case manager

Peer support as beneficial VA peer support as a program facilitator
Appendix C: Methods

HUD-VASH Exit Study 179 Final Report

Node Name Description

Serving as advocates for 

veterans VA case manager as advocate for Veteran

Veteran accountability Veteran accountability as program facilitator

Barriers Barriers related to relationship with case managers

High turnover High staff turnover as a barrier to relationship with case manager

Impersonal or nonempathetic interactions Impersonal or non-empathetic case managers

Irregular meetings Irregular meetings with case manager

Non-responsiveness Non responsive case manager

Unmet expectations Barriers related to unmet expectations

Veteran readiness Veteran describes readiness to access services as barrier to participation

Transportation References to transportation—both positive and negative

Facilitation Facilitators related to transportation

Living in area convenient to 

transportation Veteran lives in an area convenient to transportation

Other positive 

transportation experiences Other positive experiences related to transportation

Transportation available for 

housing search and moving 

in

Transportation is accessible 

Examples: own car, VA case manager/staff's transport to conduct housing search or 

move-in 

Barriers Barriers related to transportation

Housing search and moving 

in limiting due to lack of 

transportation

Transportation as a barrier to housing search or move in process

In need of a car or 

transportation to get around Lack of vehicle impedes on housing experience

Living in area inconvenient 

to public transportation Lack of public transportation 

Other negative 

transportation experience Other negative experiences around transportation

Remain in certain 

geographic areas due to lack 

of transportation

Veteran remains in a geographic location due to lack of transportation
HUD-VASH Exit Study 180 Final Report

APPENDIX D:

STUDY RESPONDENTS

A subsample of 508 HUD-VASH participants responded to in-person or telephone surveys. This 

appendix provides information about the subsample of study respondents as well as the 

representativeness of the subsample to the larger population of HUD-VASH participants. 

STUDY RESPONDENT SUBSAMPLE

Exhibit D.1 summarizes the respondent sample size by study site and group.

Source: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System

The program admission year for study respondents is listed in Exhibit D.2. 

Exhibit D.2 Year of program admission, study respondents

Stayers

N=365

Leased-Up 

Exiters

N=80

Nonleased 

Exiters

N=54

N % N % N %

2008 or before 21 5.8 1 1.3 0 0.0

2009 80 21.9 11 13.8 0 0.0

2010 133 36.4 15 18.8 0 0.0

2011 106 29.0 27 33.8 3 5.6

2012 22 6.0 9 11.3 21 38.9

2013 3 0.8 8 10.0 26 48.1

2014 0 0.0 9 11.3 4 7.4

Source: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System

Exhibit D.3 lists study respondents’ mean length of stay in HUD-VASH. On average, stayers 

were housed through HUD-VASH for nearly four years (1,455 days); leased-up exiters remained 

Exhibit D.1 Study respondent count

Stayers

(N=370)

Leased-Up 

Exiters

(N=80)

Nonleased 

Exiters

N=58

Total

N=508

N % N % N % N %

Houston 92 24.9 8 10.0 5 8.6 105 20.7

Los Angeles 95 25.7 25 31.3 16 27.6 136 26.8

Palo Alto 86 23.2 24 30.0 22 37.9 132 26.0

Philadelphia 97 26.2 23 28.8 15 25.9 135 26.6

Houston

N=105

Los Angeles

N=136

Palo Alto

N=132

Philadelphia

N=135

Total

N=508

N % N % N % N % N %

Stayers 92 87.6 95 69.9 86 65.2 97 71.9 370 72.8

Leased-up exiters 8 7.6 25 18.4 24 18.2 23 17.0 80 15.7

Nonleased exiters 5 4.8 16 11.8 22 16.7 15 11.1 58 11.4
Appendix D: Study Respondents

HUD-VASH Exit Study 181 Final Report

in housing for about two years (734 days) before exiting; and nonleased exiters left the program 

after about four months (122 days).

Exhibit D.3 Days in HUD-VASH, by quartile, study respondents

N 25% 50% 75% Mean

Stayers

Voucher issuance to end of observation period 363 1,309 1,526 1,754 1,535

Move-in to end of observation period 363 1,219 1,448 1,698 1,455

Leased-up exiters

Voucher issuance to exit 66 459 749 1,141 797

Move-in to exit 65 381 688 1,069 734

Nonleased exiters

Voucher issuance to exit 31 81 127 153 122

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing.

Source: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System

Exhibit D.4 provides data on the number of study respondents that remained housed through 

HUD-VASH for at least one or two years. The majority of all respondents housed through HUDVASH remained in housing for two years or more. Among leased-up exiters, over one-half 

stayed in housing for at least one year, and one-third remained for at least two years. 

Exhibit D.4 Years in HUD-VASH housing, study respondents

All Study 

Respondents

N=450

Leased-Up 

Exiters Only

N=80

N % N %

1 year or longer 414 92.0 52 65.0

2 years or longer 386 85.8 29 36.3

HUD-VASH = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing.

Source: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System

DEMOGRAPHICS

The subsample of participants responding to a survey, labeled here study respondents, was also 

overwhelmingly male (86.8 percent of stayers, 91.3 percent of leased-up exiters, and 87.3 

percent of nonleased exiters; N=500). As with study participants, nonleased exiter respondents 

were younger, on average, than both stayers and leased-up exiters. (See Exhibit D.5.) 

Exhibit D.5 Age, study respondents

Stayers

N=365

Leased-Up 

Exiters

N=80

Nonleased 

Exiters

N=55

N % N % N %

<35 16 4.4 0 0.0 10 18.2

35-44 33 9.0 9 11.3 6 10.9

45-54 170 46.6 34 42.5 20 36.4

55-64 122 33.4 32 40.0 16 29.1

≥65 24 6.6 5 6.3 3 5.5

Source: VA Medical Record
Appendix D: Study Respondents

HUD-VASH Exit Study 182 Final Report

The majority of study respondents identified as black; however, nonleased exiter respondents 

were more likely to identify as white compared with the other study groups. While the majority 

of study respondents identified as non-Hispanic, nonleased exiter respondents were more likely 

to be Hispanic. (See Exhibit D.6.)

Exhibit D.6 Race and ethnicity, study respondents 

Stayers

N=361

Leased-Up 

Exiters

N=77

Nonleased 

Exiters

N=55

N % N % N %

Race

Black or African American 239 66.2 52 67.5 30 54.5

White 104 28.8 22 28.6 24 43.6

Other 18 5.0 3 3.9 1 1.8

Ethnicity N=363 N=80 N=55

Hispanic/Latino 31 8.5 7 8.8 8 14.5

Non-Hispanic/Non-Latino 326 89.8 72 90.0 46 83.6

Multiple 6 1.7 1 1.3 1 1.8

Source: VA Medical Record

Among study respondents, stayers and leased-up exiters were slightly more likely to have never 

been married or be divorced; nonleased exiters were more likely to be married and less likely to 

be divorced. (See Exhibit D.7.)

Exhibit D.7 Marital status, study respondents

Stayers

N=364

Leased-Up 

Exiters

N=79

Nonleased 

Exiters

N=55

N % N % N %

Married 35 9.6 8 10.1 12 21.8

Widowed 12 3.3 0 0.0 3 5.5

Separated 33 9.1 6 7.6 7 12.7

Divorced 140 38.5 35 44.3 14 25.5

Never married 144 39.6 30 38.0 19 34.5

Source: VA Medical Record

Stayers were less likely than the other study groups to be receiving compensation for a serviceconnected disability (45.7 percent of stayers vs. 57.6 percent of leased-up and 47.3 percent of 

nonleased exiters). Leased-up exiter respondents were the most likely to be receiving 

compensation for a service-connected disability of 50 percent or more, while stayers and 

nonleased exiters were more evenly distributed among the service-connected disability groups. 

(See Exhibit D.8.)
Appendix D: Study Respondents

HUD-VASH Exit Study 183 Final Report

Exhibit D.8 VA enrollment priority group, study respondents

Stayers

N=365

Leased-Up 

Exiters

N=80

Nonleased 

Exiters

N=55

N % N % N %

≥50% service-connected disability 74 20.3 31 38.8 11 20.0

<50% service-connected disability 92 25.2 15 18.8 15 27.3

No service-connected disability; Medicaid-eligible 185 50.7 27 33.8 27 49.1

No service-connected disability; Not Medicaid-eligible 14 3.8 7 8.8 2 3.6

Other 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0

Source: VA Medical Record

MILITARY HISTORY

The majority of study respondents served during the Vietnam and post-Vietnam eras. Leased-up 

exiter respondents were more likely to have served in the post-Vietnam era and less likely to 

have served in the Persian Gulf War; nonleased exiters were more likely to have served in more 

recent conflicts. (See Exhibit D.9.)

Exhibit D.9 Period of service and combat exposure, study respondents

Stayers

N=365

Leased-Up 

Exiters

N=80

Nonleased 

Exiters

N=55

N % N % N %

Period of service

World War II 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0

Korean War 6 1.6 0 0.0 1 1.8

Vietnam Era 153 41.9 34 42.5 12 21.8

Post-Vietnam 134 36.7 32 40.0 19 34.5

Persian Gulf War 65 17.8 11 13.8 22 40.0

Other 7 1.9 3 3.8 1 1.8

Combat exposure

OEF/OIF deployment 15 4.1 2 2.5 7 12.7

Combat exposure 16 4.4 3 3.8 0 0.0

Source: VA Medical Record

MEDICAL AND MENTAL OR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONDITIONS

Roughly 30 percent or more of study respondents had any of the 25 medical conditions assessed 

for this study; leased-up exiters had the highest rate and were most likely to have any 

mental/behavioral health diagnosis, followed by nonleased exiters. Compared with nonleased 

exiters, leased-up exiter respondents had higher rates of depression and alcohol and drug abuse, 

while nonleased exiter respondents had higher rates of PTSD, psychoses, schizophrenia, and 

suicide and intentional self-inflicted injury. (See Exhibit D.10.)
Appendix D: Study Respondents

HUD-VASH Exit Study 184 Final Report

Exhibit D.10 Medical and mental/behavioral health conditions, study respondents

Stayers

N=365

Leased-Up 

Exiter

N=80s

Nonleased 

Exiters

N=55

N % N % N %

Medical conditions

Any medical condition 109 29.9 28 35.0 18 32.7

Most prevalent medical conditions

Hypertension 56 15.3 17 21.3 12 21.8

Diabetes, uncomplicated 30 8.2 9 11.3 5 9.1

Chronic pulmonary disease 15 4.1 5 6.3 2 3.6

Obesity 17 4.7 2 2.5 2 3.6

Traumatic brain injury 0 0.0 1 1.3 0 0.0

Mental/behavioral health conditions

Any mental/behavioral health condition 142 38.9 44 55.0 24 43.6

Post-traumatic stress disorder 21 5.8 13 16.3 11 20.0

Depression 39 10.7 19 23.8 7 12.7

Psychoses 52 14.2 18 22.5 13 23.6

Schizophrenia 27 7.4 14 17.5 10 18.2

Alcohol abuse 81 22.2 27 33.8 13 23.6

Drug abuse 100 27.4 33 41.3 17 30.9

Suicide and intentional self-inflicted injury 25 6.8 3 3.8 6 10.9

Source: VA Medical Record

REPRESENTATIVENESS OF STUDY RESPONDENT SUBSAMPLE

To assess whether the respondent sample was representative of HUD-VASH participants at the 

study sites, the research team compared the Veterans who did and did not respond to the primary 

interviews on a number of demographic variables as well as medical and mental/behavioral 

health conditions. Given the large sample size and the possibility of statistically significant 

differences that are not substantively meaningful, the research team applied a Bonferroni 

adjustment to determine the level of significance necessary to assess the representativeness of the 

respondent sample and applied a conservative alpha level of 0.001.

The study respondents were representative of HUD-VASH participants at the study sites based 

on gender; ethnicity; marital status; VA enrollment priority group; period of military service; 

experience of combat; the presence of any medical conditions and, specifically, hypertension, 

chronic pulmonary disease, obesity, and traumatic brain injury (TBI); any mental/behavioral 

health condition and, specifically, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, psychoses, 

schizophrenia, and suicide. The study respondents were not representative of the larger sample of 

program participants on the following characteristics:

• Age—Respondents were slightly younger 

• Race—Respondents were more likely to identify as black or African American

• Diabetes—Respondents had a higher rate of diabetes

• Substance use disorders—Respondents had higher rates of both alcohol and drug use

• Year of program entry—Respondents were more likely to have entered the program 

earlier, which was expected given recruitment methods
Appendix D: Study Respondents

HUD-VASH Exit Study 185 Final Report

Given that primary data collected from study respondents were used largely to provide 

subjective, contextual information and that the differences between the two groups were minimal 

and not related to the primary findings of this study, we do not think that these differences have 

any implications for the interpretation of the analyses presented in this study.
HUD-VASH Exit Study 186 Final Report

APPENDIX E:

HOUSTON SITE DESCRIPTION

The Houston HUD-VASH program operates in Harris, Galveston, and Jefferson counties. The 

coordinating VA site is the 

Michael E. DeBakey 

VAMC in Houston, TX. 

The HUD-VASH program 

has 1,695 vouchers. The 

majority of vouchers are 

held by the Houston 

Housing Authority (HHA, 

1,042) and Harris County 

Housing Authority (HCHA,

546). HHA can serve 

Veterans within the City of 

Houston, as well as up to 

five miles outside of the city 

limits. HCHA can serve 

Veterans anywhere within 

the county. 

HOUSING CONTEXT

The following maps provide context for the housing markets in which Veterans participating in 

the Houston HUD-VASH program conducted their housing search. 

Map 1 outlines low, very low, and 

extremely low income areas based 

on median county income. Lower 

income areas, which are shaded 

darker, are closer to the center of 

the City of Houston and there are 

very few low income areas in 

Harris County. The VAMC, other 

Vet Centers, and CBOCs, as well 

as HCHA and HHA, are located in 

areas that are not low income, 

indicating that Veterans in HUDVASH likely have to travel to 

access VA services and meet with 

housing authority staff.
Appendix E: Houston Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 187 Final Report

Map 2 depicts median gross rent 

by quartile; the darkest areas have 

the lowest rent. The areas with the 

lowest median rent are often the 

same as those with the lowest 

incomes and are more densely 

located in the center of the City of 

Houston. While there are some low 

rent areas close to the HHA, the 

VAMC, Vet Centers, and CBOCS, 

as well as HCHA, are located in 

areas where Veterans in HUDVASH will be unlikely to afford 

housing.

Map 3 provides details on the 

rental vacancy rate by quartile; 

areas with lower vacancy rates are 

shaded darker. This map indicates 

that the housing market is 

generally tighter in Harris County 

than the City of Houston. 

Additionally, vacancy rates vary 

throughout the city, so it is likely 

that housing is available in most 

areas. 

VA Case Management

The site has 69 VA staff serving Veterans, including three supervisors, 66 case managers, four 

peer support specialists, three SUD specialists (each with a case management load), two housing 

specialists (one specialist, one coordinator), three physicians, and one nurse. The program also 

partners with vocational rehabilitation to provide three employment specialists to assist HUDVASH clients. The case load is 1:38. The case management staff comprises 11 teams at seven 

locations.
Appendix E: Houston Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 188 Final Report

Team Associated Housing Authority Service Location Team 

Composition

Blue

Houston Housing Authority 

Houston VAMC

Silver Houston VAMC

Green Domiciliary

Pearl Houston Housing Authority

Purple Houston Housing Authority, Harris 

County Housing Authority Travis Street ACT Team

Red

Gold Harris County Housing Authority Harris County Housing Authority

Aqua ACT Team

Galveston Galveston Housing Authority Galveston CBOC 1 person

Beaumont Beaumont Housing Authority Beaumont CBOC 1 person

OUTREACH

Three entities in Houston conduct outreach and screenings for all local VHA Homeless Programs: 

the Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team (HPACT) located at the VAMC, McGovern Drop-In 

Center located in the community, and the VA’s Community Resource & Referral Center. A number 

of community-based organizations—including Goodwill, Salvation Army, and US Vets—conduct 

outreach and recruit Veterans for the program. Outreach also takes place in prisons and jails. 

REFERRALS AND ELIGIBILITY

Staff at each of the outreach/drop-in locations conduct an initial intake of 10–15 questions. This 

intake verifies the Veteran’s self-reported housing status and collects paperwork and 

identification required for the HUD-VASH application. Veterans must be chronically homeless 

to be eligible for and referred to HUD-VASH. The housing authority determines eligibility for 

the voucher based on the Veteran’s income and criminal background. During this initial referral 

period, Veterans are encouraged to provide required eligibility and enrollment documents, such 

as proof of identity and income. 

TARGETING

The HUD-VASH program targets chronically homeless Veterans.

REFERRAL & ADMISSION

If the 10–15 question screen determines that the Veteran is eligible for HUD-VASH, staff 

completing the form forward this information and a standard intake assessment to the VA 

housing coordinator. The VA housing coordinator, who is responsible for processing referrals 

when there are available vouchers, assigns the Veteran to a housing authority and associated VA 

case management team and provides a referral to the VA team lead. The VA team lead then 

distributes the referrals among the VA case managers based on case load. The assigned VA case 

manager reviews the screening notes to ensure that the Veteran is eligible for HUD-VASH and 

then follows up with the Veteran to schedule a meeting to enroll in the program. VA case 

managers do not complete a second screening; however, if the Veteran has been housed since the 

initial screening since s/he may no longer qualify for the program. 
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VOUCHER APPLICATION

The VA case management team works with two housing authorities: HHA and HCHA. The 

housing authorities have worked together to create a shared HUD-VASH application to 

streamline the application process. Despite these efforts, however, each housing authority has a 

slightly different application process and required documents. 

Both HHA and HCHA receive a list of referrals from the VA housing coordinator that includes 

Veterans’ names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth, allowing the housing authorities to 

complete the sex offender check and eligibility verifications in advance of meeting with the 

Veteran. Each housing authority has a unique voucher process:

• HHA—Briefings are scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 am. At that time, all 

paperwork for both the VA and housing authority is completed and Veterans receive their 

vouchers. 

• HCHA—An initial meeting is scheduled with the HCHA case manager on Thursdays. 

The VA case manager typically meets with Veterans directly before this meeting to 

provide an overview of the program. The voucher briefing is scheduled for the following 

Thursday. 

A Veteran is not considered to be admitted to HUD-VASH until s/he is assigned to a VA case 

management team and the voucher application is submitted to the housing authority. 

HOUSING SEARCH

The Houston VA case management team indicates that it does not require VA case management 

during the housing process; however, the VA case manager is in regular contact with the Veteran 

during this time. Veterans in Houston are issued vouchers for an initial 60-day period, which can 

be extended following a VA case manager’s request or by a direct request to the housing 

authority by the Veteran. Some Veterans are housed quickly because they have selected a 

location or housing unit prior to receiving the voucher. If the Veteran is having difficulties 

finding a unit—often related to his/her background—the housing specialist will assist the 

Veteran or a VA case manager will accompany the Veteran on housing searches. The peer 

support specialist may also assist with the housing search. In general, VA case managers and 

other staff provide the level of support that Veterans need to access housing. 

Both housing authorities maintain housing lists but the VA case management teams recommend 

that Veterans use the internet to search for units. The VA case managers advocate for, support, 

and educate the Veteran in selecting a unit of his/her choice. 

During group and individual meetings, VA case managers discuss potential barriers to housing 

that Veterans may experience and ways to address these concerns. For example, if a Veteran has 

a felony charge or a history of broken leases and substance abuse, it may be difficult to locate 

housing, particularly in a desirable area. The HUD-VASH case management team has developed 

resources to address issues such as eviction, deposits/utilities, income, and criminal backgrounds, 

including developing relationships with property owners willing to work with Veterans. Because 

lack of income can be a challenge in accessing and maintaining housing, the HCHA allows a 

case-by-case hardship waiver for Veterans with no income. 
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There are several Veteran-specific buildings in Houston that accept HUD-VASH participants. 

However, some of these are known to have rampant drug use, prostitution, and criminal activity. 

Veterans are encouraged to look for units that will support their goals of sobriety and not 

engaging in criminal behaviors. 

INSPECTION

The housing authorities have expedited the inspection process for HUD-VASH applicants. 

Reinspections typically have a quick turn-around. In a recent innovation, housing authorities 

have begun to allow property owners to photograph repairs and submit them in lieu of an inperson inspection, which has further expedited this process. In addition, there are a number of 

project-based vouchers in Houston, all of which are pre-inspected and ready for move-in.

MOVE-IN

Previously, the means for Veterans to access SSVF for security deposit assistance was a multistep process where VA case managers served as intermediaries between Veterans and SSVF; this 

required requests for assistance to be made at the level of the VISN Homeless Coordinator. This 

process was drawn out, not allowing Veterans to collect deposits in a timely manner and leading 

to threats of eviction. Recently, this procedure was changed so that Veterans can now apply to 

SSVF directly for assistance with move-in funds. 

The Houston VA case management team has a relationship with several organizations that offer 

furniture vouchers. However, some require that Veterans receive additional case management 

through their agencies. The VA case management team stated that accessing furniture is a 

persistent challenge for Veterans. 

VA CASE MANAGEMENT

Houston participated in the 14-site Housing First Pilot that was overseen by NCHAV. The entire 

HUD-VASH VA case management team transitioned from individual care to a team approach in 

July 2013. Each VA case management team meets at least twice a week (“huddles”) and one VA 

case manager on each team is assigned an office day to handle paperwork and serve as the main 

point of contact for emergencies and calendaring issues; these staff are available Monday 

through Friday for walk-in appointments. The teams determine which VA case manager will see 

each Veteran based on the location of other meetings scheduled throughout the day. The teams 

believe that Veterans know that staff are always available to help them with their issues as each 

Veteran has up to six VA case managers. VA case managers described using each team 

member’s strengths and areas of expertise to provide a balance to the teams and better serve 

Veterans. 

During the housing search, Veterans are expected to be in contact with their VA case managers 

on a regular basis; a monthly face-to-face meeting with the VA case manager and monthly 

contact with a VA housing specialist is the minimum required. A VA case manager may reach 

out daily or weekly through phone or in-person meetings, depending on the Veteran’s 

preference, to get an update and help address barriers to housing. VA case managers also make a 

concerted effort to ensure Veterans understand their leases. 

Each Veteran works with a VA case management team to create a psychosocial treatment plan. 

Veterans typically utilize the VA as their treatment center, but VA case managers also try to 
Appendix E: Houston Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 191 Final Report

connect them to community resources. The teams indicated that chronically homeless Veterans 

take a longer time to stabilize in housing and often have multiple instances of housing instability; 

for this population, the teams make use of all available resources. 

After Veterans are housed, VA case managers meet with them as needed—usually monthly—at a 

convenient place, ideally a Veteran’s home but also their place of employment, the VA, or other 

locations. VA case managers have access to cars, laptops, cellphones, and wireless hot-spots, so 

they are able to conduct much of their work in the field and they will drop-in at a Veteran’s 

home, hangout spots, and/or hospital appointments if they are having difficulty reaching their 

client.

HUD-VASH participants may take part in regular meetings. Thrives, an optional weekly 

orientation group, covers topics such as initial enrollment, voucher issuance, the housing search, 

and community resources. This group helps Veterans navigate the program and stay connected 

with the VA case management team. At the time of voucher issuance, the VA case management 

teams hold an optional meet-and-greet at least monthly where Veterans can meet all of the VA 

case managers and other HUD-VASH participants who have been through the housing process 

and can give advice on issues such as utilities and housing complexes.

Houston VA case management utilizes the following evidence-based practices: Assertive 

Community Treatment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Harm Reduction, Motivational 

Interviewing, Transtheoretical Model/Stages of Change, Twelve Step Facilitation, Critical Time 

Intervention, Intensive Case Management, Peer Support/Mentoring, Supported Employment, 

Housing First, and SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery.

PORTS

The VA case management team indicated that Veterans who live locally in areas without an 

assigned housing authority can use a Houston voucher in those areas. Otherwise, the Veteran 

needs to port to another housing authority to live outside of the Houston VA case management 

service boundaries. One concern in dealing with ports is the Veteran’s VA case management 

needs and ensuring the Veteran continues to receive needed services and supports. Additionally, 

understanding the eligibility criteria, income limits, and payment standards of the receiving 

housing authority are important to ensure the Veteran can maintain housing stability. 

REASONS FOR EXITS

Leased-Up Exiters

The VA case management team identified a number of reasons why Veterans may exit HUDVASH after leasing a housing unit:

• Increase in income—Often, increases in income are related to Veterans accessing benefits 

or obtaining employment, making them ineligible for the program, or the portion of rent 

paid by the housing authority becomes so small that the Veteran returns the voucher.

• Readiness—Veterans may not be ready to live alone. This happens most often among 

those who have been chronically homeless. 
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• Nonpayment of rent—Rent payments are particularly difficult for Veterans with limited 

incomes who may not be able to repay the housing authority should they fall behind in 

payments. 

• Program violations—Program violations may include having additional people living in 

the unit who are not listed on the voucher. 

• Noncompliance with VA case management

• SUD—Veterans with a history of substance abuse may relapse and end up losing their 

housing. 

• Incarceration

• Unit abandonment

• Eviction

Nonleased Exiters

The VA case management team identified a number of reasons why Veterans may leave the 

HUD-VASH program after they have received a voucher but prior to obtaining a housing unit:

• Mass briefings—During the 100,000 Homes Campaign, the VA and housing authorities 

conducted mass voucher briefings with up to 50 Veterans at one time to quickly house 

them. The VA case management teams described a possible relationship between these 

mass briefings and Veterans exiting HUD-VASH prior to leasing a unit, due in part to 

VA case managers’ inability to establish rapport. The team described losing contact with 

these Veterans more easily, especially those who did not have phones. Additionally, they 

believed that Veterans who enrolled in HUD-VASH during the mass briefings did not 

have a clear understanding of VA case management requirements and when they learned 

about the expectations of the program, they decided not to participate.

• Voucher as safety net—VA case managers have found that some Veterans are living with 

family or friends and view the HUD-VASH voucher as a safety net in case their current 

housing situation becomes unstable rather than as a mechanism for getting into housing. 

If Veterans do not need an alternative living situation, they do not use the voucher after it 

is issued.

• Isolation—VA case managers felt that some Veterans exited HUD-VASH before finding 

housing because they preferred living with other people or a roommate, which is not 

usually permitted for HUD-VASH participants due to voucher restrictions. Veterans 

living in encampments express a fear of loneliness when they move into their own 

apartment. 

• Motivation—A lack of motivation, often paired with an unwillingness to meet with a VA 

case manager in-person, contributes to Veteran exits during the housing search process. 

• Challenging process—Veterans may find the process, from program admission to 

accessing housing, to be too difficult.

• Loss of contact—VA case managers lose contact with the Veteran during the housing 

search process
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 193 Final Report

VETERANS IN CRISIS

Veterans in crisis are identified by self-report, observation, or referral. If they are having a 

financial crisis, the VA case manager will coordinate a referral to an outside agency. If they are 

having a medical or mental health crisis they are referred to trained clinicians (licensed social 

workers) and have access to medical care at the VA hospital.

GRADUATION

The goal is for Veterans enrolled in HUD-VASH to graduate from the program, give up VA case 

management but retain the voucher if needed. To be eligible for graduation, the Veteran must be 

stably housed and able to pay his/her bills, maintain a steady income, attend all medical 

appointments, manage mental health issues, if applicable, and be compliant with medications or 

other doctor’s orders. In addition, the Veteran must be able to manage his/her own housing, 

interact with the housing authority, and handle the voucher recertification process without VA 

case management. 

VA case managers have an open door policy for graduated Veterans; Veterans know that if an 

issue arises, they can still receive support. Even if a Veteran is eligible for a traditional HCV, 

s/he will continue to receive HUD-VASH VA case management for at least one year following 

graduation. 

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AGENCIES

Both housing authorities have staff dedicated to HUD-VASH. A VA housing coordinator meets 

with each housing authority and VA case management team weekly, acting as a liaison between 

the two parties. 

Since VA case management is collocated with HCHA, direct contact between VA case managers 

and the housing authority is possible, making communication easy and efficient, with responses 

“in real time.” Communication processes with HHA are undergoing some changes to become 

more efficient; VA case managers stated that it would be ideal to collocate with the HHA as 

well. 

FACILITATORS OF HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

The Houston VA case management team identified a number of facilitators of housing 

sustainability for Veterans in the HUD-VASH program:

• Relationship with VA case manager—Establishing rapport with Veterans facilitates 

housing sustainability. HUD-VASH participants often have limited social support and the 

VA case management team becomes an objective, supportive force that is available at 

any time to help them move forward. Veterans look forward to meeting with the VA case 

managers, which helps them sustain stable housing because they want to maintain contact 

and communication with the team. VA case managers also believe that they can empower 

Veterans to advocate for themselves. 

• Advocacy—VA case managers advocate for Veterans with property owners, who may be 

less rigid with Veterans than the general population. Property owners are more likely to 

rent a unit to Veterans who have a VA case manager to call if there is a housing concern.. 

The housing specialist, in particular, can assist Veterans with the housing search. 
Appendix E: Houston Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 194 Final Report

• Employment—The employment specialist helps Veterans find stable income to maintain 

their housing. Integrating VA and non-VA resources and educating Veterans about 

resources is also important. 

BARRIERS FOR HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

Veterans in Houston face a number of challenges in accessing and sustaining housing, including 

the following:

• Lack of communication—The lack of communication about HUD-VASH that occurred 

during the mass voucher briefings was notable. Veterans who entered HUD-VASH 

during a mass briefing often did not fully understand the program. During these briefings, 

staff were dealing with a large volume of applicants and were unable to spend sufficient 

time providing a thorough explanation of the program and its expectations, and the large 

group environment prevented Veterans from asking questions. Another challenge to 

housing stability is the VA case manager’s inability to communicate with Veterans unless 

they present at a designated service location for VA case management as many do not 

have a phone. 

• Personal history—Common barriers to housing are past eviction, prior broken leases, 

poor credit, and criminal backgrounds, including felonies and arson. Veterans in recovery 

may have federal charges and the only property owners willing to rent to them are in 

locations that compromise their recovery.

• Unethical property owners—Unscrupulous property owners may offer quick leases 

without inspection or having the HAP contract signed. Veterans have also been told that 

all utilities are covered under the voucher and then asked by the property owner to sign a 

lease that does not include utilities, leaving the Veteran with utility arrearages. Some 

Veterans with rent arrearages have been told by property owners that they can leave and 

the property owner will not follow-up on the missing rent when, in actuality, the property 

owner subsequently evicted the Veteran, making him/her ineligible for a HCV in the 

future. 

• Financial issues—Veterans with no or low income may have difficulty paying the rent 

due to money mismanagement, sometimes related to literacy issues and learning 

disabilities. While SSVF may provide funds at the beginning of the HUD-VASH housing 

process, there are few resources to assist Veterans with rent arrearages and there are 

limits on how long a community group can help with rent.

• Untreated cognitive/mental/behavioral health conditions—Veterans with PTSD, TBI, or 

SUD may have difficulty accessing and maintaining housing. 

• Transition from homelessness—The transition from living on the streets to renting a 

housing unit is easier for some Veterans than others. HUD-VASH may require that 

Veterans learn a new way of interacting in the world that is too stressful or challenging 

for some. 

• Lack of furniture—A lack of resources for Veterans to set up their housing units makes 

the HUD-VASH unit not seem like home. Often, to qualify for a furniture voucher, the 

Veteran must be physically homeless. If a Veteran receives a voucher and signs the lease 

before receiving furniture, s/he is ineligible for this assistance. 
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PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS / RECOMMENDATIONS

The VA case management team recommends meeting with Veterans individually at the start of 

the program. The team indicated that mass briefings make it difficult to assist Veterans and 

ensure they sustain housing. 

The VA case management team would like to incorporate additional housing specialists into 

their staff. Housing specialists can be particularly helpful with Veterans who have special needs 

or felony records In addition to assisting with the housing search, the housing specialists can 

speak to property owners on the Veterans’ behalf. 

Houston Housing Authority

HHA has two housing specialists dedicated to HUD-VASH. Veterans are served by HHA staff at 

the housing authority. Details on HHA’s voucher issuance and payment standards are shown in 

the table below:

Payment Standard 97% FMR or 102% FMR depending on zip code, 110% FMR in opportunity 

areas

Portion of Rent that is Veteran’s 

Responsibility 30–40%

Initial Voucher Issuance Period 60 days

HHA and HCHA use the same application for HUD-VASH, though both require different 

accompanying documents. 

VOUCHER APPLICATION 

Veterans are informed of the documents needed to enroll in HUD-VASH at their initial point of 

entry into the program, whether it be the VAMC, the drop-in center, or through community 

outreach. VA case managers then request specific information from Veterans during the initial 

HUD-VASH intake, which includes completing a release allowing the VA to share their 

information with the housing authority. During a second intake with VA case managers, 

Veterans are given details on the application process, told again what documents are needed, and 

informed of the date, time, and location of the next meeting with HHA. Regular meetings are 

held weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the housing authority, though additional meetings 

may take place in the community when there are a large number of voucher issuances occurring 

at once. 

Following the intake process, the VA housing coordinator gives the HHA a referral list that 

includes Veterans’ names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth. This allows the HHA to 

complete the sex offender check and eligibility verifications in advance of meeting with the 

Veteran. This list of names is provided on Monday for the Veterans scheduled to attend a regular 

meeting on Tuesday or Thursday of that week. 

The application is completed during the meeting with the housing authority. 
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VOUCHER BRIEFING

Veterans generally meet with HHA only one time to complete the HUD-VASH application and 

participate in a voucher briefing. Regular meetings are held at the HHA on Tuesdays and 

Thursdays. The VA case management team provides transportation from the VA to the housing 

authority on Tuesdays, while Veterans are responsible for their own transportation on Thursdays. 

Additional meetings may be held in the community. 

HOUSING SEARCH

HHA refers Veterans to online resources for use during their housing search, including the HCV 

website and social services on the Harris County Resource Center website. The housing authority 

has space available in its offices for clients to access housing sites and do online housing 

searches, and the city has a call center that Veterans can use in their housing search.

HHA also operates 150 project-based vouchers at two Veteran-specific sites downtown: Travis 

Street Plaza Apartments and Midtown Terrace. There are also several other locations with a large 

concentration of Veterans, including The DeGeorge. 

INSPECTION, HAP CONTRACT, AND LEASE

Once the Veteran identifies a unit, the RFTA must be submitted to HHA. An inspection can then 

be scheduled. Veterans are given priority during the scheduling of inspections across all groups 

served by HHA. Before an inspection is set up, the rental offer is determined by looking at rent 

comparables in the area of the selected unit. This allows the inspector to negotiate rent during the 

inspection. Rent negotiations are more likely to be an issue for Veterans living with family 

members. For singles, most property owners accept the initial rent offer. 

Most units in Houston fail the first inspection, so move-in is delayed while property owners 

make repairs and schedule a second inspection. It takes an average of three weeks between 

submission of the RFTA and the unit passing inspection. Once the unit does pass inspection and 

the property owner accepts the rent offer, the Veteran can move in immediately. 

The lease is executed between the property owner and the Veteran. By law, the VA case manager 

cannot be involved in this process but can provide education to the Veteran about signing a 

contract/lease. The HAP contract is executed between the property owner and the housing 

authority. 

PORTS

HHA described a port as a transfer of a Veteran from one jurisdiction to another. To port a 

voucher, the Veteran alerts his/her VA case manager and housing authority that s/he would like 

to port. The accepting location can either accept or decline the request. The port must be 

coordinated to ensure that the voucher is released in the first location before the Veteran moves; 

a Veteran cannot have two vouchers open at the same time.

REEXAMINATIONS

HHA processes decreases in income immediately, with changes in rent going into effect during 

the following month. Increases in income are only processed during the annual recertification. 
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 197 Final Report

ANNUAL RECERTIFICATION

HHA sends Veterans a letter and recertification packet with a 90-day notice to begin the 

recertification process. VA case managers are also notified of these timelines, and they will 

contact Veterans to remind them about the recertification. Once a Veteran completes the 

recertification packet, the VA case manager scans the documents to store in the Veteran’s record. 

REASONS FOR EXITS

As HHA houses an increasing number of Veterans through HUD-VASH, they feel that the 

process is getting more difficult, even as procedures are becoming more streamlined and 

efficient. The housing authority indicated that Veterans who were most able to engage with the 

VA case manager and housing process have already been housed, leaving the most difficult to 

serve still on the street. 

Leased-Up Exiters

HHA identified a number of reasons why Veterans may exit HUD-VASH after leasing a housing 

unit:

• Lease violations—Lease violations range from behavioral issues that are causing 

problems with neighbors or the property owner to nonpayment of rent. 

• Noncompliance with recertification 

• Noncompliance with VA case management

• Loss of contact– If the housing authority is unable to contact the Veteran with regard to 

compliance issues, the Veteran may be terminated from the program.

• Graduation—Veterans who graduate from VA case management can be moved to a 

regular HCV. 

• Unit abandonment

• Voluntary withdrawal from the program

Nonleased Exiters

HHA identified a number of reasons why Veterans may leave the HUD-VASH program after 

they have received a voucher but prior to obtaining a housing unit:

• Personal history—Veterans with a criminal background, poor credit history, or histories 

of eviction have more difficulty finding a unit that will accept them. 

• Motivation—Some Veterans lack the motivation needed to be successful in completing 

the steps necessary to find housing through the HUD-VASH program.

• Transition from homelessness—Veterans who have a long history of homelessness are 

connected to street life and find the transition to looking for and getting housing 

overwhelming. 

• Mental illness
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VETERANS IN CRISIS

When HHA learns that Veterans are facing housing issues, they typically attempt to contact the 

Veteran via mail. HHA staff may also contact the VA case manager to get the issue resolved. 

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AGENCIES

HHA has regular meetings with supervisory staff in an effort to improve the program. Recently, 

HUD-VASH program staff from the housing authority and VA case managers met to allow staff 

to get to know each other and improve collaboration between the agencies. 

FACILITATORS OF HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

HHA identified a number of facilitators of housing sustainability for Veterans in the HUDVASH program:

• HUD-VASH Boot Camps—During these events, agencies throughout the community 

reviewed the current housing process and collaborated on how to improve it.

• Opportunity areas—HHA has a waiver to pay up to 110% FMR in opportunity areas. 

This allows clients to move into nicer areas, usually with better schools and more 

community resources. 

• Collaboration with VA and local partners—Working together to achieve a common goal 

enables all providers to reach their objective of ending Veteran homelessness. Projects 

like the 100,000 Homes Campaign and Houston’s Heros have enabled the housing 

authority to work with partners to reach what some might consider unattainable goals. 

BARRIERS TO HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

Veterans in Houston face a number of challenges in accessing and sustaining housing, including 

the following:

• Mass briefings—During the 100,000 Homes Campaign, the HHA took part in multiple 

mass voucher briefings. Though the housing authority was able to meet its enrollment 

goals through these events, these mass briefings had inefficiencies that led to lower 

success rates than those achieved through individual intakes and briefings with fewer 

Veterans. Mass briefings are no longer conducted.

• Challenging process—HHA has worked hard to deal with inefficiencies within the HUDVASH application and housing process. At one time, HHA enumerated the steps 

involved in housing Veterans and determined that the Veteran had to move through 57 

steps. HHA has since worked with the VA to make the process more lean and reduce 

barriers for Veterans entering the program. Given that HUD-VASH requires so many 

points of contact with Veterans, there is a high likelihood of mistakes. As the number of 

steps in the process are decreased so, too, are the number of errors that occur. 

PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS / RECOMMENDATIONS

HHA has a number of recommendations that they believe could make HUD-VASH more 

efficient and better serve Veterans. One suggestion was improving coordinated access to and use 

of the Vulnerability Index to determine the appropriate level of housing for individual Veterans. 
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HUD-VASH Exit Study 199 Final Report

For example, it may be that some Veterans would do better in transitional housing than living 

independently through the HUD-VASH program. It would be helpful if the coordinated access 

intake could better determine the services that Veterans receive so that a Veteran who is not 

ready for independent housing is not using a voucher unsuccessfully, while another Veteran who 

could use the voucher effectively must wait. 

Similarly, it would be helpful if the VA and HHA systems could work in tandem so that both 

agencies had access to the same information. At times, information in HOMES would be useful 

to HHA staff who are not permitted access to that system, which includes consent forms. Having 

one system would make HUD-VASH operate much more effectively. 

HUD-VASH participants at HHA would also benefit from more flexibility in program 

requirements. The housing authority understands that, ideally, the Veteran would be involved in 

a minimal number of interactions; however, additional interactions are often necessary to fulfill 

program requirements. For example, it can be difficult for Veterans to provide income 

verifications, which can delay the housing process. If HHA can confirm that the Veteran is 

eligible and will be paying a standard amount, it would be beneficial if they could waive the 

income verification requirement. 

HHA has found that inspections and reinspections often delay the housing and recertification 

processes. The housing authority would like to certify property owners who consistently meet 

inspection guidelines. Additionally, having less frequent inspections would be helpful for 

completing recertifications in a more timely way. 

Finally, the HHA is aware that some area property owners exploit HUD-VASH Veterans, often 

because Veterans participating in the program have few housing options. The housing authority 

would like to be able to debar property owners who engage in unethical practices so that they are 

held accountable for their actions and understand that they will not be able to continue to rent to 

tenants receiving housing assistance if they continue this behavior. 

Harris County Housing Authority

HCHA has two staff who work on HUD-VASH, including a supervisor (Director of the HCV 

Program) and one case manager. Veterans are served by HCHA staff at the housing authority. 

Details on HCHA’s voucher issuance and payment standards are shown in the table below:

Payment Standard 100% FMR, 110% FMR in opportunity areas

Portion of Rent that is Veteran’s 

Responsibility 30%

Initial Voucher Issuance Period 60 days

HHA and HCHA use the same application for HUD-VASH, though both require different 

accompanying documents.

VOUCHER APPLICATION 

The HUD-VASH HCHA case manager meets with the VA housing coordinator on Tuesdays to 

discuss the availability of vouchers and schedule voucher meetings. The VA housing coordinator 

provides the housing authority with a list of Veterans who will be referred to the HCHA. This 
Appendix E: Houston Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 200 Final Report

allows the housing authority to complete the sex offender check and eligibility verifications in 

advance. The housing authority schedules a voucher application meeting, which is conducted on 

Thursdays at HCHA, typically with a group of Veterans rather than individually. VA case 

managers meet with Veterans first to complete their part of the assessment before introducing the 

Veterans to the HCHA case manager. The HCHA case manager shows the Veterans a film about 

HUD-VASH, reviews the application packet and the rules and regulations of the program, and 

answers any questions Veterans have about the program or materials. 

VOUCHER BRIEFING

Prior to the scheduled voucher briefing, The HCHA case manager reviews the completed 

application packet provided by the VA case manager. If any required documents are missing or 

out of date (as is often the case since Veterans submit documents during the initial referral 

phase), the HCHA case manager contacts Veterans regarding additional documents to process 

the application. 

The voucher briefing typically takes place one week after the initial HCHA meeting, also on a 

Thursday. During the voucher briefing, Veterans are provided with a housing packet that 

includes a Housing Estimator to help them determine which units they will qualify for and the 

rent they will be expected to pay. Recently, the housing authority has started to include 

community providers in these meetings, allowing Veterans to learn about additional community 

resources, such as move-in assistance. A list of additional community providers is also available. 

HOUSING SEARCH

The HCHA case manager assists Veterans in their housing search, particularly those who have 

criminal histories or other background characteristics that may make it more difficult to find a 

unit. HCHA has relationships with property owners and has identified several who will accept 

Veterans with a criminal history. There are also two specific properties where the housing 

authority will refer Veterans who have exhausted all other options. While these properties are not 

ideal, because of criminal activity in the area, they do provide housing for Veterans who have 

been unable to find other options. 

Once the Veteran identifies a unit, the RFTA is completed and submitted to the VA case 

manager. The VA case manager then passes the RFTA to the HCHA inspection department.

INSPECTION, HAP CONTRACT, AND LEASE

The housing authority negotiates rent prior to the inspection by reviewing rent comparables in 

the area of the selected unit. The majority of property owners in Harris County accept the initial 

rent offer; however, all units must pass inspection prior to the Veteran moving in. 

HCHA prioritizes inspections for HUD-VASH Veterans and schedules them as soon as possible 

after RFTAs are submitted. Other HCHA clients must submit the packet by the 15th of the 

month but Veterans are able to submit the RFTA at any time. Inspections typically take place 

within a day or two unless there is a tenant in the unit. Units usually pass the first inspection. 

Once a unit passes inspection, the HCHA case manager contacts the property owner to discuss 

the HAP contract and Veteran move-in. It is possible for the inspection and contract to be 

completed on the same day that the RFTA is submitted but it usually occurs up to four days later. 

The property owner and the Veteran plan for the Veteran to move in. 
Appendix E: Houston Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 201 Final Report

PORTS

The Houston VA case management teams are currently not accepting any incoming ports from 

other HUD-VASH programs. However, Veterans are allowed to port to another HUD-VASH 

program. To port from HCHA to another housing authority, a Veteran must first be accepted into 

VA case management at the receiving VA HUD-VASH program. If the receiving program has 

available vouchers, the Veteran will receive a voucher directly from the accepting housing 

authority. If the receiving location does not have any available vouchers, the receiving housing 

authority can bill HCHA for the Veteran’s voucher. 

REEXAMINATIONS

Both increases and decreases in income are processed immediately at the HCHA, with changes 

to rent going into effect the following month.

ANNUAL RECERTIFICATION

HCHA conducts annual recertification with Veterans in HUD-VASH. The housing authority 

informs VA case managers about upcoming recertifications so they can assist Veterans in 

completing this process. The HCHA case managers provide VA case managers with the dates 

and times of recertification appointments so they can plan to attend them. 

REASONS FOR EXITS

Leased-Up Exiters

HCHA identified a number of reasons why Veterans may exit HUD-VASH after leasing a 

housing unit:

• Increase in income—Veterans who are found to be over-income are able to remain in the 

HUD-VASH program for six months. If their income does not decrease during that time, 

they are terminated after this six month period. If, however, they experience a decrease in 

income, they can remain in the program and continue to receive rental assistance. 

• Noncompliance with recertification

• Noncompliance with VA case management

• Unit abandonment

• SUD

• Mental illness

Nonleased Exiters

HCHA identified a number of reasons why Veterans may leave the HUD-VASH program after 

they have received a voucher but prior to obtaining a housing unit:

• Personal history—HCHA indicated that Veterans with a criminal history have a difficult 

time finding housing where they will be accepted as tenants. This is a major concern in 

the Houston area. 
Appendix E: Houston Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 202 Final Report

• Financial issues—The HUD-VASH program requires Veterans to pay a portion of the 

rent, with a minimum responsibility of $50. Veterans without income cannot afford to 

rent a unit with the voucher. HCHA has started to offer zero-income Veterans a hardship 

waiver so that they will not have an obligation to pay any portion of the rent; this has 

helped reduce this type of exit. 

• Loss of contact

• Mental illness

• Incarceration 

VETERANS IN CRISIS

The HCHA case manager is very involved with the Veterans served through HUD-VASH and 

ensures that Veterans understand that the lease signed with the property owner is a legally 

binding contract. The housing authority mediates housing issues so that Veterans’ future ability 

to receive assistance is not negatively impacted. One option HCHA often uses is a mutual 

agreement between the Veteran and the property owner that releases the Veteran from the lease 

obligation, particularly for Veterans who are entering long-term treatment programs (Veterans 

entering programs less than 30 days long may remain in their units). Having a mutual agreement 

in place allows Veterans to return to HUD-VASH with fewer issues following treatment. 

If the housing authority learns about a housing issue once an eviction is already in process, the 

HCHA case manager will try to stop the eviction and get a mutual agreement in place. The 

Veteran can then be issued a new voucher for a new unit. On occasion, the VA case management 

team asks the housing authority for flexibility due to Veteran crises. There are times, however, 

when the HCHA is unable to accommodate VA requests because they are against their 

regulations. 

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AGENCIES

Since HCHA and VA case managers are collocated at the housing authority, the teams are in 

constant communication. The HCHA case manager and the VA housing coordinator meet 

weekly. The housing authority has provided the VA case managers with frequently used 

documents so they can assist Veterans with housing questions or concerns. This has also allowed 

the VA case managers to become more familiar with the housing authority’s procedures and 

processes, improving their understanding and ability to communicate with Veterans. 

FACILITATORS OF HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

HCHA identified a number of facilitators of housing sustainability for Veterans in the HUDVASH program:

• Collocation of HCHA and VA—The co-location of the HCHA and VA has made the 

program more efficient and productive. Both teams share the same vision and collaborate 

to determine how best to serve Veterans. The shared work space also allows the HCHA 

case manager to refer Veterans directly to the VA case managers on-site. 

• Veteran relationships with HUD-VASH staff—The HCHA case manager is very 

involved with the Veterans served through the housing authority. To keep Veterans in 
Appendix E: Houston Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 203 Final Report

HUD-VASH, HCHA staff work to understand the story behind Veterans’ issues rather 

than accepting termination. In addition, Veterans often trust the HCHA case manager 

with their problems, allowing the housing authority to follow-up with Veterans’ VA case 

managers to ensure that they receive the support and assistance they need. 

• Veteran pride—HCHA described the pride Veterans feel when they receive their housing 

packets during the voucher briefing, which translates into taking responsibility for their 

own progress and housing situation. 

• Small size of HUD-VASH program—HCHA is able to be flexible and respond to 

changing demands because of the program’s small size. The HCHA case manager knows 

all of the HUD-VASH Veterans by name and is able to personally assist them through 

their housing search and annual recertifications. 

BARRIERS TO HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

Veterans in Houston face a number of challenges in accessing and sustaining housing, including 

the following:

• Chronically homeless Veterans—When Houston began to focus on the chronically 

homeless Veteran population, the length of time to lease-up increased and attrition rates 

rose. 

• Move-in assistance—Many property owners will not let Veterans move in without a letter 

from a service provider that is offering financial assistance. Many providers require 

specific documents, such as proof of a passed inspection, which can delay a Veteran’s 

move into the unit. 

• Criminal background and credit histories

• Application fees

PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS / RECOMMENDATIONS

Given the high attrition rate in HUD-VASH, the biggest challenge for HCHA is receiving 

enough referrals from the VA to keep all of their vouchers in use. The HCHA reports that they 

have requested additional referrals but do not receive them. They have also asked for an 

explanation of how the VA referral process works so that this issue could be addressed. HCHA 

expressed interest in obtaining a larger voucher allocation so that they can better meet the 

housing needs of Houston’s large vulnerable Veteran population. 

Step-by-Step Processes

The following chart summarizes the steps in the process of housing Veterans in HUD-VASH—

from initial referral to the program to moving into the housing unit—as well as the roles of the 

VA case managers and housing authorities.
Appendix E: Houston Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 204 Final Report

VA Case Management Houston Housing Authority (HHA) Harris County Housing Authority 

(HCHA)

Referral & Admission

Initial Intake / Referral Screening

 Staff at each referral location 

complete initial intake and verify 

Veterans’ self-reported housing 

status and paperwork required for 

voucher application. (Most 

paperwork is scanned and kept at 

the VA. If a Veteran turns in a HUDVASH application and does not 

return within 30 days, it is then

destroyed.)

 Referral staff send VA case 

management team completed 

referral form and HOMES 

assessment.

 Veteran must sign a release form.

Referral Processing

Prioritization on Interest List

 Initial intake / referral screening 

determines Veteran eligibility and 

priority on interest list.

 If Veteran is eligible s/he is referred 

to a housing authority. If not, s/he is 

referred to a community-based 

organization. 

VA Case Manager Assignment

 When a voucher is available, VA 

housing coordinator assigns Veteran 

to a housing authority and 

associated VA case management 

team and provides a referral to the 

VA team lead.

 VA team lead assigns VA case 

manager based on case load.

Enrollment Meeting Scheduled

 VA case manager reviews screening 

notes to confirm Veteran eligibility.

 VA case manager schedules 

enrollment meeting.

Voucher Application & Briefing

Enrollment Meeting

 For Veterans working with HHA, 

enrollment meeting takes place in 

advance of meeting with HHA.

 For Veterans working with HCHA, 

enrollment meeting takes place 

immediately before the initial 

meeting with HCHA.

Veteran Enrollment in VA Case 

Management
Appendix E: Houston Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 205 Final Report

VA Case Management Houston Housing Authority (HHA) Harris County Housing Authority 

(HCHA)

Housing Authority Referral

 VA housing coordinator provides list 

of referrals with Veteran's name, 

Social Security number, and date of 

birth to housing authorities.

Eligibility Verification

 HHA completes sex offender check 

and confirms Veteran eligibility in 

advance of meeting with Veteran.

Eligibility Verification

 HCHA completes sex offender check 

and confirms Veteran eligibility in 

advance of meeting with Veteran.

Voucher Application Completed & 

Submitted during Voucher Briefing

 Veteran completes voucher 

application and participates in 

voucher briefing during one meeting 

held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 

HHA.

 HHA case manager contacts Veteran 

by telephone or letter to schedule a 

meeting. 

Initial Meeting with Veteran

 HCHA case manager meets with 

Veteran to provide program 

overview and review application 

materials.

 Initial meeting held Thursdays at 

HCHA.

Voucher Application Completed

 Veteran completes voucher 

application.

Voucher Application Submitted 

during Voucher Briefing

 HCHA reviews completed voucher 

application and conducts voucher 

briefing.

 Community providers inform 

Veteran about additional resources.

 Voucher briefing held Thursdays at 

HCHA one week after initial voucher 

briefing.

Housing Search

RFTA Submission

 VA case manager submits RFTA to 

HCHA inspection department.

RFTA Processing RFTA Processing

Inspection & Rent Negotiation

Rent Negotiation & Inspection 

Scheduled

 HHA determines rent offer and 

contacts property owner to 

negotiate rent.

 HHA schedules an inspection.

Rent Negotiation & Inspection 

Scheduled

 HCHA determines rent offer and 

contacts property owner to 

negotiate rent.

 HCHA schedules an inspection.

Inspection

 Veterans prioritized for inspections.

Inspection

 Veterans prioritized for inspections.

Reinspection

 Most units fail during the first 

inspection and must be reinspected.

Reinspection

 Units typically pass during the first 

inspection.
Appendix E: Houston Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 206 Final Report

VA Case Management Houston Housing Authority (HHA) Harris County Housing Authority 

(HCHA)

HAP Contract & Lease

Execution of Lease

 Lease details arranged between 

property owner and Veteran.

HAP Contract Review

 HCHA case manager contacts 

property owner to discuss HAP 

contract and Veteran move-in.

Execution of HAP Contract Execution of Lease

 Lease details arranged between 

property owner and Veteran.

Execution of HAP Contract

Move-In 

Move-In Assistance

 Veterans apply to SSVF for 

assistance with move-in funds. The 

VA case management team has a 

relationship with organizations that 

offer Veterans furniture vouchers. 

Accessing furniture is a persistent 

challenge.

Move-In

 Move-in typically takes place 

between 24 hours and 4 days after 

inspection.

VA Case Management Houston Housing Authority (HHA) Harris County Housing Authority 

(HCHA)

Referral & Admission

Initial Intake / Referral Screening

Staff at each referral location complete 

initial intake and verify Veterans’ selfreported housing status and 

paperwork required for voucher 

application. (Most paperwork is 

scanned and kept at the VA. If a 

Veteran turns in a HUD-VASH 

application and does not return within 

30 days, it is then destroyed.)

Referral staff send VA case 

management team completed referral 

form and HOMES assessment.

Veteran must sign a release form.

Referral Processing

Prioritization on Interest List

Initial intake / referral screening 

determines Veteran eligibility and 

priority on interest list.

If Veteran is eligible s/he is referred to 

a housing authority. If not, s/he is 

referred to a community-based 

organization.
Appendix E: Houston Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 207 Final Report

VA Case Management Houston Housing Authority (HHA) Harris County Housing Authority 

(HCHA)

VA Case Manager Assignment

When a voucher is available, VA 

housing coordinator assigns Veteran 

to a housing authority and associated 

VA case management team and 

provides a referral to the VA team 

lead.

VA team lead assigns VA case manager 

based on case load.

Enrollment Meeting Scheduled

VA case manager reviews screening 

notes to confirm Veteran eligibility.

VA case manager schedules 

enrollment meeting.

Voucher Application & Briefing

Enrollment Meeting

For Veterans working with HHA, 

enrollment meeting takes place in 

advance of meeting with HHA.

For Veterans working with HCHA, 

enrollment meeting takes place 

immediately before the initial meeting 

with HCHA.

Veteran Enrollment in VA Case 

Management

Housing Authority Referral

VA housing coordinator provides list 

of referrals with Veteran's name, 

Social Security number, and date of 

birth to housing authorities.

Eligibility Verification

HHA completes sex offender check 

and confirms Veteran eligibility in 

advance of meeting with Veteran.

Eligibility Verification

HCHA completes sex offender check 

and confirms Veteran eligibility in 

advance of meeting with Veteran.

Voucher Application Completed & 

Submitted during Voucher Briefing

Veteran completes voucher 

application and participates in 

voucher briefing during one meeting 

held Tuesdays and Thursdays at HHA.

HHA case manager contacts Veteran 

by telephone or letter to schedule a 

meeting. 

Initial Meeting with Veteran

HCHA case manager meets with 

Veteran to provide program overview 

and review application materials.

Initial meeting held Thursdays at 

HCHA.

Voucher Application Completed

Veteran completes voucher 

application.
Appendix E: Houston Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 208 Final Report

VA Case Management Houston Housing Authority (HHA) Harris County Housing Authority 

(HCHA)

Voucher Application Submitted during 

Voucher Briefing

HCHA reviews completed voucher 

application and conducts voucher 

briefing.

Community providers inform Veteran 

about additional resources.

Voucher briefing held Thursdays at 

HCHA one week after initial voucher 

briefing.

Housing Search

RFTA Submission

VA case manager submits RFTA to 

HCHA inspection department.

RFTA Processing RFTA Processing

Inspection & Rent Negotiation

Rent Negotiation & Inspection 

Scheduled

HHA determines rent offer and 

contacts property owner to negotiate 

rent.

HHA schedules an inspection.

Rent Negotiation & Inspection 

Scheduled

HCHA determines rent offer and 

contacts property owner to negotiate 

rent.

HCHA schedules an inspection.

Inspection

Veterans prioritized for inspections.

Inspection

Veterans prioritized for inspections.

Reinspection

Most units fail during the first 

inspection and must be reinspected.

Reinspection

Units typically pass during the first 

inspection.

HAP Contract & Lease

Execution of Lease

Lease details arranged between 

property owner and Veteran.

HAP Contract Review

HCHA case manager contacts property 

owner to discuss HAP contract and 

Veteran move-in.

Execution of HAP Contract Execution of Lease

Lease details arranged between 

property owner and Veteran.

Execution of HAP Contract

Move-In

Move-In Assistance

Veterans apply to SSVF for assistance 

with move-in funds. The VA case 

management team has a relationship 

with organizations that offer Veterans 

furniture vouchers. Accessing 

furniture is a persistent challenge.

Move-In

Move-in typically takes place between 

24 hours and 4 days after inspection.
HUD-VASH Exit Study 209 Final Report

APPENDIX F:

LOS ANGELES SITE DESCRIPTION

The Los Angeles HUD-VASH program’s service area includes Greater Los Angeles County as 

well as the counties of Ventura, Kern, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. For the HUD-VASH 

Program in Los Angeles, areas are 

divided by Service Planning Areas 

(SPAs) due to the large geography of 

the county. The coordinating VA site 

is the VA Greater Los Angeles 

Healthcare System in Los Angeles, 

CA. The HUD-VASH program has 

5,069 vouchers. The majority of 

vouchers are held by the Housing 

Authority of the City of Los Angeles 

(HACLA, 3,179) and the Housing 

Authority of the County of Los 

Angeles (HACoLA, 1,293). HACLA 

can serve Veterans within the City of 

Los Angeles. HACoLA can serve 

Veterans anywhere in the county. 

Housing Context

The following maps provide context for the housing markets in which Veterans participating in 

the Los Angeles HUD-VASH program conduct their housing search. 

Map 1 outlines low, very low, and 

extremely low income areas based 

on median county income. Lower 

income areas—shaded in dark 

blue—are located throughout the 

County of Los Angeles, though 

low income areas near the coast are 

rare. Most low income areas are 

toward the city center, northwest of 

the city limits, or farther north, 

closer to the county boarder. While 

the VAMC is not located in a low 

income area, there are other Vet 

Centers and CBOCs throughout the 

city that are in closer proximity to 

lower income areas. Additionally, 

both HACLA and HACoLA are fairly centrally located for a low income Veteran who is going 

through the HUD-VASH housing process and annual recertification. 
Appendix F: Los Angeles Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 210 Final Report

Map 3 provides details about the 

rental vacancy rate by quartile. 

Darker areas have lower vacancy 

rates. It is clear from this map that 

the city has a tight housing market, 

with few vacancies. Areas that are 

not low income and have high 

median rents along the coast have 

higher vacancy rates but these are 

unlikely to be areas that Veterans 

in HUD-VASH can afford. Areas 

closer to the city center have 

slightly lower vacancy rates.

VA Case Management

The site has 138 VA staff serving 

Veterans, including two HUDVASH screeners, six supervisors, 

107 social workers, 84 of whom 

are HUD-VASH case managers, 

one psychiatrist, three SUD 

specialists, six vocational 

rehabilitation specialists, two 

housing specialists, six peer 

support specialists, and five nurses. 

The case load is approximately 

1:35. HUD-VASH staff in Los 

Angeles are organized into five 

teams at eight locations, five of 

which are project-based. Teams are 

organized by SPA, with each team 

serving a specific part of the service area. 

Team Associated Housing Authorities Service Location Team Composition

SPA 1 HACoLA Antelope Valley

SPA 2 HACLA/HACoLA San Fernando Valley

SPA 3 HACLA/HACoLA San Gabriel Valley

SPA 4 HACLA/HACoLA Metro LA

SPA 5 HACLA/HACoLA West

SPA 6 HACLA/HACoLA South

SPA 7 HACLA/HACoLA East

SPA 8 HACLA/HACoLA South Bay

ACT 1 ACT Team

ACT 2 ACT Team

ACT 3 ACT Team
Appendix F: Los Angeles Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 211 Final Report

OUTREACH

The Los Angeles VA case management team receives referrals to HUD-VASH from a number of 

sources, including other VA programs—GPD, domiciliaries, and the VA screening clinic—as 

well as community-based organizations. Veterans also learn about HUD-VASH from other 

Veterans via word of mouth; Veterans housed through HUD-VASH often reach out to homeless 

Veterans and encourage them to apply to the program. Outreach events, like Stand Downs, and 

peer support are also significant sources of referrals. 

REFERRALS AND ELIGIBILITY

All referral sources, including those within the VA, complete a referral form. Two HUD-VASH 

screeners process referrals daily and ensure that Veterans meet the program’s eligibility criteria. 

The HUD-VASH screeners confirm homelessness in both CPRS and HOMES, which must 

indicate that the Veteran is “literally homeless.” If the Veteran is not in CPRS, intake workers 

rely on self-reports. Walk-in applicants are screened directly by a HUD-VASH screener and do 

not require a referral form. Los Angeles does not currently maintain an interest list as the VA 

case management program is adequately staffed and has received additional vouchers, enabling 

the program to accept Veterans very quickly.

TARGETING

The HUD-VASH program in Los Angeles originally targeted only chronically homeless 

Veterans, which led to many unused vouchers as this is the hardest population to reach and the 

least likely to accept VA case management. The program has since expanded its targeting criteria 

to include women, families, OEF/OIF/OND, elderly, very low to no income, and Veterans with a 

serious mental illness or SUD. By targeting other priority groups in addition to those 

experiencing chronic homelessness, the program is accepting more at-risk Veterans, most 

pointedly those from current wars with PTSD or TBI. Additionally, the program in Los Angeles

has refined its definition of chronic homelessness to include Veterans who have had shorter, daylong homeless episodes, whereas previously Veterans had to experience homeless episodes of 

two weeks or more. 

ADMISSION

During the referral process, Veterans indicate which SPA they would like to live in. However, 

Veterans are able to select housing across any of Los Angeles County SPAs regardless of what 

they first indicated. After consulting with the supervisor in that SPA, the VA screeners assign the 

Veteran to a VA case manager based on availability. The VA case manager receives an email 

indicating that a Veteran has been added to his/her case load. If a HOMES assessment has not 

already been completed for the Veteran, the VA case manager will collect this information, 

which includes details about the Veteran’s homeless background, income, employment, 

education, substance use, medical diagnoses, and family contacts. The VA case manager will 

also conduct a chart review and request a release of information from the Veteran allowing the 

VA case manager to speak with the housing authority and property owners throughout the 

housing process. 

At this point, the Veteran is also informed about the program’s mandatory VA case management 

component. If a Veteran is not interested in VA case management, s/he may opt out of the 

program and be directed to other housing alternatives. If the Veteran is interested in and eligible 
Appendix F: Los Angeles Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 212 Final Report

for the program, the VA case manager admits the Veteran without any further review. If there are 

eligibility questions, the VA case manager consults the supervisors; all program denials must be 

processed through the supervisor. 

VOUCHER APPLICATION

Once a Veteran is accepted into the program, the VA case manager instructs him/her to collect 

the necessary paperwork for the voucher application and assists the Veteran in completing it. The 

Veteran is not referred to the housing authority until the entire application packet is complete; 

completed materials are submitted to the housing authority by HUD-VASH staff or the HUDVASH case manager. 

HACLA has two meetings scheduled each week for voucher briefings. HACoLA offers one 

meeting per week, though the time often changes. Not having a set voucher briefing time may 

cause difficulties in scheduling Veterans to meet with the housing authority, particularly those 

without phones or an easy means of contact. The VA peer support specialist attends these 

meetings and transports Veterans from the VA to the housing authorities.

HOUSING SEARCH

Locally, the goal is for a Veteran to move into a housing unit within 90 days of admission to 

HUD-VASH, though Veterans have 120 days to locate a unit. Veterans are not encouraged to 

look for a unit until after they have received a voucher as they will not know the estimated 

amount of their voucher until they meet with the housing authority. VA case managers noted that 

there is a quick turnover for rental units in Los Angeles; if a unit is available, the Veteran must 

be ready to rent immediately. Most property owners will not meet with a Veteran unless the 

Veteran has a voucher and RFTA in-hand. 

During the first few weeks following the voucher briefing, Veterans often search for—and 

find—units to rent. If several weeks have passed and a Veteran has not identified a unit, the VA 

case manager will become more actively involved, assisting the Veteran by pulling a list of 

available units and helping him/her review and eliminate units using online resources, such as 

Google Maps, to assess neighborhoods and potential housing options. The VA case manager will 

help the Veteran narrow down where to live based on his/her individual needs; however, the 

team indicated that using a HCV is more difficult in some areas than others. Veterans may find 

units in more desirable areas but this typically requires a lot of effort on the Veteran’s part. A 

VA housing specialist also cultivates relationships with local property owners and investigates 

housing options for Veterans.

If the Veteran continues to have difficulty finding a unit, the VA peer support specialist will 

become more involved with the housing search. The VA peer support specialist maintains a list 

of housing websites and relationships with property owners who will inform him/her about open 

units. In addition, the VA peer support specialist hosts a weekly Housing Readiness Group where 

Veterans are instructed on what their vouchers cover, how to present themselves to property 

owners, what to bring to meetings with property owners, and how to answer property owners’ 

questions. Finally, the VA peer support specialist is particularly concerned with neighborhood 

red flags—such as areas where drugs are sold and used—and tries to help Veterans avoid 

triggers that may compromise their housing stability. 
Appendix F: Los Angeles Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 213 Final Report

INSPECTION

The Los Angeles VA case management team indicated that after the Veteran submits the RFTA, 

the housing authorities schedule the inspection rather quickly, usually within 15 days. The 

housing authorities do not communicate with VA case managers directly about the results of the 

inspection; VA case managers hear through word of mouth when a unit passes. The inspection 

department sends paperwork to housing authority advisors for rent negotiations. Execution of the 

final lease agreement may be delayed due to reinspections and rent negotiations, which can be 

frustrating for property owners. In at least a few instances, though, the inspection, lease signing, 

and move-in have all been accomplished on the same day. 

MOVE-IN

From the time that Veterans are first assigned a VA case manager, they are encouraged to save 

money for a security deposit and move-in costs. Veterans with higher levels of income may not 

need assistance. Those who do need assistance may be referred to SSVF if funds are available or 

to other community agencies. AmVets assists with furniture and offers free delivery as well as 

vouchers for their thrift store and food, but requires 30 days or more for processing. 

VA CASE MANAGEMENT

The following table describes VA case management requirements:

During housing 

process Weekly phone calls; one monthly face-to-face visit

Year 1 Monthly face-to-face visit

Year 2 Quarterly face-to-face visit

Year 3+ Two face-to-face visits annually 

Notes

Once a Veteran is accepted into HUD-VASH, the VA case manager becomes the first point of 

contact at the VA for all case management services. 

If Veteran is unreachable, VA case manager will leave a note in the Veteran’s medical record 

asking providers to notify social work when they meet with the Veteran. VA case managers will 

also try to locate Veterans at other VA appointments.

Once a Veteran is accepted into HUD-VASH, the VA case manager becomes his/her first point 

of contact at the VA. The Veteran can no longer go to the screening clinic to access emergency 

shelter; instead, the VA case manager will refer the Veteran to services. The VA case 

management team feels this is an important engagement strategy and helps to build trust with the 

Veteran and address individual needs and barriers. 

VA case managers strive to balance completing required paperwork with building rapport with 

Veterans, which they say is especially important when referring them to other services. This 

rapport is usually strengthened when the VA case manager goes through each step in the housing 

process with the Veteran, from completing the voucher application through move-in. The VA 

team indicated that they have greater difficulty working with Veterans who are transferred to 

their case load. Working with the Veteran through the entire process also allows VA case 

managers to assess how much support the Veteran will need once s/he is housed and if s/he may 

benefit from more wraparound services. 
Appendix F: Los Angeles Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 214 Final Report

There are three VA SUD specialists across all of the VA case management teams in Los 

Angeles, each covering three SPAs. SUD specialists lead group meetings and conduct crisis 

counseling in addition to carrying a full case load. VA case management teams in Los Angeles 

also have two or more VA peer support specialists for each SPA; they provide a variety of 

services including transportation, some case management, housing search assistance, wellness 

checks, and help with paperwork, and have recently begun to facilitate groups. All SPAs also 

have a registered nurse to consult on health issues and provide some home health services. 

The Los Angeles HUD-VASH program received funding for three ACT teams beginning in FFY 

2014, which will enable the program to provide more wraparound services. The final VA staffing 

array has not been finalized but may include nurses, social workers, and/or psychiatrists.

Veterans who do not have phones are asked to check in with their VA case manager at a set time 

each week, at least during the initial housing process. Other Veterans are expected to have one 

face-to-face monthly VA case management contact and weekly phone calls during this time. 

After that, VA case managers typically meet with Veterans monthly for one year, quarterly the 

second year, and then semi-annually the third year. If VA case managers have difficulty 

contacting Veterans, they leave a note in the Veteran’s VA medical record asking providers to 

notify social work if they meet with the client. They also view Veterans’ other VA appointments 

and locate the Veteran at those times. 

Los Angeles utilizes the following evidence-based practices: ACT, Cognitive Behavioral 

Therapy, Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Twelve Step Facilitation, Intensive Case 

Management, Peer Support/Mentoring, Supported Employment, Housing First, and SSI/SSDI 

Outreach, Access, and Recovery.

PORTS

If Veterans want to move out of the central urban area of Los Angeles and into one of the 

valleys, the VA case management team will usually refer them to Kern County Housing 

Authority.

REASONS FOR EXITS

Leased-Up Exiters

The VA case management team identified a number of reasons why Veterans may exit HUDVASH after leasing a housing unit:

• Withdrawal—Veterans may no longer need VA case management following a long 

period of housing stability.

• Lease violations—VA case managers try to mediate issues between the Veteran and the 

property owner to avoid an eviction. If the property owner agrees to release the housing 

authority from responsibility, the Veteran can be re-vouchered and look for alternative 

housing.

• Incarceration 

• Loss of contact 
Appendix F: Los Angeles Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 215 Final Report

Nonleased Exiters

The VA case management team identified a number of reasons why Veterans may leave the 

HUD-VASH program after they have received a voucher but prior to obtaining a housing unit:

• Increase in income—Veterans may attain employment or receive additional benefits that 

make them ineligible for the program. 

• Housing preference—Veterans may not like the available housing, would prefer to live in 

an area that has few options for those using a HCV, or relocate before finding a unit with 

their voucher. 

• Withdrawal—Veterans may get married or enter another phase of their lives and no 

longer need or are interested in the program. 

• Substance abuse relapse 

• Mental illness 

• Loss of contact 

VETERANS IN CRISIS 

The VA case manager is typically the first person to learn that a Veteran is having a housing 

issue, either from the Veteran him/herself, the property owner or other tenants. The VA case 

management team generally learns about issues before the housing authority and they can often 

mediate. Eviction-level lease violations have occurred with Veterans in HUD-VASH but 

extenuating circumstances have prohibited the VA case managers from mediating the issue, such 

as an inability to contact the Veteran or property owner. There have been instances when 

property owners do not inform the housing authority that a Veteran is no longer staying in the 

unit or is going through the eviction process and continues to receive the housing authority’s 

portion of the rent; in these cases, it is essential that the Veteran inform the VA case manager to 

receive assistance.

GRADUATION

A Veteran may graduate from HUD-VASH after a significant time of successful independent 

living and a mutual agreement between the Veteran and HUD-VASH case manager that the 

Veteran has successfully met or made sufficient progress with treatment plan goals and obtained 

maximum benefit from program participation. Veterans can retain the HCV as long as housing 

authority requirements continue to be met. After discharge, a Veteran’s HUD-VASH voucher is 

converted into a regular HCV when one is available. While Veterans are using HUD-VASH 

HCVs after discharge they will be contacted several times a year by an aftercare case manager to 

ensure continued success. Veterans can also retain the right, as HUD-VASH “alumni,” to contact 

the program for any follow-up assistance at any time, even after the voucher is converted.

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AGENCIES

Dedicated HUD-VASH staff serve as liaisons with the housing authorities throughout the HUDVASH process. HACLA staff contact the VA peer support specialist about upcoming meetings 

scheduled with Veterans. The peer support specialists, in turn, communicate this information to 

the VA case managers. A HUD-VASH peer support specialist and supervisor serve as liaisons to 
Appendix F: Los Angeles Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 216 Final Report

HACoLA and attend weekly meetings to discuss individual case issues as well as address any 

programmatic concerns.

FACILITATORS OF HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

The Los Angeles VA case management team identified a number of facilitators of housing 

sustainability among Veterans in HUD-VASH:

• Motivation—VA case managers use Motivational Interviewing to address the underlying 

issues that may prevent a Veteran from being successfully housed. Case managers and 

peer support specialists rely on personal stories to combat the “fear of success” and offer 

reassurance that the Veteran is capable of succeeding.

• Supportive relationships—By participating in VA case management, the Veteran is 

surrounded by the team. The VA case management team also works to support the 

Veteran in reestablishing family relationships.

• Connection to resources—The availability of a nurse on the team is helpful for Veterans 

with ongoing medical issues; some nursing services are provided directly in the home. 

VA case managers also facilitate connections to VA providers and community programs, 

including adult day care and senior centers. 

BARRIERS TO HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

The Los Angeles VA case management team identified a number of challenges to housing 

sustainability among Veterans in HUD-VASH:

• Housing process—The lag between inspection and lease signature can be a barrier to 

accessing housing; Veterans are told that “the clock stops” on their voucher when the 

RFTA is submitted, but many still feel anxious and may change their minds at that point 

or the property owner may turn down the housing authority’s rent offer. 

• Vulnerability—The VA case management team described the difficulty of providing case 

management to this hard-to-serve population, many of whom do not engage well with 

VA case managers and the community. A Veteran described the challenge of overcoming 

the “homeless mentality.” 

• Mental illness and SUD—The VA case management team has an insufficient number of 

VA SUD specialists; they primarily focus on crisis management rather than supporting 

Veterans before they fall into crisis. In addition, VA case managers do not have sufficient 

access to Veterans’ psychiatrists; additional psychiatrists are needed to adequately 

address the Veterans’ needs. 

• Chronic medical conditions and chronic pain—Extensive medical challenges can be 

daunting at an emotional level (e.g., threat of future paralysis) as well as the physical 

level (e.g., not being physically able to complete paperwork). 

• Financial issues—Accessing move-in and other assistance is difficult for Veterans in Los 

Angeles. 
Appendix F: Los Angeles Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 217 Final Report

PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS / RECOMMENDATIONS

The HUD-VASH program in Los Angeles is adding a second VA case management team for 

each SPA as well as staff to support an ACT team. A VA incentive specialist would be helpful in 

assisting Veterans to obtain benefits. VA case managers also indicated that an occupational 

therapist would be useful for Veterans in West Los Angeles. 

Members of the VA case management team participated in the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 

(CBT) training sponsored by NCHAV, which allows staff to provide therapy for Veterans in 

their homes. Additional funding to educate staff on other evidence-based treatments would be 

useful moving forward. 

Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles

HACLA has 17.5 staff dedicated to HUD-VASH. This includes a half-time manager and two 

assistant managers, who supervise the teams; eight eligibility interviewers, who conduct the 

initial interviews, determine eligibility, issue vouchers, process RFTAs, and contract housing; 

four advisors, who conduct annual, special, and interim recertifications and requests to move; 

one administrative assistant whose sole duty is to assess every file for quality control before 

voucher issuance and prior to signature of the HAP contract; and two clerks. The case load is 450 

Veterans per advisor. HACLA staff serve Veterans at the housing authority and other locations, 

as needed, to accommodate disabled Veterans. Details on HACLA’s voucher issuance and 

payment standards are shown in the table below:

Payment Standard 100-110%FMR

Portion of Rent that is Veteran’s 

Responsibility 30-40%

Initial Voucher Issuance Period 120 days

HACLA is clear about its role in the HUD-VASH program: the housing authority provides 

housing, not counseling. They reported that they handle the HUD-VASH program much more 

expediently than the regular HCV program; referrals to HUD-VASH are processed on the day 

the Veteran is interviewed and the voucher is issued the following Friday.

VOUCHER APPLICATION 

HACLA provides the VA case management team with application materials. The VA case 

managers assist Veterans in completing the application and collecting required documents. 

HACLA staff conduct eligibility interviews at the housing authority on Thursdays, at which time 

the Veteran submits the application and documents. HACLA eligibility interviewers conduct a 

full interview, verify application details, and ensure all required forms are completed and signed. 

The Veteran is invited to a voucher briefing at the housing authority the following Friday.

After the interview, HACLA processes the file, completes a sex offender check, and confirms 

eligibility and income. The sex offender check can be done online immediately through the HUD 

website, which avoids delays. The number of attendees during the Thursday eligibility interviews 

varies, and the housing authority may or may not know how many Veterans to expect. As much 

as possible, the housing authority tries to assign the Veteran to the staff member who completed 
Appendix F: Los Angeles Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 218 Final Report

the initial interview. HACLA holds voucher briefings at the housing authority on Fridays 

outlining all program processes and forms, including the RFTA, inspection, and housing 

requirements. HACLA staff give Veterans an estimate of the maximum rent for which they will 

be approved and the expected portion for which they will be responsible. Veterans receive a 

voucher following the information sessions.

HOUSING SEARCH

Veterans and the VA case management team conduct the housing search. The housing authority 

refers Veterans to online resources but does not actively connect them with particular property 

owners or properties. Once a Veteran identifies a unit, the RFTA is completed and submitted to 

the housing authority. The Veteran may submit the RFTA to the housing authority during walkin hours (Monday–Thursday, 8–11 am and 1–3 pm) or the VA case manager can fax the RFTA 

to HACLA. 

INSPECTION

The HACLA eligibility interviewer contacts the property owner to set up an inspection within 

two days of RFTA submission. Inspections are usually scheduled for three days from the date of 

contact. Prior to the inspection, the HACLA eligibility interviewer updates the Veteran file, 

establishes a new property owner in HACLA’s system, if necessary, and reviews internal rent 

comparables to ensure the requested rent is within the voucher payment standards. The HACLA 

inspector inspects the unit and runs a comparable rent report through the AREA system. The 

inspection results and comparables are made available to the eligibility interviewer within three 

days of the inspection; once verified, the eligibility interviewer forwards the results to the 

contractor.

HAP CONTRACT AND LEASE

Following the inspection, the HACLA eligibility interviewer contacts the property owner to 

make a rent offer. If the offer is accepted, the property owner meets with the Veteran to have the 

lease signed and sends it to the housing authority for review. The HACLA contractor eligibility 

interviewer contacts the Veteran and determines a move-in date. The Veteran can move in 

immediately unless s/he needs time to secure funds for the security deposit. The housing 

authority provides a rent breakdown that outlines the security deposit and describes the Veteran’s 

rent responsibility. Some local funding sources require this documentation as a condition for 

providing move-in assistance. 

Once the owner and tenant sign a lease agreement HACLA generates the HAP contract, which is 

executed by both the owner and housing authority within 60 days of the of the lease start date. 

HACLA generally pays owners within days of the contract execution.

PORTS

HACLA and HACoLA have an inter-jurisdictional agreement that allows both agencies to 

contract within each other’s jurisdiction to eliminate the portability processing time from one 

housing authority to another. However, if a HACLA voucher holder finds a unit in distant areas 

in HACoLA’s jurisdiction (e.g., Lancaster, Palmdale), HACLA will process the portability to 

HACoLA as it would pose a burden on HACLA staff to inspect and to conduct home visits. The 

portability process for applicants and participants is as follows:
Appendix F: Los Angeles Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 219 Final Report

• VA case manager informs HACLA of the Veteran’s request to port and that VA will 

continue to provide case management in the new location or that they have coordinated 

with the agency that will provide the case management.

• The Veteran specifies which housing authority s/he want to port to and signs and dates 

the request.

• The eligibility interviewer prepares the file for the voucher holder and submits it to the 

Outgoing Portability Unit, which notifies the receiving housing authority of the port they 

will be receiving and that it is a HUD-VASH applicant/participant. HACLA has no 

control over the receiving housing authority’s process. 

• Veterans who graduate from VA case management are typically converted to a regular 

HCV. 

REEXAMINATIONS

HACLA learns about changes to Veteran income from the VA case manager or the Veteran. The 

VA case manager will usually submit documents needed to process the change. A decrease in 

income is processed immediately as a Special Review, with the change of rent going into effect 

the first day of the following month. The participant is required to inform HACLA of any 

increases after the Special Review, which will be processed immediately with a 30-day notice of 

the increase to the tenant. Increases in income are only processed during a Special Review if they 

were preceded by a decrease in income; otherwise, these increases are not processed until the 

annual review period. 

ANNUAL RECERTIFICATION

During the annual review, the HACLA advisor reviews the Veteran’s income, processes 

changes, and inspects the unit. The HACLA advisor also assists Veterans with their requests to 

move. 

Veterans are informed of the recertification three months in advance when HACLA sends the 

Veteran an appointment letter with the application for recertification. If Veterans do not attend 

the appointment or they reschedule, they may be scheduled for a second or third appointment. If 

the Veteran does not comply with his/her appointment, HACLA sends a 14-day notice stating 

that if the Veteran does not comply by a given date, s/he may be terminated from the program. 

HACLA will send the Veteran a 30-day intent-to-terminate notice before removing the Veteran 

from the program. 

HACLA notifies the VA case management teams of all recertification correspondence. They are 

encouraged to assist the Veteran when the 14-day notice is issued, and more aggressively when 

the 30-day notice is issued, to help the Veteran retain the HCV. HACLA will stop the 

termination process if the Veteran complies with the requirements prior to the termination date.

REASONS FOR EXITS

Leased-Up Exiters

HACLA identified a number of reasons why Veterans may exit HUD-VASH after leasing a 

housing unit:
Appendix F: Los Angeles Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 220 Final Report

• Increase in income—Veterans whose income increases may no longer be eligible for 

assistance. 

• Withdrawal—Veterans who feel that they no longer need assistance may voluntarily 

relinquish their vouchers, often stating that they would like to pass the voucher on to 

another Veteran who needs it more. 

• Entry into a different program—Veterans may find that another housing assistance 

program is a better fit for them. 

• Eviction—The main reason Veterans are evicted from their unit is for nonpayment of 

rent. 

• Noncompliance with recertification—Veterans will be terminated from the program if 

they do not complete their annual recertification.

• Noncompliance with VA case management—If Veterans do not comply with mandatory 

VA case management, VA can terminate them from the program. 

• Program violations—Veterans can be terminated from the program for violating program

rules, including subletting the unit or having unauthorized people living in the household. 

• Absence of 30 or more days—Veterans cannot be absent from a unit for more than 30 

days without informing the housing authority. If Veterans are to be hospitalized for more 

than 30 days, or they enter a treatment program, they may request an allowance from the 

housing authority. If the housing authority is aware of the absence, they can allow 

Veterans to be absent from the unit for no more than 90 days.13

• Voucher expiration—Veterans may ask to move during the annual recertification process. 

If Veterans make this request, they are issued a new voucher and given 120 days to 

complete the housing search again. If these Veterans do not lease new units and they have 

moved out of the assisted unit, they can be terminated from the program.14

• Graduation—Veterans who graduate from HUD-VASH are converted to regular HCVs. 

• Fraud and criminal activity—Veterans who knowingly provide inaccurate information 

related to their eligibility or income commit fraud and are terminated from the program. 

• Unit abandonment—Some Veterans leave the unit without notice and cannot be located 

by the housing authority or VA. 

• Incarceration

• Death 

 

13 HACLA policy allows participants who are terminated for being out of the unit for more than 90 days to be 

reinstated if they return within one year of the termination and provide verification that the absence was due to 

participation in SUD or medical treatment. The Veteran must provide evidence and a statement from the VA case 

manager that they are continuing to receive case management.

14 HACLA policy allows 30-day hardship extensions to the voucher and also allows for extensions due to a medical 

condition up to 240 days in total.
Appendix F: Los Angeles Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 221 Final Report

Nonleased Exiters

HACLA identified a number of reasons why Veterans may leave the HUD-VASH program after 

they have received a voucher but prior to obtaining a housing unit:

• Withdrawal—Some Veterans decide that they are not interested in participating in HUDVASH once they learn more about it. 

• Readiness—The VA case manager may recommend that Veterans are not ready for 

independent housing and that they withdraw from the program. 

• Entry into a different program—Veterans may find that another housing assistance 

program is a better fit for them. 

• Inability to locate a unit—Veterans may not find a unit within the allotted 120 days.

• Increase in income—Veterans who have an increase in income may no longer be eligible 

for assistance. 

• Death

VETERANS IN CRISIS

HACLA staff believe it is important that they be made aware of any housing issues with 

Veterans. Property owners are required to inform HACLA if a Veteran is not paying his/her rent 

so that the housing authority can begin the notification process with the Veteran. If HACLA 

finds that the Veteran is in danger of losing his/her housing, HACLA staff will engage the VA 

case manager. Likewise, the contract between HACLA and the property owner requires that the 

property owner report any actions being taken against a Veteran, such as a three-day notice to 

comply or an eviction. 

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AGENCIES

HACLA and VA staff conduct a weekly teleconference (Wednesday at 11:00 am) to deal with 

application problems, participant issues, changes to procedures, and any other challenges that 

arise. A monthly meeting between HACLA and VA directors provides an opportunity to address 

lease-up goals. HACLA generates a weekly summary report on the status of all referrals from the 

VA, allowing the VA the opportunity to reconcile their records and ensure that all referrals are 

legitimate. In addition, both HACLA and VA hold periodic training for staff.

HACLA staff indicated that they work with the VA to address any issues while drawing clear 

distinctions between the two agencies’ areas of responsibility. Though each has different duties, 

they have learned to work together to improve and streamline processes and have engaged 

community partners interested in playing an active role in assisting Veterans. HACLA has a 

point of contact for VA case management teams and copies them on all correspondence to 

Veterans. Sometimes the housing authority is aware of an individual Veteran’s VA case manager 

and other times they are not, as the assignment of VA case managers often changes. 

FACILITATORS OF HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

HACLA identified a number of facilitators of housing sustainability for Veterans in the HUDVASH program:
Appendix F: Los Angeles Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 222 Final Report

• Streamlined application—VA case management teams complete the application, which

streamlines the process for the Veteran and the housing authority. HACLA has 

coordinated with HACoLA to generate one core application for the program across the 

entire Los Angeles service area. Though additional revisions need to be made, the core 

application has simplified the process as VA case managers no longer have to use two 

separate applications. 

• Streamlined voucher issuance—HACLA has prioritized Veterans in HUD-VASH, 

streamlining processes and making them more efficient. Veterans can move from the 

eligibility interview to obtaining a voucher in one week, which the housing authority 

believes increases the Veterans’ motivation. The regular eligibility interview and voucher 

briefing times have made the process more convenient.

• HUD-VASH Interjursidictional Agreement between HACLA and HACoLA—Both 

agencies can contract within the other’s jurisdiction, eliminating the portability 

processing time that can add 30–60 days to the process. 

BARRIERS TO HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

Veterans in Los Angeles face a number of challenges to accessing and sustaining permanent 

housing, including the following:

• Transition from homelessness—HACLA acknowledged the difficulty some Veterans 

have transitioning from chronic homelessness to economic stability. Obtaining security 

deposit assistance has also been a barrier to housing for some Veterans.

• Multiple points of contact—HUD-VASH participants in LA work with many individuals, 

including the VA case manager, the HACLA eligibility interviewer/contractor, HACLA 

advisor, and potentially the HACLA clerk, which can complicate things and create 

confusion.

• Misunderstanding—HACLA staff mentioned that often Veterans state that they 

understand program requirements when it seems clear that they do not. 

• VA case management advocacy—HACLA has programmatic rules and calculations that 

apply to all clients. They are unable to be flexible on many of these rules. At times, 

however, a VA case manager may try to advocate for a client rather than assisting the 

client in complying with the program. 

• Different requirements between local housing authorities—The Los Angeles housing 

authorities operate independently with agency-specific procedures and forms, which can 

make the process more complex for VA case managers who may be assisting Veterans at 

both housing authorities.

• Provision of ongoing supportive services from the VA—Veterans may lose their housing 

when direct, ongoing case management supportive services could have assisted them in 

maintaining their housing. 

PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS / RECOMMENDATIONS

HACLA is constantly evaluating HUD-VASH and looking for areas for improvement. The 

housing authority tries to copy a VA case management point of contact on all correspondence 
Appendix F: Los Angeles Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 223 Final Report

that is sent to Veterans. However, HACLA staff recognize that this may be overwhelming and 

not useful. Additional dialogue may be necessary to determine what information will make the 

biggest impact for the Veterans. HACLA is in the process of purchasing a program that will 

allow their system to automatically generate third-party notices so that they can include 

individual VA case managers as well as general VA contacts on notices. 

HACLA has been granted a waiver from HUD that has streamlined the recertification process. 

Rather than providing all of the verifications for bank accounts, Veterans may self-certify 

accounts under $5,000. 

Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles

HACoLA has four case managers serving all homeless programs, including HUD-VASH. The 

case load is approximately 257 per case manager. Veterans are served by HACoLA staff at the 

housing authority as well as the VAMC. Details on HACoLA’s voucher issuance and payment 

standards are shown in the table below:

Payment Standard 90% FMR

Portion of Rent that is Veteran’s 

Responsibility

Up to 40% of monthly adjusted income at time of contract execution. Portion of rent 

may increase at time of annual recertification based on Veteran’s income and/or 

approval of owner’s rent increase request.

Initial Voucher Issuance Period 120 days

VOUCHER APPLICATION 

The VA case managers assist Veterans in preparing their voucher application and required 

documentation. HACoLA staff review application materials at the VAMC at a regular meeting 

time on Thursdays and inform Veterans immediately if anything is missing from the application. 

HACoLA staff submit the completed applications to the housing authority and run the sex 

offender check and necessary verifications. Veterans may also submit applications to HACoLA 

via email or fax.

VOUCHER BRIEFING

After Veterans have submitted their application and the housing authority has confirmed 

eligibility, Veterans attend a voucher briefing session at the VAMC, typically within two weeks 

following application submission. Voucher briefings take place at a regular meeting time on 

Thursdays, usually in a group setting. If a Veteran is unable to attend the Thursday meeting, 

HACoLA can arrange an individual meeting. 

HOUSING SEARCH

During the voucher briefing, HACoLA provides Veterans with a resource card to use during the 

housing search and points Veterans to www.socialserve.com, which is administered by LA 

County Housing Resource and provides information on available housing units specific to 

Veterans and the HUD-VASH program. It also allows users to map the location of a unit and the 

distance to public transportation, shopping, and medical centers and links to other services 

provided throughout the county. 
Appendix F: Los Angeles Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 224 Final Report

The voucher issuance period can be extended up to 180 days or longer, depending on 

circumstances (e.g., medical issues, reasonable accommodations, disabilities). However, if a 

Veteran is approaching 180 days, HACoLA staff will reach out to the VA to get the Veteran 

housed immediately.

INSPECTION, HAP CONTRACT, AND LEASE

Once the Veteran locates a unit, the Veteran or case manager submits the RFTA to HACoLA. 

HACoLA staff contact the property owner to negotiate the rent. If the property owner accepts the 

rent offer and the unit is affordable for the Veteran, the housing authority schedules an 

inspection, typically within 10 days. If the unit fails inspection, the inspector schedules a followup appointment while at the property; however, this can be changed by the property owner.

The contract process begins once the unit passes inspection. The housing authority requests that 

the Veteran and property owner sign a lease with a move-in date. Staff confirm the affordability 

of the unit, the utility allowance, and inspection results and establish terms of tenancy before 

reviewing and approving the lease. When information is verified and data entry is completed, the 

housing authority sends the HAP contract based on the established terms of tenancy via email or 

regular mail; the property owner may also sign the contract at the housing authority. Once 

contracts are returned, staff will release the rent payment to the owner. 

PORTS

Should a Veteran ask to port to anther housing authority, the Veteran must first request approval 

from his/her VA case manager. If approved, the VA case manager will submit a letter to the 

housing authority approving the port, and the Veteran will complete and submit a Request to 

Transfer form. If needed, staff will provide additional time on the voucher to allow the Veteran 

to locate a unit in the new jurisdiction. HACoLA staff forward a copy of the Veteran’s file to the 

receiving housing authority.

If a Veteran ports from another housing authority to HACoLA, HACoLA’s portability staff will 

issue a voucher to the Veteran within 10 days of receiving the file. Once the voucher is issued, 

staff will monitor the file and process the new HAP contract if the Veteran locates a suitable 

housing unit. The Veteran’s voucher time is subject to the number of days remaining on the 

voucher the Veteran received from the originating housing authority. 

REEXAMINATIONS

HACoLA processes decreases in income as soon as they are reported and verified, with changes 

to rent going into effect the following month. Increases in income are acknowledged as they are 

reported but changes to the rent do not go into effect until the annual recertification. 

ANNUAL RECERTIFICATION

Recertifications are completed annually. If a Veteran does not initially comply with the 

recertification, the HACoLA staff will reach out to the VA case manager and request that the 

Veteran receive assistance filling out the packet and providing the required verifications. 

HACoLA has found that some Veterans are no longer eligible for rental assistance during 

recertification. When this is the case, the housing authority still completes the recertification and 

terminates payments to the property owner. However, Veterans are able to stay on the program 
Appendix F: Los Angeles Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 225 Final Report

for six months; if they experience changes to income or eligibility during that period, they may 

to report it and the housing authority can recommence payments. If not, the Veteran no longer 

qualifies for the program. 

REASONS FOR EXITS

Leased-Up Exiters

HACoLA identified a number of reasons why Veterans may leave the HUD-VASH program 

after they have obtained a housing unit:

• Increases in income—Veterans who are over-income can remain on the program for six 

months; if they remain over-income, they are no longer eligible for assistance. 

• Lease violations—Some Veterans do not comply with the lease agreement or program 

rules. In these cases, HACoLA staff will contact the Veterans via letter and inform them 

that they are in violation of the obligations and outline the specific violations. The 

Veteran has 15 days to respond; HACoLA will schedule a meeting with the Veteran to 

resolve the violations.

• Evictions—Veterans who are evicted from their unit may stay in HUD-VASH; they can 

be issued a new voucher and complete the housing search again. 

• Noncompliance with annual recertification—Veterans will often complete the first annual 

recertification but then fail to complete the packet or comply with mandatory 

verifications during subsequent recertifications. 

• Withdrawal—Veterans may be no longer interested in remaining in the program. 

• Nonpayment of rent

• Unit abandonment

• Death

Nonleased Exiters

HACoLA identified a number of reasons why Veterans may leave the HUD-VASH program 

after they have received a voucher but prior to obtaining a housing unit:

• Privacy concerns—Veterans do not want to provide all of the detailed information 

required for the HUD-VASH application. 

• Personal history—Veterans with histories of eviction may not be able to find units that 

will accept them.

• Challenging process—Veterans lose interest in the program because they get frustrated 

with the paperwork and housing search; they may feel that HUD-VASH is too much 

work. 

• Difficulty finding acceptable housing—It can be hard for Veterans to locate affordable 

units. There are also times when Veterans find a unit within the rental guidelines but the 

rent comparables do not support the rent. If the property owner is not willing to negotiate 

on the rent, Veterans must find another housing unit. 
Appendix F: Los Angeles Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 226 Final Report

• Transitions from homelessness—Some Veterans, particularly those with a history of 

chronic homelessness, have a difficult time transitioning from the “homeless way of life” 

and experience fear of the responsibility of obtaining housing andthen readjusting to 

homelessness if they lose the housing. 

• Transportation—Many Veterans lack transportation for the housing search.

• Health issues—It can be difficult to search for housing if the Veteran is ill or 

hospitalized. 

VETERANS IN CRISIS

When Veterans experience housing issues, HACoLA staff will engage VA case managers but are 

more likely to work with Veterans and property owners directly. 

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AGENCIES

HACoLA and the VA have weekly conference calls and HACoLA staff may have more frequent 

contact with individual VA case managers if issues arise for particular Veterans. HACoLA also 

holds Task Force meetings on an as-needed basis to address specific processes. These meetings 

may take place once or on a monthly basis, depending on the concern, allowing the housing 

authority and VA to reevaluate and streamline processes and reduce the administrative burden of 

the program on a continuous basis. Community work groups are also commonplace, providing 

an opportunity for HACoLA to collaborate with VA and other community providers. 

FACILITATORS OF HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

HACoLA identified a number of facilitators of housing sustainability for Veterans in the HUDVASH program:

• Decreasing time to housing—Preparing Veterans for the housing search and decreasing 

process timelines has made it easier to get Veterans housed. 

• Program flexibility—HACoLA is flexible on some of the regulatory requirements for 

HUD-VASH participants; eliminating or cutting back on processes makes the program 

easier to navigate and leads to greater success in housing Veterans. 

• Streamlining application materials—HACoLA has worked with HACLA to create a 

uniform HUD-VASH application. Additional revisions are being completed. While 

supplemental forms may never be uniform due to individual requirements at each housing 

authority, streamlining the process has made it easier for VA case managers to complete 

applications.

BARRIERS FOR HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

Veterans in Los Angeles face a number of challenges to accessing and sustaining permanent 

housing, including the following:

• Housing affordability—Many property owners have higher rents than the market 

generally supports. Since the housing authority takes rent comparables into consideration 

for rent negotiations, the rent must be reflective of the market, but some property owners 
Appendix F: Los Angeles Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 227 Final Report

refuse to negotiate. HACoLA is committed to creating more project-based vouchers to 

increase the city’s affordable housing stock.

• Location of affordable units—Many Veterans simply do not want to live in the areas that 

are affordable with the HUD-VASH vouchers. Additionally, Veterans who use the VA 

for medical services prefer to be located near the VAMC where there is a lack of 

affordable housing; this is problematic, particularly for those who use public 

transportation. 

• SUD—Veterans with SUD are more likely to abandon their units. They may also face 

losing their housing while in treatment. Veterans can stay out of their homes for 30 days 

for treatment but they often return to treatment soon after being discharged. 

• Multiple points of contact—The housing authority believes some Veterans may feel that 

they do not have a consistent case manager because the HUD-VASH program has so 

many points of contact. 

PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS / RECOMMENDATIONS

HACoLA owes its success to being open-minded and fluid. The housing authority strives to 

learn about the latest policies and regulations and work with federal and local partners to 

improve its programs, whether by addressing specific Veteran needs or involving the 

community. 

HACoLA believes that offering additional wrap-around services for Veterans is important and 

suggests completing more frequent assessments and reassessments as Veterans’ needs change. 

The housing authority indicated that more frequent check-ins with Veterans and assistance 

helping them communicate with property owners would be useful for those with housing issues. 

In addition, HACoLA would like the VA to hire more housing locators; if the housing success 

rate of Veterans can be increased, the housing authority will be able to maximize lease-ups. 

Currently, the housing authority has a 70% success rate with lease-up. Veterans would also 

benefit if additional funds were available for move-in. Accessing funds for security deposits and 

move-in costs can be difficult. 

The housing authority would like to improve various aspects of the housing process. HACoLA 

indicated that the definition of “chronically homeless” has made it difficult to serve the large 

homeless population in Los Angeles. In effect, Veterans may be told that they are not “homeless 

enough” to meet program eligibility requirements. However, particularly for Veterans with 

children, meeting the federal definition may not be in the best interest of their family. If Veterans 

stay in a shelter they may be separated from their children, depending on the children’s age. 

Similarly, families cannot stay in parks or cars as the Department of Children and Family 

Services will remove the children.

Some HUD guidelines can also make the housing process more difficult. For example, HUD 

requires that income verification documents must have been issued within 60 days of the voucher 

release date. Veterans may provide current documents when they initially enroll in HUD-VASH, 

but by the time a voucher is issued, they are no longer up to date. It would be useful if the 

guidelines could be adjusted to record the date that the income verification documents are 

received independent of the time of voucher issuance. 
Appendix F: Los Angeles Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 228 Final Report

The housing authority is in the process of organizing a property owner service fair. HACoLA 

anticipates inviting all property owners currently involved with the housing authority to set up a 

booth at either the housing authority or VAMC to advertise their housing to voucher holders. 

Depending on the success of the initial fair, the housing authority would consider hosting this 

event bimonthly. 

Step-By-Step Processes

The following chart summarizes the steps in the process of housing Veterans in HUD-VASH—

from initial referral to the program to moving into the housing unit—as well as the roles of the 

VA case managers and housing authorities.

VA Case Management Housing Authority of the City of Los 

Angeles (HACLA)

Housing Authority of the County 

of Los Angeles (HACoLA)

Referral & Admission

Referral

 Referral source completes referral form, 

including Veteran's neighborhood 

preference.

 Referrals can be submitted by fax 

through a secure line from the 

community or by encrypted email from 

other VA providers (e.g., GPD Liaisons).

Referral Processing

 Two VA intake workers process referral 

forms daily, check Veteran's homeless 

status in CPRS and HOMES, and ensure 

Veteran meets eligibility requirements.

VA Case Manager Assignment

 VA intake worker assigns Veteran to a 

SPA and consults with VA SPA supervisor 

on VA case manager assignment. 

 VA intake worker assigns VA case 

manager and notifies him/her of 

assigned Veteran by email.

Screening Assessment

 VA case manager contacts Veteran to 

schedule an in-person screening 

appointment to review eligibility and 

discuss program requirements. VA case 

manager reviews medical record and 

HOMES assessment, completes missing 

data, and discusses mandatory case 

management with Veteran.

Veteran Enrollment In Va Case 

Management

 If eligible, Veteran is admitted to HUDVASH case management. VA case 

manager assists with compiling all 

necessary identification and income 

documentation to submit with voucher 

application. Veteran is assigned to a 

HUD-VASH application appointment for 

assistance completing voucher 

application.
Appendix F: Los Angeles Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 229 Final Report

VA Case Management Housing Authority of the City of Los 

Angeles (HACLA)

Housing Authority of the County 

of Los Angeles (HACoLA)

Voucher Application & Briefing

Voucher Application Completed

 HUD-VASH staff assist Veteran in 

completing voucher application.

Voucher Application Submitted

 HUD-VASH staff submit completed 

voucher application and required 

documents to housing authority at time 

of eligibility interview.

Eligibility Interview

 HACLA reviews application and interviews 

Veteran on Thursdays at HACLA office; if 

all information and signatures are in order, 

HACLA interviewer invites Veteran to 

voucher briefing the following Friday.

Eligibility Interview

 HACoLA reviews application and 

interviews Veteran on Thursdays at 

VAMC. 

 Applications can be emailed or faxed to 

HACoLA and reviewed prior to meeting 

with Veteran at voucher briefing.

 Veteran invited to attend voucher 

briefing 1–2 weeks after submitting 

application. HACoLA informs HUDVASH case managers via email when 

Veteran is assigned to a voucher 

issuance session. 

Eligibility Verification

 HACLA completes sex offender check and 

confirms Veteran eligibility.

Eligibility Verification 

 HACoLA completes sex offender check 

and confirms Veteran eligibility.

Voucher Briefing

 Voucher briefings held Fridays at HACLA 

office.

Voucher Briefing

 Voucher briefings held Thursdays at 

VAMC.

Housing Search

Weekly Meetings

 VA peer support specialist offers optional 

weekly Housing Readiness Group to 

assist Veterans with housing search. 

RFTA Submission

 Veteran or VA case manager submits 

RFTA to housing authority.

RFTA Processing

 HACLA offers walk-in hours daily (8–11 

am, 1–3 pm) where RFTA can be 

submitted or it can be faxed or e-mailed.

RFTA Processing

 Veterans or HUD-VASH staff can submit 

RFTA to HACoLA offices in-person 

Monday–Friday. 

Inspection & Rent Negotiation

Inspection Scheduled

 HACLA eligibility interviewer contacts 

property owner to schedule inspection 

within 2 days of RFTA submission; 

inspection scheduled for 3 days from date 

of contact.

Rent Negotiation & Inspection 

Scheduled

 HACoLA determines rent offer. 

 HACoLA contacts property owner to 

negotiate rent.

 HACoLA schedules inspection, typically 

within 10 days.

File Updated

 HACLA eligibility interviewer updates file, 

including property ownership and internal 

rent comparables.

Inspection 
Appendix F: Los Angeles Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 230 Final Report

VA Case Management Housing Authority of the City of Los 

Angeles (HACLA)

Housing Authority of the County 

of Los Angeles (HACoLA)

Inspection 

 HACLA inspector completes inspection and 

uploads results into HACLA system.

 Inspection clerk uploads comparables into 

system.

 Inspection results and comparables are 

available to the eligibility interviewer 

within 3 days of inspection. Once obtained, 

the eligibility interviewer forwards file to 

contractor.

Reinspection

 If unit fails inspection, HACoLA 

inspector schedules reinspection while 

at the property

Reinspection

 If unit fails inspection, HACLA inspection 

department contacts property owner to 

schedule reinspection, allowing for any 

repairs/deficiencies to be address by 

owner. 

 When failed results are viewed, the 

eligibility interviewer calls owner and 

schedules reinspection. Owner will dictate 

when the reinspection can take place.

Rent Offers

 HACLA eligibility interviewer contractor 

determines rent offer and contacts 

property owner to negotiate rent and start 

date of the lease.

 HACLA elibility interviewer contractor 

contacts Veteran to inform that s/he 

should meet with owner to sign lease.

HAP Contract & Lease

Lease Review

 Property owner sends HACLA eligiblity 

interviewer lease for review.

 HACLA eligibility interviewer approves 

lease.

Execution of Lease

 HACoLA asks Veteran and property 

owner to sign lease with move-in date.

Execution of HAP Contract & Lease

 Veteran signs lease with property owner 

and submits a copy of the lease to HACLA. 

 HACLA draws up HAP contact once lease is 

received from property owner. 

 Contracting elibility interviewer generates 

HAP contract and mails it to the owner for 

signatures.

 HACLA receives signed HAP contract and 

processes it for payment.

Lease Review

 HACoLA reviews lease and drafts HAP 

contract.

Execution of HAP Contact 

 HACoLA schedules inspection once HAP 

contract is completed. If inspection 

passes, Veteran is able to sign lease that 

day and a copy is sent to Housing 

Authority. 

Move-In 

Move-In Assistance

 Veterans may be referred to SSVF, if 

funds are available, or to other 

community agencies. AmVets assists 

with furniture, and offers free delivery, 

as well as vouchers for their thrift store 

and food, but requires 30 days or more 

for processing.
HUD-VASH Exit Study 231 Final Report

APPENDIX G:

PALO ALTO SITE DESCRIPTION

The Palo Alto HUD-VASH 

program operates in the following 

counties: Alameda, Monterey, San 

Mateo, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, 

Santa Cruz, and Stanislaus. The 

coordinating VA site is the VA 

Palo Alto Health Care System in 

Palo Alto, CA. The HUD-VASH 

program has 1,478 vouchers. The 

majority of vouchers are held by 

the Housing Authority of the 

County of Santa Clara (HACSC, 

740) and the Housing Authority of 

Monterey County (HACM, 199). 

HACSC serves Santa Clara 

County, including the urban area 

around Santa Jose. HACM serves Monterey County, the southernmost part of the Palo Alto 

catchment area, including Salinas and many coastal and rural areas. 

Housing Context

The following maps provide context for the housing markets in which Veterans participating in 

the Palo Alto HUD-VASH program conduct their housing search. 

Map 1 outlines low, very low, and 

extremely low income areas based 

on median county income. There 

are few extremely low income 

areas in Palo Alto. Those that exist 

are near San Jose (near the 

intersection of Alameda and Santa 

Clara Counties), north of 

Sacramento (San Joaquin county), 

and the eastern section of 

Stanislaus County. Monterey 

County also has some lower 

income areas in the southern and 

eastern parts of the county. There 

is little overlap between VAMCs, 

other Vet Centers, and CBOCs or 

housing authorities and low 

income areas. 
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 232 Final Report

Map 2 depicts median gross rent by 

quartile; the darkest areas have the 

lowest rent. The areas with the lowest 

median rent are typically in more rural 

areas, away from city centers. It is clear 

from this map that Alameda County and 

most areas in Santa Clara County have 

higher median rents.

Map 3 provides details on the rental 

vacancy rate by quartile. Darker areas 

have lower vacancy rates. The darkest 

shade in Palo Alto indicates a vacancy 

rate of zero, meaning there is essentially 

no available housing in these areas. 

Further, urban areas have low vacancy 

rates, while rural areas have more 

vacancies. 

VA Case Management

The Palo Alto HUD-VASH staff includes supervisors, social workers, VA case managers, SUD 

specialists, housing specialists, peer support specialists, program support specialists, and a 

recreational therapist. The case load is 1:28. VA staff are divided among five teams at eight 

locations.
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 233 Final Report

Team Associated Housing 

Authority Service Location Team Composition

Central 

Valley

Alameda Housing Authority of the County 

of Alameda (HACA)

Community and 

VAMC Fremont 

CBOC

1 supervisor

6 VA case managers

1 housing specialist

1 peer support specialist

San Joaquin 1 SUD specialist Housing Authority of the County 

of San Joaquin (HACSJ)

Community and 

VAMC Stockton 

CBOC

Stanislaus Housing Authority of the County 

of Stanislaus (HACSTAN)

Community and 

VAMC Modesto 

CBOC

Menlo Park Housing Authority of the County 

of San Mateo (HACSM)

Community and 

VAMC Menlo Park 

Campus

1 supervisor

8 VA case managers

1 housing specialist (shared with 

San Jose)

1 peer support specialist

2 program support specialists

1 SUD specialist (shared with San 

Jose)

1 recreational therapist (shared 

with San Jose)

San Jose Housing Authority of the County 

of Santa Clara (HACSC)

Community and 

VAMC San Jose 

CBOC

1 supervisor

7 VA case managers

1 housing specialist (shared with 

Menlo Park)

1 peer support (shared with Menlo 

Park)

1 SUD specialist (shared with 

Menlo Park)

1 recreational therapist (shared 

with Menlo Park)

Santa Cruz Housing Authority of the County 

of Santa Cruz (HACSCUZ)

Community and 

VAMC Capitola Clinic

1 supervisor

5 VA case managers

1 housing specialist (shared with 

Monterey)

1 peer support specialist 

1 SUD specialist (shared with 

Monterey) 

Monterey Housing Authority of the County 

of Monterey (HACM)

Community and 

VAMC Monterey 

CBOC

1 supervisor

5 VA case managers

1 housing specialist (shared with 

Santa Cruz)

1 peer support specialist 

1 SUD specialist (shared with Santa 

Cruz)

OUTREACH

Urban Region (Menlo Park & San Jose Teams)

In the urban areas around the Palo Alto VAMC, Veterans are referred to HUD-VASH by other 

facilities, including medical centers, the residential programs in Menlo Park, and the Homeless 

Veterans Rehabilitation Program (HVRP). Staff at the VA mental health clinics, emergency 

rooms, and other social workers refer Veterans to the program, including chronically homeless 

Veterans. Veterans may also receive referrals from homeless shelters, Health Care for Homeless 
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 234 Final Report

Veterans (HCHV) and Grant and Per Diem (GPD) programs in five sites around San Jose as well 

as other community-based organizations. Chronically homeless Veterans often self-refer to the 

program. 

Veterans also learn about the HUD-VASH program through word of mouth. Additionally, they 

may attend a weekly housing resource group in Menlo Park and San Jose, which is designed to 

help any Veteran with a housing issue to access resources. Veterans learn about this group from 

the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans and from widely distributed flyers. Veterans 

who attend this group may request a referral to HUD-VASH.

Central Valley (Alameda, San Joaquin & Stanislaus Teams)

In the Central Valley, the HUD-VASH program receives referrals through weekly drop-in hours 

offered at HACSJ where staff screen individuals for eligibility for HUD-VASH. They also 

receive referrals through GPD and local homeless shelters. The local Salvation Army also refers 

Veterans to HUD-VASH. 

Coastal Region (Santa Cruz & Monterey Teams)

In the coastal areas south of Palo Alto, the VA case management team receives referrals from 

VA providers and social workers as well as community partners. Veterans in this area can also 

attend Housing Resource Groups: one group is offered weekly in Santa Cruz at the Veterans 

Center, and two are offered once a week in Monterey. 

Doctors and HCHV programs in Santa Cruz often refer Veterans to HUD-VASH during drop-in 

harm reduction groups. Weekly events are also held in Santa Cruz at the Veterans Memorial 

Building. During these events Veterans access medical care through a VA medical mobile 

outreach unit, get food and supplies such as tents, and see a Veteran advocate and Veteran 

Service Officers. HUD-VASH staff are also on hand for outreach. Further outreach includes 

visits to areas with high rates of homelessness at least monthly. 

REFERRALS AND ELIGIBILITY

Though each VA case management team may follow a different day-to-day agenda based on the 

vast variety of people, services, and locations included in the service area, there is a general 

procedure for referrals. A standard form is used to refer all Veterans within the Palo Alto service 

area to HUD-VASH, regardless of whether they are referred through social workers, a VA 

treatment program, residential program, or other community programs. The referral is designed 

to capture the Veteran’s current housing status, homeless history, vulnerability, and income. 

TARGETING

Because the demand for vouchers exceeds their supply, the VA teams maintain an interest list, 

with priority given to chronically homeless Veterans and those with the greatest number of case 

management needs. The VA teams also target vulnerable Veterans, including Veterans with low 

income and significant medical, mental health, and/or substance use issues, putting them at 

greatest risk for death on the street. The VA team uses a standard matrix, similar to the Arizona 

Self-Sufficiency Matrix, which assesses risk level in the following domains: housing, basic 

needs, physical health, family/social issues, substance abuse, mental health, and finances. 
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 235 Final Report

Additionally, the VA teams pay special attention to female, elderly, disabled, OIF, OEF, OND 

Veterans as well as families. 

Palo Alto defines chronic homelessness in accordance with the HEARTH Act definition; the 

criterion for a homeless occasion is at least 7 days. 

REFERRAL AND ADMISSION

VA support staff add referral details to a spreadsheet, including Veterans’ living area preference. 

All VA case managers can access this spreadsheet. Individual VA case management teams are 

responsible for screening Veterans who fall within their area of purview to determine each 

Veteran’s level of homelessness and need. Each of the teams uses a standard screening template 

to verify the information contained in the referral form and prioritize their interest list. A 

standard matrix is used to determine which Veterans are most in need of VA case management.

Urban Region (Menlo Park & San Jose Teams)

The Menlo Park and San Jose teams offer rolling screenings and admissions to HUD-VASH. VA 

case managers rotate weekly to conduct screenings. If demand for vouchers among chronically 

homeless Veterans exceeds supply, the VA case management team consults the matrix to 

determine which Veterans should be invited to participate in HUD-VASH. VA case managers 

inform prioritized Veterans of the documents necessary to complete the voucher application and 

schedule an intake meeting to complete the initial HUD-VASH paperwork.

Central Valley (Alameda, San Joaquin & Stanislaus Teams)

In the Central Valley the VA case management teams conduct screenings in person. The 

screenings may be with an individual VA case manager or the entire VA team and are conducted 

during a weekly drop-in time, which is communicated to the community, housing authorities, 

and homeless Veterans. The steps involved after this screening differs depending on where the 

Veteran is interested in living and the housing authority affiliated with that area. 

Coastal Region (Santa Cruz & Monterey Teams)

In Monterey, one VA case manager is responsible for all screenings, while in Santa Cruz, 

screenings are assigned among individual VA case managers. After the Veteran verifies the 

information on the referral form and is deemed eligible, s/he is either invited to attend an 

admission group where initial HUD-VASH paperwork is completed or is added to the interest 

list and contacted by a VA case manager when a voucher is available. If a Veteran is unable to 

join the admission group, individual processing can be completed. 

VOUCHER APPLICATION

Urban Region (Menlo Park & San Jose Teams)

Veterans in Menlo Park and San Jose must attend a group or individual orientation that lasts one 

to two hours. The orientation covers the HUD-VASH program basics, FAQs, and support 

services that are available, such as transportation. Veterans sign a program agreement and are 

assisted with completing the voucher application. Voucher applications vary by housing 
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 236 Final Report

authority. A VA case manager or other HUD-VASH staff submits the application directly to the 

housing authority, usually through fax or email. 

When the application is accepted, the housing authority schedules a voucher briefing with the 

Veteran. Originally, HACSM scheduled two meetings with Veterans—one to complete the 

application materials and one for the voucher briefing—but VA staff are working with the 

housing authority to limit this contact to one meeting. HACSC holds one meeting with Veterans 

for the voucher briefing. 

Central Valley (Alameda, San Joaquin & Stanislaus Teams)

Once a Veteran is admitted to HUD-VASH in the Central Valley, the application process varies 

for each housing authority. 

Alameda

The VA case management team gives Veterans a list of required documents during the in-person 

screening and schedules them for a HUD-VASH orientation. During the orientation the VA case 

manager provides an overview of the program and assists the Veteran with completing the voucher 

application. The VA case manager delivers the application in-person to HACA. The housing 

authority contacts the VA case manager about any missing paperwork or, once the application is 

processed, to set up a voucher briefing one to three weeks after the application is submitted. The 

voucher briefing includes an orientation, which the VA case manager usually attends with the 

Veteran. HACA does not expedite the application process for HUD-VASH applicants but they are 

flexible in assisting Veterans (e.g., allowing them to sign letters attesting to their identity in lieu of 

obtaining certain identifying documents).

San Joaquin

During the in-person screening, VA case managers provide Veterans with the voucher application 

and schedule a meeting for the following week to review the completed packet. The VA case 

manager ensures that the Veteran understands the program rules and has completed all application 

materials. The Veteran submits the application to HACSJ; VA case managers often walk over to 

the housing authority with the Veteran or follow-up to ensure the application has been submitted. 

The housing authority processes the application in one to three weeks; if they find any 

discrepancies, they will contact the Veteran and/or the VA case manager. HACSJ can be flexible 

and will not delay the voucher issuance if the Veteran is missing one piece of documentation. 

Instead, the housing authority will ask that the Veteran bring any missing documentation to the 

voucher briefing. Following the housing authority’s review of the application, the Veteran attends 

a voucher briefing at HACSJ. HUD-VASH applicants are typically processed alongside other 

HCV applicants. 

Stanislaus

The Veteran sets up an appointment with the HACSTAN; the VA case manager does not attend 

this meeting but the housing authority has a staff member dedicated to HUD-VASH. The housing 

authority informs the Veteran of the documentation necessary to bring to the meeting. During this 

meeting the housing authority offers an orientation to the program and assists the Veteran in 

completing the voucher application. If all the paperwork is in place, the Veteran may receive 

his/her voucher at that time, but it typically takes a week or less to receive the voucher. HACTSAN 

expedites HUD-VASH vouchers. 
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 237 Final Report

Coastal Region (Santa Cruz & Monterey Teams)

Both VA case management teams in the coastal region work with Veterans to complete the 

voucher application but processes differ across the VA case management teams and housing 

authorities.

Santa Cruz

VA case managers assist Veterans in completing the voucher application during a second meeting 

after an initial orientation. Since the voucher application used by HACSCRUZ is very extensive, 

the VA case manager provides the Veteran with one-on-one attention. When the application is 

complete, it is submitted to the housing authority and the Veteran schedules an initial appointment 

to review and verify the paperwork. Following this initial appointment, the Veteran schedules a 

voucher briefing with HACSCRUZ that includes an orientation about the housing authority’s rules. 

The housing authority meetings are scheduled individually with a HACSCRUZ specialist, who is 

not specific to HUD-VASH. The assigned VA case manager assists the Veteran by arranging 

transportation and offering support. 

Monterey

Veterans who work with the Monterey VA team are informed in advance of the group admission 

meeting what documentation is required for the voucher application. If the Veteran brings the 

required documents to this meeting, the VA case manager completes a pre-application for HUDVASH and submits it to HACM. A VA case manager attends every HACM meeting with the 

Veterans; since VA case managers are assigned to attend this meeting on a rotating basis, this VA 

case manager may not be the Veteran’s long-term VA case manager. This strategy ensures that 

Veterans are introduced to a number of VA case managers, though if a particular Veteran needs 

additional help, the assigned VA case manager will also attend. The housing authority meetings are 

held weekly at a set time with a HACM staff member specific to HUD-VASH. 

HOUSING SEARCH

Urban Region (Menlo Park & San Jose Teams)

Both VA case management teams in the urban region share a VA housing specialist who is 

responsible for identifying properties and troubleshooting housing issues. A VA peer support 

specialist offers weekly start-up groups that cover housing issues such as credit and interview 

strategies. The curriculum rotates, and Veterans are required to attend at least four sessions to 

become well-versed in different areas. Both teams also offer ride-alongs three times per week, 

during which they visit units from the housing authority lists; online searches; cold phone calls; 

or information on units that the teams have learned about through word of mouth. The VA case 

managers also organize ride-alongs with a more narrow focus, such as senior housing or a certain 

number of rooms, to save Veterans time. 

The Menlo Park and San Jose VA case management teams have relationships with property 

owners and property management companies that inform them in advance about open units. 

Some waive Veterans’ application fees and are also flexible with credit and background checks, 

which the VA case managers particularly value. Although these units are often not the most 

desirable, these residences can serve as a last resort for Veterans who have had an eviction, credit 

issues, or felonies.
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 238 Final Report

VA case managers describe the biggest housing issues for Veterans in the urban region as the 

tight housing market and amount of rent that the voucher will cover. The market is inhibiting 

lease-ups because there has been an increase in technological jobs in the area but not an increase 

in housing stock. Therefore, property owners often want more than the payment standard offered 

by the housing authorities. The housing authorities determine if the unit is worth more than the 

standard, but the Veteran is then expected to pay the additional portion on his/her own, which 

may not be possible. HACSM allows Veterans to pay up to 50% of their income, while HACSC 

allows Veterans to pay up to 40%. 

Central Valley (Alameda, San Joaquin & Stanislaus Teams)

One VA housing specialist works across the Central Valley. The VA housing specialist finds 

units through online searches, relationships with property owners who notify the VA when units 

that can accept a voucher are open, and by talking to anyone with “Apartments for Lease” signs. 

The VA peer support specialist conducts weekly group ride-alongs to housing located by the VA 

housing specialist. The VA housing specialist also meets with Veterans weekly in San Joaquin 

County and calls to touch base with the Veterans in Alameda and Stanislaus Counties to share 

new listings. For the first 30 days following voucher issuance, Veterans are encouraged to take 

the initiative to determine what type of housing they want and where, and meet with property 

owners. After 30 days the VA case manager provides additional assistance. 

The ability to secure affordable housing varies by area: it is easy to find housing in Modesto in 

Stanislaus County, a bit more difficult in San Joaquin County, and very difficult in Alameda 

County as the voucher is about $550 per month less than the lowest rents. The cost of living has 

also increased there recently, but the voucher value has not changed. There is additional 

difficulty housing Veterans through the HACSJ because the VA case managers are unaware of 

how the voucher dollar amount is determined and there are large variations in the amounts 

generated for Veterans at the same income level. Other housing authorities offer standard 

amounts based on income level so Veterans can begin their housing search as soon as they have 

been accepted into the program, while Veterans housed through HACSJ must wait until the 

voucher amount is confirmed. 

Coastal Region (Santa Cruz & Monterey Teams)

Monterey and Santa Cruz share a VA housing specialist who offers weekly startup groups 

designed to help Veterans prepare for their housing search by filling out a sample application, 

obtaining their credit reports, and identifying the type of unit they want. The VA housing 

specialist assigns homework to help Veterans begin their housing search. The VA housing 

specialist and VA peer support specialist offer weekly housing searches tailored to Veterans’ 

preferences. They visit property owners familiar with the program, units on the housing authority 

lists, Craigslist units, and units they hear about from individuals they have worked with in the 

past. These trips have been successful in getting Veterans housed, and particularly in helping 

Veterans to consider a wider range of locations and options. Individualized housing searches can 

be arranged for rural areas, Veterans who cannot handle groups, and other special circumstances. 

In this region, although Veterans are given an initial 120-day timeframe to find housing, they are 

encouraged to find housing within the first 60 days. 
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 239 Final Report

INSPECTION

Urban Region (Menlo Park & San Jose Teams)

As soon as the Veteran submits the RFTA the housing authority schedules an inspection, which 

occurs one to four weeks later. Units that take longer typically have not yet been vacated by a 

previous tenant, and inspections cannot be scheduled until the unit is empty. If the unit is 

available immediately the property owner can request that the housing authority prioritize the 

inspection and schedule it within a week. If a unit fails inspection, another week is usually added 

to the process. VA case managers request that the Veteran attend the inspection so that s/he can 

sign the lease immediately afterwards.

Central Valley (Alameda, San Joaquin & Stanislaus Teams)

The Central Valley VA case management teams have discussed deputizing the VA housing 

specialist in San Joaquin County to complete inspections. Currently, only the housing authorities 

are completing the inspections, which can take from one day to a week with HACSTAN, one to 

two weeks with HACA, and up to four weeks with HACSJ. Housing authority staffing issues can 

hinder the completion of inspections in a timely manner. Specifically, housing authorities with 

few staff do not have coverage if an inspector is out; at housing authorities with multiple 

inspectors, the inspector completing a reinspection may notice an issue the first inspector did not. 

These problems complicate the inspection process and can prolong the housing process. 

Coastal Region (Santa Cruz & Monterey Teams)

Preinspections are rare, although they sometimes occur at senior housing complexes where an 

inspector can evaluate multiple units at once. The standard procedure is for the unit to be 

inspected following the submission of the RFTA, typically within seven to 10 days and can be 

expedited if necessary. Property owners who would like to expedite the inspection contact the 

housing authorities directly. If a unit requires a reinspection, it is usually completed within one 

or two days of the property owner confirming the repairs have been made. Inspectors at the 

HACM usually give the unit a passing grade unless it is dangerous or unlivable. However, the 

inspectors recommend repairs to units that have passed inspection, which the property owners 

must complete. Veterans can move in the day their units pass inspection. 

MOVE-IN

All VA case management teams rely on local SSVF programs and other community 

organizations and government agencies for move-in assistance. Some Veterans can afford to pay 

the deposits on their own, usually because of back pay on benefits or Social Security. 

Each of the VA teams described the difficulty of finding a consistent source for furniture, 

especially beds, as well as transportation to deliver furniture. The Coastal Region VA teams 

obtain beds from the Veteran Resource Center, which purchases them in bulk, and household 

items from the local GPD program. Additionally, a local facility has a large warehouse and 

invites graduates from Veterans Transitional Center in Monterey to take any items that they may 

need. The Veterans Transitional Center is a community-based agency that provides Veterans 

with transitional housing, emergency services, and case management. VA case managers have 

also been known to fill their cars with donations from the local community.
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 240 Final Report

VA CASE MANAGEMENT

The following table describes VA case management requirements:

During housing 

process Weekly face-to-face meeting

Year 1 Minimum monthly home visits, more as needed based on acuity

Year 2+ Minimum monthly home visits, more as needed based on acuity

Urban Region (Menlo Park & San Jose Teams)

Veterans are assigned a VA case manager when they enroll in HUD-VASH, usually the case 

manager who completed the Veteran’s admission. Veterans who enroll through a group 

admission are quickly assigned individual case managers. During the housing process, case 

managers check in with Veterans at least weekly, preferably in person, and by telephone if 

necessary. The teams also conduct monthly in-person check-ins with unhoused Veterans. The 

VA case management teams provide a group where Veterans can discuss and address their 

housing barriers with case managers and other Veterans, renew motivation for the housing 

search, and be reminded that they have a finite amount of time to find a unit. After Veterans are 

housed, most meetings take place in the Veterans’ homes, typically on a monthly basis, unless 

more frequent visits are needed. 

Central Valley (Alameda, San Joaquin & Stanislaus Teams)

Veterans must meet with their VA case managers face-to-face once a week during the housing 

process. Veterans may attend a weekly Housing Resource Group meeting—in lieu of a VA case 

management meeting—with a VA housing specialist, VA SUD specialists, and the VA case 

management team. Veterans who have been housed typically meet with their VA case managers 

monthly in their homes but they may also meet at the case manager’s office or attend community 

meetings led by one of the VA SUD specialists. All VA case management teams also assist 

Veterans during the annual recertification process.

In San Joaquin, attendance at weekly advanced group meetings is required for Veterans who are 

not yet housed. These meetings, led by VA case managers with assistance from VA peer support 

specialists, address topics such as anger management, budgeting, goal setting, and other basic 

life skills. After Veterans are housed their attendance is no longer required, but many Veterans 

continue to participate to learn new skills and socialize with other Veterans. 

In Stanislaus, VA SUD specialists also build rapport with GPD participants, as those Veterans 

often transition to the HUD-VASH program. 

Coastal Region (Santa Cruz & Monterey Teams)

The Santa Cruz VA case management team has office space but is based primarily in the field 

and tends to meet with Veterans in the community, typically at the Veterans Memorial Building. 

The Monterey VA case management team operates out of the VA clinic in Monterey, which 

serves as the center of the HUD-VASH program. 
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 241 Final Report

VA case managers hold weekly VA case management meetings when a Veteran is in the early 

stages of the program; however, the frequency of meetings decreases over time. Before a Veteran 

is housed, s/he must meet with his/her VA case manager a minimum of once a month, but VA 

case managers will maintain the frequency at once a week if needed. VA case managers connect 

Veterans to appropriate healthcare services and other necessities. Sobriety is not a program 

requirement, but Santa Cruz VA case managers inform Veterans of harm reduction groups in the 

community and the Monterey VA case management team offers SUD groups. The Santa Cruz 

VA case managers also hold a monthly group meeting for all Veterans where they provide 

snacks and coffee, discuss resources, and socialize. Attendance is encouraged, especially for new 

members of the program who have the opportunity to speak to peers who have successfully 

found and maintained housing. 

The Palo Alto teams utilize the following evidence-based practices: Assertive Community 

Treatment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Twelve 

Step Facilitation, Peer Support/Mentoring, Supported Employment, and Housing First.

PORTS

Porting within the housing authorities in the Palo Alto service area is much easier than porting to 

an outside location covered by a different VA case management team. However, porting is rare 

given the large catchment areas covered by the housing authorities. 

REASONS FOR EXITS

Leased-Up Exiters

The VA case management teams identified a number of reasons why Veterans may exit HUDVASH after leasing a housing unit:

• Incarceration—If the incarceration is short-term, the VA case management teams will 

work with the Veteran, but if the Veteran is incarcerated for a longer period of time, the 

program must discharge the Veteran. 

• Readiness—Successful housing is related to a Veteran’s motivation and comfort living 

alone in an unstructured environment. After leasing housing, Veterans may realize that 

they want or need a higher level of support, particularly those with medical or mental

health issues or active SUD. Not being able to maintain housing is not always considered 

a failure because each Veteran needs to be in the right place at the right time. Though 

atypical across housing authorities in the service area, HACSJ is very flexible with 

Veterans who are away from their housing for mental health treatment, allowing Veterans 

to seek treatment for up to six months, at which point they may be ready to live 

independently.

• Withdrawal—Veterans may move, opt out of the program, seek a residential assistance 

program or rehabilitation, or are no longer interested in participating in HUD-VASH. 

• Loss of contact 

• Increases in income 

• Death
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 242 Final Report

Nonleased Exiters

The VA case management teams identified a number of reasons why Veterans may leave the 

HUD-VASH program after they have received a voucher but prior to obtaining a housing unit:

• Increases in income—If a Veteran becomes over-income, s/he is no longer eligible for 

rental assistance.

• Challenging process—Veterans may be overwhelmed by the paperwork and bureaucracy 

involved in enrolling in the program and finding housing. Chronically homeless 

Veterans, some of whom have been living on the streets for 10 to 20 years, can become 

easily overwhelmed by the program requirements.

• Loss of contact—Veterans’ vouchers often expire if the VA case managers cannot locate 

the Veterans.

• Personal history—Veterans may encounter multiple housing application rejections based 

on bad credit or other background characteristics and become discouraged.

• Serious mental illness and SUD—Veterans with mental and behavioral health issues are 

often difficult to track and maintain in the program. 

• Motivation—Veterans may not be motivated to do what it takes to get housing but do not 

want to sacrifice the voucher. 

• Incarceration

VETERANS IN CRISIS 

VA case managers attempt to get a signed release of information with everyone in close contact 

with Veterans, including property owners, the housing authority, family members, and clinicians. 

This allows VA case managers to learn about crises from these individuals and assist Veterans. 

Other HUD-VASH Veterans may also indicate that a fellow Veteran is having issues, but 

Veterans and VA case managers must handle these admissions with care because of 

confidentiality rules.

VA case managers described many of the housing authorities as being flexible for Veterans with 

housing issues, often granting them additional time to address problems. Housing authorities 

avoid evictions if at all possible, and most have never had to deal with evictions among Veterans 

in HUD-VASH. For example, HACSJ tries to avoid eviction by working with the property owner 

and discussing with the Veteran the availability of additional services or a representative payee. 

GRADUATION

A Veteran may graduate from HUD-VASH case management after one year of successful 

independent living, agreement between the Veteran and the case manager that the Veteran has 

met his/her goals, and the Veteran no longer requires HUD-VASH case management services to 

maintain independent housing. Veterans who graduate retain their HUD-VASH voucher and are 

not transferred to the regular HCV Program. Though regular VA case management contact ends 

at graduation, VA case management is still available if needed.

VA case managers throughout the Palo Alto service area stated that many Veterans are in need of 

long-term VA case management. The Central Valley teams pointed out that graduation is not 
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 243 Final Report

necessarily their goal for most Veterans, because they understand that many Veterans in HUDVASH may need VA case management to stay housed. This team admits that most of the 

chronically homeless Veterans need much more intensive VA case management, so they often do 

not graduate in a year, if at all. Serious mental health issues also make the VA case managers 

reluctant to stop VA case management. Finally, even those who appear ready for graduation may 

opt to retain VA case management. 

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AGENCIES

Urban Region (Menlo Park & San Jose Teams)

The VA case management teams working with HACSM and HACSC describe communication 

with the housing authorities as challenging. The VA case managers believe this stems directly 

from staff cuts at the housing authorities—they are trying to do more with fewer people. The 

housing authorities no longer update the VA case managers as routinely because they seem 

administratively overwhelmed. 

San Mateo

HACSM prefers that VA case managers attend pre-voucher meetings with Veterans. However, the 

scheduled meeting time is often unclear or during a time that the VA case manager is unavailable. 

The gaps in communication about scheduling have made it difficult for VA case managers to assist 

Veterans.

Santa Clara

VA case managers have a phone meeting with HACSC every Wednesday morning to review 

issues and answer questions. They also have quarterly in-person meetings. VA case managers feel 

that it is still difficult for the housing authority to keep up with communications regarding all of 

their cases due to the large size of the program. 

Central Valley (Alameda, San Joaquin & Stanislaus Teams)

The supervisor meets with each of the housing authorities quarterly, but they usually 

communicate more frequently. The increase in frequency is especially true recently, because the 

housing authorities are applying for project-based allocations.

Alameda

The VA case management team does not have scheduled appointments with HACA but VA case 

managers have one point of contact at the housing authority and can reach out for assistance if 

needed; the housing authority is very responsive. Likewise, the housing authority can always get in 

touch with VA case managers. 

San Joaquin

VA case managers collocate at HACSJ every Tuesday from 9 am to11 am and hold meetings with 

Veterans in their building. This has created a very supportive relationship with HACSJ staff, and 

VA case managers have access to them any day of the week. 

Stanislaus

VA case managers meet with HACSTAN several times per week. Communication is less frequent 

when all Veterans are housed. Overall, the VA case managers described having a very good 

relationship with the housing authority. 
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 244 Final Report

Coastal Region (Santa Cruz & Monterey Teams)

Santa Cruz

The VA case managers communicate with the HACSCUZ on a biweekly basis.

Monterey

The Monterey VA case management team and HACM hold quarterly meetings. VA case managers 

indicate that these meetings have improved efficiency and communication, even if they have not 

sped up the housing process. One challenge cited by the VA case managers is a lack of 

communication following a Veteran’s RFTA submission. Though the housing authority usually 

responds to the request within two weeks, the VA case managers do not hear from the housing 

authority until the inspection, which can be frustrating for the Veteran and property owner.

FACILITATORS OF HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

The Palo Alto VA case management team identified a number of facilitators of housing 

sustainability for Veterans in the HUD-VASH program:

• Organization—The Daily Management System, a Lean Management organizational 

model recently implemented at the Palo Alto VA, has helped them better organize their 

program and increase teamwork. Daily huddles allow the team to share resources. 

• Specialized staff—The increase in support for VA case managers through specialized 

roles, such as VA peer support, VA SUD specialist, and VA housing specialists, has 

allowed VA case managers to better serve the Veterans on their large case loads. It has 

also enabled the program to access more resources and build better relationships in the 

community. 

• Housing sustainability focus—The teams also credit their success to their focus on 

housing sustainability. They work with each Veteran individually to better target each 

person’s needs. Motivational Interviewing has been effective in helping Veterans believe 

that they can be housed. Additionally, Veterans who have been discharged from the 

program and have lost their vouchers are placed back on the interest list so they can 

return to the program when they are ready. The VA case managers understand that some 

Veterans may need multiple chances. 

• Groups—Many of the activities that the VA case management teams offer help Veterans 

get and stay housed. Through group housing searches VA case managers and Veterans 

are able to meet each other and share stories and advice. Likewise, housing groups allow 

unhoused Veterans to discuss their barriers and learn from each other. 

• Connection to resources—Community resources are key to the Palo Alto HUD-VASH 

program. Community-based organizations are integral to every step of HUD-VASH, 

from identifying homeless Veterans through outreach efforts, to providing medical and 

transportation services and financial move-in assistance. 

BARRIERS TO HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

Veterans in the Palo Alto region face a number of challenges to accessing and sustaining 

permanent housing, including the following:
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 245 Final Report

• Lack of affordable housing—There is a shortage of available housing across the region 

served by the Palo Alto VAMC, as well as a lack of property owners willing to accept 

HCVs, given that the housing authority payment standards do not reflect the market value 

of area rentals. The technology industry continues to create jobs in the area but there is 

insufficient housing to meet the demand, and the demand for housing has effectively 

priced low income earners out of the market. While rent continues to rise, there is no plan 

to increase the already low level of the housing authority payment standards. In practice, 

this translates to VA case managers encouraging Veterans to accept any unit they can 

find and get on a waiting list for a complex that accepts HCVs so they can move into a 

better unit in the future. Those who are unable to find a unit in the tight housing market 

may give up. 

• Financial issues—Lack of funding for move-in assistance is a challenge in Palo Alto. 

While a Veteran with no income can be approved for HUD-VASH, community partners, 

including SSVF, are not required to provide move-in assistance. Since a Veteran with 

zero income cannot prove that s/he can sustain payments, many organizations do not 

want to provide move-in assistance.

• Motivation—Ambivalence on the part of the Veteran is a significant hurdle to overcome. 

VA case managers stated that Veterans express disbelief that they will be able to access 

housing and are therefore only willing to make a minimal commitment to the program.

• Readiness—Some Veterans may not be ready for independent housing or may not be able 

to afford it. VA case managers indicated that, given their Housing First approach, they 

are not working on housing readiness issues. As they enroll more chronically homeless 

Veterans, this becomes an increasing challenge.

• Personal history—Veterans with poor credit scores often have difficulty finding a 

property owner who will rent to them. Veterans who are frequently denied housing due to 

their background may become discouraged by the process.

• VA program regulations—The VA case management teams said that HUD-VASH can 

seem mechanized given all of the paperwork and data entry VA case managers are 

expected to complete. It can become difficult to balance the clinical side of the VA case 

management with the rules, regulations, and expectations of the program. 

• Staffing concerns—Finding qualified staff can be an issue, particularly because the cost 

of living in the service area is so high; as a result, teams are often understaffed. 

• Mental illness

• SUD

PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS / RECOMMENDATIONS

The Palo Alto VA case management teams had many concerns related to funding. First, the VA 

teams would like to see SSVF expand to all counties in the service area. Additionally, the VA 

teams would like the allocations to be larger for SSVF so these agencies do not run the risk of 

expending all of the assistance available for Veterans in HUD-VASH. It would also be helpful if 

SSVF funds could be used for application fees, particularly for Veterans with zero income or no 

savings. 
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 246 Final Report

The teams also recommended a cost of living allowance for expensive housing markets, such as 

Alameda, as they are struggling to house Veterans in these expensive areas. Furthermore, they 

suggested having each voucher allocation come with a set amount of funds to be used for movein expenses, ideally an amount equal to the area’s median rent. 

In areas where it can take a long time to schedule inspections, such as San Joaquin County, it 

would be helpful if VA housing specialists could conduct inspections. In some areas, it is 

estimated that this could cut three to four weeks off of the lease-up time. 

VA case management teams reiterated the benefit of Motivational Interviewing. They said it has 

been useful for important issues ranging from substance abuse to housing to Veteran 

ambivalence. VA teams suggested further training to enable VA case managers to become more 

proficient with this technique.

Housing Authority of the County of Santa Clara

HACSC has four staff who work with HUD-VASH Veterans: a housing programs manager, two 

intake specialists, and two housing specialists. Details on HACSC’s voucher issuance and 

payment standards are shown in the table below:

Payment Standard None specified

Portion of Rent that is Veteran’s 

Responsibility 35%

Initial Voucher Issuance Period 120 days

Veterans are served by HACSC staff at the housing authority. HACSC prioritizes HUD-VASH 

and codes the applicant files so that so that all workers, from clerks to inspectors, are aware of 

their priority status. HACSC has been designated by Congress as a HUD Moving to Work 

(MTW) Agency, which provides them with flexibility to modify certain HUD regulations to 

streamline their programs.

VOUCHER APPLICATION 

HACSC has a designated email/fax inbox for HUD-VASH referrals. VA case management 

teams submit applications through this mechanism and the HACSC housing programs manager 

forwards them to the assigned specialist within the housing authority. After reviewing the file 

and ensuring that the Veteran meets program eligibility criteria, the specialist contacts the 

applicant and VA case manager to schedule an intake and inform them whether additional 

documents are needed. During the intake meeting, the HACSC specialist reviews the materials 

with the Veteran and VA case manager. 

HACSC offers VA case managers trainings so that they can complete most of the voucher 

application in advance of the intake meeting. During the trainings, the housing authority guides 

VA case managers through the HACSC process, including filling out the application, reviewing 

the materials, determining eligibility, and explaining income limits, criminal and other 

background information, and qualifying and disqualifying criteria. Thanks to these efforts, the 

application packet is usually complete when it reaches the housing authority. 
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 247 Final Report

VOUCHER BRIEFING

The Veteran is scheduled for a voucher briefing after the intake meeting. Although the briefing is 

a separate appointment from the intake meeting, it is usually scheduled for the same day. 

Typically, the VA case manager attends this meeting with the Veteran. During the briefing, 

HACSC staff provide the Veteran with additional housing information, the voucher, and RFTA 

materials. Voucher briefings usually take place with a group of Veterans. 

HOUSING SEARCH

The housing search is generally the responsibility of the Veteran and the VA case management 

team. However, HACSC provides HCV listings and online resources to the Veteran and shares 

information about available properties with the VA housing specialist. Once the Veteran finds a 

property s/he is interested in renting, the property owner completes the RFTA. Usually, the VA 

case manager or Veteran, or sometimes the property owner, submits the completed documents to 

the HACSC leasing team. An HACSC inspector reviews the documents to determine the 

affordability of the rent, review the property ownership, and evaluate rent comparables. Once 

this review is complete, a HACSC clerk contacts the property owner to schedule an inspection. 

Since HACSC is a MTW site, they have modified the amount of rent for which clients are 

responsible; HUD-VASH participants must cover 35% of the rent. 

INSPECTION

It generally takes about three days from submission of the RFTA to the inspection. A HACSC 

clerk emails the VA case manager regarding the scheduled inspection time. If a unit passed 

inspection within the last 30 days but was not rented, HACSC will accept the prior inspection; 

however, if it has been more than 30 days, the unit has to be reinspected. 

HAP CONTRACT AND LEASE

All contract negotiations occur at the time of inspection. It is preferred that the VA case manager 

and Veteran attend the inspection because the HAP contract and lease can be executed as soon as 

the unit passes inspection and the Veteran can arrange for immediate move-in. 

PORTS

The VA case manager coordinates ports with the receiving VA and housing authority to ensure 

that there is a HUD-VASH program through which the Veteran can receive case management. 

REEXAMINATIONS

The housing authority has streamlined the reexamination process using their status as a MTW 

agency. If a Veteran receives an increase in income between regularly scheduled recertifications, 

the increase is not processed until the next recertification. Decreases are processed immediately, 

with changes going into effect the following month. 

ANNUAL RECERTIFICATION

Due to the housing authority’s MTW designation, the HACSC has opted not to conduct 

recertifications on an annual basis but on a bi-annual or tri-annual basis. If a Veteran household 

has wages or income that are not fixed, HACSC will re-examine the household every two years. 
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 248 Final Report

If a Veteran household has a fixed income, the reexamination will only take place every three 

years as these households are unlikely to have an income change. 

REASONS FOR EXITS

Leased-Up Exiters

HACSC identified a number of reasons why Veterans may exit HUD-VASH after leasing a 

housing unit:

• Transition from homelessness—Veterans who enter housing directly from the streets may 

find it difficult to set up their home: they do not have pots or pans or furniture and are not 

accustomed to paying rent, buying groceries, cooking, or interacting with neighbors. 

• Zero income—All Veterans in HUD-VASH are responsible for paying a portion of their

rent. When utilities are not included with the rent, Veterans who do not have an income 

often have difficulty making these payments. 

• Substance abuse—Veterans with active drug or alcohol problems may spend much of 

their income on these substances rather than paying their rent, jeopardizing their housing.

• Noncompliance with VA case management—HACSC learns from VA case managers 

that Veterans are not compliant with VA case management and will terminate them from 

the program to open the voucher for another Veteran. 

• Lease violations—Some Veterans have difficulty following the lease agreement and 

abiding by rules. Often, these Veterans invite unauthorized people into the household, 

which is grounds for termination.

• Unit abandonment—Sometimes Veterans leave their HUD-VASH units without 

informing their VA case manager or the housing authority. 

• Death

Nonleased Exiters

HACSC identified a number of reasons why Veterans may leave the HUD-VASH program after 

they have received a voucher but prior to obtaining a housing unit:

• Lack of affordable housing—The vacancy rate in the area is very low, making it difficult 

to find affordable units. HACSC tries to recruit more property owners to identify 

available and affordable units for program participants. 

• Personal history—Veterans who have poor credit, a criminal background, or a history of 

homelessness frequently find it more difficult to locate a unit. Property owners often have 

choice in who they rent to, in part because of the low vacancy rate in the area, and they 

will select other applicants over these Veterans. 

• Challenging process—Veterans can find the HUD-VASH process overwhelming due to 

the paperwork and steps involved. 

• Loss of contact 
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 249 Final Report

• Incarceration

• Substance abuse

VETERANS IN CRISIS

HACSC usually learns from property owners that Veterans are experiencing housing issues. 

When the housing authority follows-up with VA case managers, they often find out that VA case 

managers are aware of the issues as well and have been working with the Veterans to resolve 

them. HACSC and VA case managers frequently work in tandem to assist Veterans in this area. 

If a Veteran is not complying with housing rules, the housing authority usually counsels the 

Veteran with the VA case manager present. Because the Veteran is actively receiving VA case 

management, the housing authority generally does not terminate him/her. If the Veteran is not 

paying his/her portion of the rent and is evicted, HACSC will give the Veteran another voucher 

and an official warning indicating why the previous voucher was terminated and stating that if it 

happens again, the Veteran could lose the voucher indefinitely. The VA case manager works 

with the Veteran to prevent the situation from happening again (e.g., creating a budget with the 

Veteran or working with a payee to manage the Veteran’s money). For Veterans with multiple 

violations, HACSC has created second and third levels of review before allowing them to 

continue in the program. 

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AGENCIES

HACSC operations staff and VA case managers meet weekly to discuss any scheduling, voucher 

extensions, noncompliance, terminations, or other challenges. VA case managers contact 

HACSC staff daily if an issue requires immediate attention. HACSC and the VA share updated 

rosters so that each team knows the correct point of contact for specific areas or clients. Larger 

team meetings that include management are also held quarterly to discuss broader policy issues. 

Additionally, monthly meetings that involve both the housing authority and VA as well as 

community stake holders have been held since May 2013 following a rapid results acceleration 

boot camp. These meetings help to keep everyone engaged and ensure that the program is 

reaching prioritized Veterans and meeting target performance measures. 

FACILITATORS OF HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

• HACSC described facilitators that have made housing sustainability easier for Veterans:

• VA case management—Property owners are more understanding of Veterans in HUDVASH and appreciate the VA case managers’ involvement in mitigating problems. 

• Communication with between VA and the housing authority

• HUD-VASH Boot Camp

BARRIERS TO HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

HACSC indicated several challenges for housing sustainability:

• Staffing issues—HACSC finds it difficult to make sure HUD-VASH applicants are 

processed as quickly as possible because there is insufficient staff dedicated to this 

population. 
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 250 Final Report

• Mental health issues—HACSC staff indicated that Veterans with mental health issues, 

such as PTSD, often have difficulty communicating and may become easily agitated. 

Although these Veterans are receiving services through VA, they may not be compliant 

with their treatment or refuse to follow-up with providers. 

PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS / RECOMMENDATIONS

HACSC stressed the importance of having an open dialogue with VA and community providers. 

In an effort to streamline procedures, the housing authority and VA staff mapped out the HUDVASH processes and highlighted the barriers for both teams. They discussed ways to make the 

process more efficient, such as including a documents checklist to assist VA case managers with 

completing the voucher application. Both teams have also worked with homeless service 

providers to continue the discussion with a broader scope. One idea that came out of these 

meetings was setting aside money for flexible funds to be used for furniture or other move-in 

necessities not normally covered by housing rental assistance. 

HACSC is working with the VA on a request for 25 project-based vouchers for HUD-VASH and 

has identified three potential sites if these vouchers are awarded. 

Housing Authority of Monterey County

HACM has four staff dedicated to HUD-VASH, including two eligibility specialists who 

complete intake for all Veterans, and two senior housing program specialists with ongoing 

Veteran caseloads. Veterans are served by HACM staff at the housing authority. Details on 

HACM’s voucher issuance and payment standards are shown in the table below:

Payment Standard

General

SRO - $653 (100% FMR)

0BR - $864 (99.25% FMR)

1BR - $990 (101% FMR)

2BR - $1,162 (94.2% FMR)

3BR - $1,623 (90.15% 

FMR)

4BR - $1,811 (90% FMR)

5BR - $2,083 (90% FMR)

South Countya

SRO - $588 (90% FMR)

0BR - $784 (90% FMR)

1BR - $882 (90% FMR)

2BR - $1,111 (90% FMR)

3BR - $1,620 (90% FMR)

4BR - $1,811 (90% FMR)

5BR - $2,083 (90% FMR)

Peninsulab

SRO - $679 (104%FMR)

0BR - $899 (103.25% 

FMR)

1BR - $1,020 (104.1% 

FMR)

2BR - $1,186 (96.1%FMR))

3BR - $1695 (94.15% FMR)

4BR - $1,891 (94% FMR)

5BR - $2,175 (94% FMR)

Portion of Rent that is Veteran’s 

Responsibility 30%, up to 40% including utilities

Initial Voucher Issuance Period 120 days

a Chualar, Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield, King City, San Lucas, San Ardo, and Lockwood. b Big Sur, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Sand City, and Seaside

VOUCHER APPLICATION 

VA case managers assist Veterans with completing the voucher application, which is submitted 

to the HACM intake/eligibility specialist. The housing authority has trained VA case managers 

on how to complete the application and what supporting documents are needed; VA case 

managers will reach out to the housing authority with questions, ensuring that the applications 

are complete in advance of the eligibility interview. Eligibility interviews take place one to two 

weeks after the application is submitted and are held every Wednesday at the housing authority. 
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 251 Final Report

A VA case manager is present at this meeting, though it may not be the VA case manager 

assigned to the specific Veterans who are being interviewed. 

VOUCHER BRIEFING

After HACM completes the sex offender check and income verification to confirm the Veteran’s 

eligibility, the Veteran is scheduled for a group voucher briefing. The Veteran is informed of the 

meeting details via letter. At the briefing, Veterans watch a video that reviews the rules and 

regulations of the program. This is followed by a question and answer period and then Veterans 

receive their vouchers.

HOUSING SEARCH

The housing authority provides a list of units that accept HCVs to the VA housing specialist, 

who is the main point of contact for the housing search. Since this position was filled, HACM 

has seen an increase in the lease rate among Veterans. Previously, Veterans’ vouchers would 

often expire or Veterans would struggle with high deposits that they could not afford. HACM 

sees the VA housing specialist as instrumental in getting Veterans leased-up. 

The housing authority indicates that affordable housing is available within their service area. 

However, most of the affordable housing is in areas where Veterans do not want to live. The 

housing search is also impacted by seasonal workers who come to the area during the growing 

season. Veterans have an easier time finding a unit that they can afford in the fall than in the 

spring or summer.

INSPECTION

After the RFTA is submitted, an HACM inspector reviews the file. Based on the utilities 

specified by the property owner and the requested rent, the HACM inspector determines if the 

Veteran can afford the unit and whether s/he qualifies for it. HACM will deny a RFTA if the rent 

is too high and the property owner is not willing to negotiate or if the cost of utilities makes the 

Veteran’s monthly payment over the approved amount, which is particularly an issue for 

Veterans with zero income. Additionally, property owners are less likely to negotiate on rent 

during the spring and summer months when the number of seasonal workers and potential 

tenants increases. 

An inspection is generally scheduled within three to five days. However, it can take more time to 

get it completed due to the housing authority’s large, rural service area. If repairs are needed, the 

housing authority assesses the property owner’s willingness to do the work. If the property 

owner is unwilling to make the repairs, the Veteran is informed via letter and is given a new 

RFTA to continue the search. This rarely happens because the VA housing specialist advocates 

for the Veteran and encourages the property owner to make the repairs. 

HAP CONTRACT AND LEASE

When the unit passes inspection the HAP contract between HACM and the property owner is 

signed onsite. The lease agreement between the owner and tenant is signed at a time decided by 

both parties.
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 252 Final Report

PORTABILITY

For a Veteran to port his/her HUD-VASH voucher, the receiving housing authority can accept 

the Veteran into its HUD-VASH program, convert the Veteran’s voucher into a HCV, or bill the 

original housing authority. If the housing authority is billed, the Veteran is still considered to be 

a part of the original HUD-VASH program. 

REEXAMINATIONS

Decreases in income are processed immediately so that changes in rent responsibility go into 

effect during the following month. Increases in income are also processed immediately, though, 

due to the required documentation, the adjustment may take more than one month to go into 

effect. 

ANNUAL RECERTIFICATION

An annual recertification is conducted for all Veterans in HUD-VASH. The recertification 

process consists of an annual inspection and an office visit to update the Veteran’s information. 

In most cases, the Veteran attends this appointment on his/her own. However, the VA case 

manager will attend this meeting if necessary. The paperwork needed for this appointment is 

similar to that required for the intake process; an appointment letter with a list of documents 

needed is mailed to the Veteran two to three weeks in advance. 

REASONS FOR EXITS

Leased-Up Exiters

HACM identified a number of reasons why Veterans may exit HUD-VASH after leasing a 

housing unit:

• Graduation—Veterans who graduate from HUD-VASH may transfer to the regular HCV 

program and continue to receive housing assistance but no longer participate in VA case 

management. 

• Withdrawal—A Veteran may decide that s/he no longer needs housing assistance and VA 

case management will discharge the Veteran from the program. 

• Increase in income—Veterans who receive additional benefits or begin working or 

earning more money may receive too much income to be eligible for HUD-VASH. 

• Eviction

• Death

Nonleased Exiters

HACM identified a number of reasons why Veterans may leave the HUD-VASH program after 

they have received a voucher but prior to obtaining a housing unit:

• Loss of contact—If the program cannot communicate with a Veteran, the Veteran will be 

terminated from the program. 
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 253 Final Report

• Willingness—The Veteran has to be willing to complete the paperwork and attend 

appointments. Some Veterans are uncomfortable sharing the personal information 

required by the program. 

VETERANS IN CRISIS

HACM learns that Veterans are experiencing housing issues from both property owners and VA 

case managers. If the property owner contacts HACM, the housing authority will inform the VA 

case manager and request increased home visits or support to the Veteran to remedy the issue. 

If a Veteran continues to violate his/her lease, the housing authority may schedule the Veteran 

for a Council Meeting, in which they describe how the Veteran is violating the lease and inform 

her/him that s/he is at risk of losing the voucher. The housing authority tries to remind the 

Veteran of the hard work that s/he has put into the program so as to encourage changes in 

behavior necessary to remain in the unit. 

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AGENCIES

Staff who work with HUD-VASH at HACM meet with VA case managers and the VA housing 

specialist quarterly. They discuss how the program is working and if there are any issues that 

need to be addressed to improve it. Staff will also review individual cases during these meetings. 

Topics of discussion include changes to public programs and available assistance. Recently, 

increases to housing allowances through the GI Bill impacted Veterans in the program; housing 

authority and VA staff used the quarterly meeting as a time to discuss how this type of income 

would be handled moving forward to ensure that both agencies agreed and gave Veterans correct 

information. HACM and VA staff also have an open dialogue to deal with issues as they arise. 

FACILITATORS OF HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

HACM described a number of facilitators that have made housing sustainability easier for 

Veterans:

• VA staff complete the voucher application—Having the VA assist Veterans in 

completing the voucher application streamlines the entire process by making the turnaround time shorter and allowing HACM to assist more people in less time.

• VA staff attendance at eligibility interview

• VA housing specialist

• Communication with VA

BARRIERS TO HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

HACM indicated the following challenges for housing sustainability:

• Security deposits

• Personal history—Veteran rental and credit histories can be a barrier for accessing 

housing, being accepted by property owners, and accessing funds for the security deposit. 
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 254 Final Report

PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS / RECOMMENDATIONS

Previously, HACM submitted the same background checks for HUD-VASH applicants as they 

did for all of their clients. However, the criminal background check does not apply to Veterans 

and the housing authority has been able to decrease costs and time to housing by only requesting 

the sex offender check. 

Because the housing search in the area served by HACM can be difficult, the housing authority 

and VA housing specialist encourage Veterans to find a unit that is acceptable in the short-term, 

even if only for a six month lease, and then continue their housing search once they have moved 

in. This allows Veterans to have a unit and then look for a place that meets their long-term 

housing criteria. Often, Veterans find that they are happy with their unit and opt not to move. 

The VA referral process can be difficult for HACM. To meet their targets, the housing authority 

needs the VA to over-refer, because not all Veterans who are referred to HUD-VASH will sign a 

lease and move into a unit. However, the VA is concerned that if they over-refer, HACM may 

not have a sufficient number of available vouchers. Additionally, since the VA has to screen 

every Veteran, it can be costly and time-consuming for them to over-refer, especially as the 

program is often understaffed.

Step-By-Step Processes

The following chart summarizes the steps in the process of housing Veterans in HUD-VASH—

from initial referral to the program to moving into the housing unit—as well as the roles fo the 

VA case managers and housing authorities.

VA Case 

Management

(All Teams)

San Jose

VA Case Management 

Team

Housing 

Authority of 

the County of 

Santa Clara 

(HACSC)

Monterey

VA Case 

Management 

Team

Housing Authority of 

the County of 

Monterey (HACM)

Referral & Admission

Referral

 All referral sources 

throughout the 

service area use a 

shared referral 

form.

 Form is faxed or 

delivered to the VA 

Palo Alto HUDVASH office.

Referral 

Processing

 VA support staff 

input referral 

information to 

spreadsheet 

accessible to all 

Palo Alto VA case 

management 

teams.
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 255 Final Report

VA Case 

Management

(All Teams)

San Jose

VA Case Management 

Team

Housing 

Authority of 

the County of 

Santa Clara 

(HACSC)

Monterey

VA Case 

Management 

Team

Housing Authority of 

the County of 

Monterey (HACM)

Screening

 Each VA case 

management team 

uses standard 

screening template 

to verify referral 

form information.

Screening

 VA case managers rotate 

regularly to conduct 

referral, chart and 

telephone screenings.

Screening

 One VA case manager 

completes all 

screenings by 

reviewing referral, 

chart and telephoning 

Veterans.

Prioritization on 

Interest List

 Referral form and 

screening 

determine Veteran 

eligibility and 

priority on interest 

list.

VA Case Manager 

Assignment

 Case managers are 

assigned to work 

with Veterans 

based on individual 

voucher openings 

as well as areas of 

expertise.

Admission Meeting 

Scheduled

 VA case manager invites 

prioritized Veteran to 

program; informs Veteran 

of required documentation 

for voucher application, and 

schedules intake meeting to 

complete initial paperwork.

Admission Group 

Meeting Invitation

 Veteran is contacted by 

a case manager and 

invited to attend an 

admission group.

 Veteran is told to bring 

required application 

documents to this 

meeting. 

Veteran Enrolled 

in VA case 

management 

 Veteran is assigned 

a VA case manager 

upon attendance at 

admission meeting.

Voucher Application & Briefing

Voucher Application 

Completed 

 Veteran must attend 1-2 

hour individual or group 

orientation, sign program 

agreement and complete 

PHA voucher application 

packet with VA case 

manager.

Admission Group 

Meeting

 Veteran must attend 

admission group 

meeting.

 VA case manager

completes preapplication with 

Veteran during this 

meeting.
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 256 Final Report

VA Case 

Management

(All Teams)

San Jose

VA Case Management 

Team

Housing 

Authority of 

the County of 

Santa Clara 

(HACSC)

Monterey

VA Case 

Management 

Team

Housing Authority of 

the County of 

Monterey (HACM)

Voucher Application 

Submitted

 VA case manager submits 

completed voucher 

application and required 

documents to HACSC 

designated HUD-VASH 

email/ fax.

Pre-Application 

Submitted 

 VA case manager 

submits preapplication to HACM 

intake/eligibility 

specialist.

HACSC 

Specialist 

Assigned

 HACSC housing 

programs 

manager assigns 

HACSC specialist 

and forwards 

application 

materials to 

HACSC specialist.

Eligibility Verification

 The pre-application and 

referral must be received to 

schedule an appointment 

with the Veteran. The 

Veteran’s information from 

these documents is entered 

into the waiting list.

 HACM will process income 

and HACM processes 

eligibility using the preapplication submitted by the 

VA case manager.

 HACM also completes sex 

offender check once the 

Veteran comes in for an 

interview.to determine 

eligibility

Eligibility 

Verification

 HACSC specialist 

completes sex 

offender check 

and confirms 

Veteran 

eligibility.

Voucher Application 

Completed

 VA case manager 

assists the Veteran in 

completing the 

voucher application 

packet during second 

meeting.

Intake Meeting 

& Voucher 

Briefing 

Scheduled

 HACSC specialist 

contacts 

Veterans and 

schedules intake 

meeting and 

voucher briefing.

 Veteran is 

informed of any 

additional 

required 

documents to 

bring to meeting.

Voucher Application 

Submitted

 VA case manager 

submits completed 

application packet to 

the HACM by fax.
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 257 Final Report

VA Case 

Management

(All Teams)

San Jose

VA Case Management 

Team

Housing 

Authority of 

the County of 

Santa Clara 

(HACSC)

Monterey

VA Case 

Management 

Team

Housing Authority of 

the County of 

Monterey (HACM)

Intake Meeting 

& Voucher 

Briefing

 HACSC specialist 

reviews 

application 

materials with 

Veteran and VA 

case manager.

 Voucher briefing 

typically takes 

place on the 

same day of the 

intake meeting in 

the afternoon.

 Intake meeting 

and voucher 

briefing held at 

HACSC, generally 

within 3 weeks 

of completed 

application.

Eligibility Interview 

Scheduled

 Eligibility interview 

scheduled 1-2 weeks after 

submission of voucher 

application. The Veteran is 

notified by mail, but HACM 

also sends a letter to the 

Veteran, and VA case 

manager is notified of the 

date and time. VA case 

manager ensures Veteran is 

aware of appointment.

Eligibility Interview

 A VA case manager is 

present at all eligibility 

interviews, but it may 

not be the VA case 

manager assigned to 

Veteran as VA case 

managers are assigned 

to attend this meeting 

on a rotating basis.

Eligibility Interview

 HACM reviews application 

and interviews Veterans 

every Wednesday afternoon 

at HACM office .

Voucher Briefing 

Scheduled

 Veteran is informed of 

voucher briefing via letter.

Voucher Briefing

 Voucher briefing held every 

1st and 3rd Thursday of the

month. If Veteran file is 

done, they are scheduled for 

the soonest briefing at 

HACM, usually 1 month after 

submission of completed 

packet.
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 258 Final Report

VA Case 

Management

(All Teams)

San Jose

VA Case Management 

Team

Housing 

Authority of 

the County of 

Santa Clara 

(HACSC)

Monterey

VA Case 

Management 

Team

Housing Authority of 

the County of 

Monterey (HACM)

Housing Search

Weekly Meetings

 VA peer support specialist 

offers weekly groups 

providing information 

about the housing search; 

Veteran required to attend 

at least 4 sessions.

 VA case management team 

offers ride-alongs to visit 

available units 3 times each 

week.

Weekly Meetings

 VA case management 

team offers weekly 

start up group to help 

Veteran prepare for 

the housing search.

 VA housing specialist 

and VA peer support 

specialist offer weekly 

housing searches 

tailored to Veteran’s 

preferences.

RFTA Submitted

 VA case manager, Veteran, 

or property owner submits 

RFTA to HACSC.

RFTA 

Processing

 RFTA is hand 

carried to the 

HACS by Veteran, 

VA case manager 

or property 

owner.

RFTA Submitted

 VA case manager, 

Veteran, or property 

owner submits RFTA 

to HACM.

RFTA Processing

 RFTA is hand carried to the 

HACM by Veteran, VA case 

manager or property owner.

Inspection & Rent Negotiation

RFTA Reviewed

 HACSC inspector 

reviews RFTA to 

determine 

affordability of 

rent, review 

property 

ownership, and 

evaluate rent 

comparables.

RFTA Reviewed

 HACM inspector reviews 

RFTA to determine if the 

unit is affordable and 

whether the Veteran 

qualifies for it.

Inspection 

Scheduled

 HACSC clerk 

contacts 

property owner 

to schedule 

inspection, 

generally about 3 

days following 

RFTA 

submission.

 HACSC clerk 

informs VA case 

manager of 

inspection time, 

and VA case 

manager informs 

Veteran.

Rent Negotiation

 The inspector reviews the 

RFTA and file for 

affordability based on HUD 

guidelines.

 Rent negotiation occurs at 

inspection.
Appendix G: Palo Alto Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 259 Final Report

VA Case 

Management

(All Teams)

San Jose

VA Case Management 

Team

Housing 

Authority of 

the County of 

Santa Clara 

(HACSC)

Monterey

VA Case 

Management 

Team

Housing Authority of 

the County of 

Monterey (HACM)

Inspection & 

Rent 

Negotiation

 Rent negotiation 

occurs at 

inspection.

Inspection Scheduled

 The inspector contacts the 

property owner to make 

sure the unit is ready and 

rent is reasonable. Inspector 

and property owner agree 

on inspection date and 

Veteran is notified.

Reinspection

 If initial 

inspection does 

not pass, HACSC 

submits actions 

for correction to 

property owner; 

property owner 

completes 

actions and 

schedules 

reinspection with 

HACSC.

Reinspection

 If initial inspection does not 

pass, HACSC submits actions 

for correction to property 

owner; property owner 

completes actions and 

schedules reinspection with 

HACSC.

HAP Contract & Lease

Execution of HAP 

Contract & Lease

 VA case managers 

often accompany 

Veterans during 

inspections and 

signing of HAP 

contracts.

Execution of 

HAP Contract & 

Lease

 HAP contract and 

lease executed at 

property 

following 

inspection.

Execution of HAP 

Contract & Lease

 HAP contract and lease 

executed at property 

following inspection.

Move-In 

Move-In Assistance

 All Palo Alto VA case 

management teams rely 

on local SSVF programs, 

other community 

organizations, and 

government agencies for 

move-in assistance. It has 

been difficult to find 

consistent sources of 

furniture, especially beds, 

as well as furniture 

delivery.
HUD-VASH Exit Study 260 Final Report

APPENDIX H:

PHILADELPHIA SITE DESCRIPTION

The Philadelphia HUD-VASH program operates in Philadelphia County, Bucks County, and the

City of Camden. The 

coordinating VA site is 

the Philadelphia 

VAMC in 

Philadelphia, PA. The 

HUD-VASH program 

has 743 vouchers. The 

majority of vouchers 

are held by the 

Philadelphia Housing 

Authority (PHA, 743) 

and Housing Authority 

of the City of Camden 

(HACC, 135). PHA 

serves Veterans within 

Philadelphia. HACC 

serves Veterans within 

the Camden, NJ, city 

limits.

Housing Context

The following maps provide context for the housing markets in which Veterans participating in 

the Philadelphia HUD-VASH program are conducting their housing search. 

Map 1 outlines low, very low, and 

extremely low income areas based on 

median county income. The majority of 

the City of Camden is low income. The 

majority of low income areas in 

Philadelphia are in the northern and 

western parts of the city. The VAMC is 

located near the western low income 

areas but is farther from the northern 

low income areas. The northern area 

has one Vet Center/CBOC but it is not 

in a low income area. The remaining 

Vet Centers and CBOCs, as well as the

housing authority, are also not in low 

income areas.
Appendix H: Philadelphia Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 261 Final Report

Map 2 depicts median gross rent by quartile; 

the darkest areas have the lowest rent. In the 

City of Camden, median rent varies 

throughout the city, while in Philadelphia, 

the areas with the lowest median rents align 

with the low income areas. 

Map 3 provides details on the rental vacancy 

rate by quartile. Darker areas have lower 

vacancy rates. The City of Camden has very 

low vacancy across most of the city. In 

Philadelphia, vacancy rates do not appear to 

be as low, except in the southwest and parts 

of the northeast. Low income areas and areas 

with lower median rents seem to have units 

available. 

VA Case Management

The site has VA teams serving HUD-VASH Veterans. Teams include a supervisor, case 

managers, a SUD specialist, a housing specialist, a peer support specialist and social workers. 

The case load is 1:30.

Team Associated Housing Authority Service Location Team 

Composition

Philadelphia

Philadelphia Housing Authority

Philadelphia VAMC

Veterans 

Multi-Service 

Center 

Veterans Multi-Service Center

Pathways to 

Housing ACT team

Camden Housing Authority of the City of 

Camden

Bucks County Bucks County Housing Authority 1 person
Appendix H: Philadelphia Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 262 Final Report

OUTREACH

A large proportion of referrals to HUD-VASH are self-referrals or walk-ins; Veterans hear about 

the program from other Veterans or other VHA Homeless Programs. Safe Haven, emergency 

shelters, community partners, and SSVF also provide referrals. Staff at the VAMC refer Veterans 

to HUD-VASH through primary care or inpatient mental health and psychiatry if a Veteran 

identifies as homeless. Finally, the Grant and Per Diem program supplies the largest number of 

HUD-VASH referrals. 

Following a recent HUD-VASH Boot Camp, the VA case management team began working with 

community-based homeless programs to coordinate outreach efforts throughout Philadelphia. 

This effort minimizes overlap among programs and ensures that individuals experiencing 

homelessness who are being contacted for services are receiving assistance through only one 

provider. The VA case management team participates in a weekly meeting to identify Veterans 

who are in need of immediate assistance; this meeting informs the team’s outreach efforts. 

REFERRALS AND ELIGIBILITY

Philadelphia currently maintains an interest list for Veterans living in Philadelphia who want to 

participate in HUD-VASH. Pathways to Housing has vouchers available for the most vulnerable 

Veterans. 

A member of the VA case management team conducts an initial screening with all potential 

HUD-VASH participants, typically during a walk-in appointment. This screening is captured in 

the Veteran’s medical record through a template that includes eligibility for healthcare services, 

homelessness, open housing authority cases, sex offender status, psychosocial history, assets, and 

future goals. A member of the VA case management team also completes the HOMES 

assessment. Both of these assessments help the team determine whether the Veteran is eligible 

for the program and where to prioritize him/her on the interest list. In addition, the assessments 

provide an overview of the Veteran’s VA case management needs and whether s/he is in need of 

mental health assistance or substance abuse counseling. 

The most chronically homeless and severely mentally ill Veterans may qualify for Pathways to 

Housing, a housing program that uses the HUD-VASH voucher in combination with an 

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team case management approach. If the screening 

indicates that a Veteran is likely to qualify for Pathways to Housing, s/he will be referred to that 

team. 

During the initial screening, the VA case manager informs the Veteran about the documentation 

required to apply for a voucher. The VA case manager also asks the Veteran to provide 

emergency contact information, including family members’ phone numbers and addresses, in 

case the VA case manager is unable to contact the Veteran directly. The VA case manager also 

refers the Veteran to community agencies for resources, such as housing and employment 

services. 

The program accepts non-service-connected Veterans and Veterans with zero income but will 

immediately develop a financial plan with them. For Veterans with income approaching the 

program’s maximum allowance, the VA case manager will ensure that s/he understands the VA 

case management component of the program. If the Veteran is able to afford a unit without the 
Appendix H: Philadelphia Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 263 Final Report

voucher, s/he might opt not to be placed on the interest list. If that is the case, the VA case 

manager will offer resources and other assistance. 

TARGETING

The Philadelphia HUD-VASH program targets chronically homeless individuals, females, 

families, and OEF/OIF Veterans. The interest list prioritizes Veterans in the following order: 

chronically homeless, females, and families. Emergencies can also increase a Veteran’s 

prioritization rank, as well as the combination of two or more target areas (e.g., a chronically 

homeless OEF/OIF family would be at the top). Veterans who present as very high need are 

referred to Pathways to Housing.

REFERRAL AND ADMISSION

When a voucher becomes available, the VA case management team completes a more detailed 

intake screening during which the Veteran is again informed of required documentation to apply 

for a voucher. Two VA case managers meet with the Veteran and then present his/her case to the 

VA case management team at a weekly committee meeting. The team accepts or rejects the 

Veteran, who is not present at the meeting; if the Veteran is accepted, s/he is assigned a VA case 

manager. To avoid a lag between the Veteran’s acceptance into the program and application for a 

voucher, Veterans are encouraged to have the required documentation ready at this point. If a 

Veteran does not have the documents readily available, the Homeless Advocacy Project can 

assist with obtaining them. 

VOUCHER APPLICATION

Once the VA case management team accepts the Veteran into the HUD-VASH program the 

Veteran’s VA case manager works with her/him to complete the HUD-VASH application and 

mails it to the housing authority. The housing authority completes a background check and 

contacts the Veteran’s VA case manager if there are any issues. Otherwise, the VA case manager 

is notified when a voucher is available. 

If a number of Veterans are receiving a voucher, the voucher briefing is generally held at the 

Veterans Multi-Service Center. If only a few vouchers are being issued—or if the Veteran is 

working with HACC—the briefing takes place at the housing authority. One-on-one briefings are 

also offered for Veterans who are uncomfortable with crowds, as is often the case for those 

suffering from PTSD. All materials required by the housing authority should be completed and 

in-place prior to this briefing. 

The VA case management team takes responsibility for the majority of the voucher processes 

that the housing authorities previously completed. The VA case management team completes the 

intake paperwork and orientation while the housing authorities conduct the voucher briefing. 

HOUSING SEARCH

To expedite the housing search, the HUD-VASH voucher now expires in 60 days rather than 120 

in Philadelphia. Extensions can be granted if circumstances permit. However, VA case managers 

encourage Veterans to start the housing search process as soon as possible, even before the 

voucher has been issued. The team feels this proactive approach has decreased the amount of 

time that a Veteran remains homeless. 
Appendix H: Philadelphia Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 264 Final Report

The VA case management team offers a weekly orientation meeting at PVAMC or the Veterans 

Multi-Service Center, which allows Veterans to learn about the program, what is expected from 

them, what they can expect from the housing authority, and where they are in the housing 

process. This meeting also provides an opportunity for Veterans to hear from others who have 

been in the program and can offer advice on the housing search. Veterans who have been 

accepted into HUD-VASH but are not yet housed are required to attend this meeting every week, 

and they are welcome to attend before they have been issued a voucher. No similar meeting is 

offered in Camden.

For the past year, the Philadelphia VA case management team has offered housing tours 

following the weekly orientation meeting. Each week, the tour visits a different part of the city 

that reflects areas of interest to Veterans. If a Veteran requires additional housing search 

assistance, the VA case manager will also take her/him out one-on-one. The team tries to be 

mindful of neighborhood triggers; many Veterans with a SUD history take part in a 12-step 

program that encourages them to identify “people, places, and things” that act as triggers. 

Neighborhoods where Veterans have contacts who sell or use illegal substances and 

neighborhoods with widespread drug use are avoided. 

The Philadelphia VA case management team has a good relationship with a number of local

property owners. They understand the clientele and appreciate the VA case management offered 

to tenants. These property owners notify the VA case management team about upcoming 

vacancies and sometimes hold units for Veterans who will be issued their vouchers shortly. In 

addition, some property owners waive application fees, are more flexible with Veterans with 

criminal backgrounds and poor credit histories, and may work with Veterans to create a payment 

plan in lieu of an up-front security deposit. During inspections, the property owners often have a 

maintenance person on site to make small repairs. Finally, these property owners are more 

practiced at the paperwork and inspections, which makes the process faster.

INSPECTION

According to the VA case management team, inspections in Philadelphia have become stricter 

over time and many units fail the first inspection, which can cause delays and create issues with 

property owners new to HUD-VASH. Prior to some changes to this process, described below, an 

initial inspection could take 30–60 days or more if a unit required a reinspection. However, PHA 

expedites the inspection process for HUD-VASH participants.

Some pre-inspected units are available in Philadelphia. PHA offers preinspections for property 

owners who they have worked with for a period of time, a change that is the result of a recent 

HUD-VASH Boot Camp. The VA case management team sends PHA a list of properties—often 

a set of units owned by one property management company—and PHA sends an inspector to 

inspect all of the units at once. PHA emails the VA case management team a list of pre-inspected 

units. 

In addition, property owners may also have their units inspected prior to submission of the 

RFTA, which speeds up the process of scheduling an initial inspection and possibly a 

reinspection. It also creates competition for Veterans; since these units often move off the market 

faster, Veterans compete with one another to get housed first. Other changes to the process 

include ensuring that the same inspector who conducts the initial inspection conducts the 
Appendix H: Philadelphia Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 265 Final Report

reinspection and allowing some property managers to attend the initial inspection and make 

repairs at that time.

MOVE-IN

The VA case management team described a fear of exhausting move-in resources. When funding 

is tight, they try to ensure that each Veteran can access either a security deposit or furniture. 

Unless they have special circumstances, such as being part of a family or very low income, 

Veterans can only access one type of assistance or the other.

The VA case management team makes an effort to assist Veterans with move-in funds and 

supplies. In Philadelphia, security deposit funding is available through SSVF as well as the City 

of Philadelphia Office of Supportive Housing. In Camden, SSVF has provided funding for 

security deposits, first month’s rent, and utility deposits, as well as beds. 

VA case managers indicated that furniture assistance can be difficult to access; some Veterans 

move into their units with only a sleeping bag and do not have furniture until they save enough 

money to purchase it and have it delivered to their units. However, some furniture assistance is 

available through community providers. Veterans can access a thrift store voucher through SSVF 

to purchase furniture, which staff from the thrift store will deliver to the Veteran’s home. If 

Veterans find free or inexpensive furniture on their own, the VA case manager will assist them in 

delivering it to their apartment. Generally, the VA case management team discourages donations 

due to issues with bed bugs and quality. 

VA CASE MANAGEMENT

The following table describes VA case management requirements:

During housing 

process

Veterans required to attend weekly orientation meetings; VA case manager 

talks to Veteran on phone once a week and face-to-face once a month.

Year 1 VA case manager conducts monthly home visit for first year.

Year 2+ VA case manager calls Veteran at least once a month.

Notes

In lieu of monthly VA case management contact, Veteran can attend a group meeting.

SUD specialist offers weekly group meeting and individual appointments. 

If Veteran is unreachable after being housed, VA case manager will conduct home visit.

VA case management often begins once a Veteran completes an official HUD-VASH intake 

(i.e., after being pulled from the interest list and approved by the committee). At this point, the 

Veteran is referred to services and resources. Because there are several steps between screening 

and the voucher briefing, VA case managers work to decrease the amount of time that the 

Veteran is homeless. However, VA case management officially begins once the Veteran attends 

his/her voucher briefing. 

When a Veteran first enters the program, and throughout the housing process, VA case managers 

usually speak with her/him on the phone once a week and have face-to-face meetings at least 

once a month. After the Veteran is housed, VA case managers conduct monthly home visits in 

the first year. During the second year, VA case managers will call the Veteran at least once a 

month. If a Veteran does not respond to a telephone call, the VA case managers conduct a home 

visit. Generally, the intensity of VA case management steps down gradually, with less frequent 
Appendix H: Philadelphia Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 266 Final Report

communication over time unless the Veteran experiences a crisis. The Philadelphia VA case 

management team offers a number of group meetings that Veterans can attend in lieu of their 

monthly contact with their VA case manager.

The VA case management team also includes a VA SUD specialist who offers a weekly HUDVASH group as well as individual appointments for Veterans. In addition, the Addiction 

Recovery Unit affiliated with the Philadelphia VAMC offers classes and groups; Veterans’ 

participation in this program begins with two or three days a week and the frequency decreases

over time. Although the VA case management team follows a Housing First philosophy and 

attendance at these groups is not required, VA case managers “repeatedly recommend” 

participation as the housing authorities prefer that tenants be abstinent.

As part of their participation in HUD-VASH, Veterans are required to comply with VA 

healthcare by attending doctors’ appointments. VA case mangers try to ensure Veterans’ 

compliance and will help them get to appointments if necessary.

Philadelphia VA case management utilizes the following evidence-based practices: Assertive 

Community Treatment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Harm Reduction, Motivational 

Interviewing, Intensive Case Management, Peer Support/Mentoring, Supported Employment, 

and Housing First. 

PORTS

Philadelphia described porting as difficult because there are few vouchers remaining at other 

sites to dedicate to one of their Veterans. 

REASONS FOR EXITS

Leased-Up Exiters

The VA case management team identified a number of reasons why Veterans may exit HUDVASH after leasing a housing unit:

• Nonpayment of rent—In Camden, nonpayment of rent is the largest reason that Veterans 

exit HUD-VASH. 

• Problems with housing unit—Veterans may have issues with the property owners or 

neighbors. Property owners may not make needed repairs, so Veterans refuse to stay in 

the unit. 

• Isolation—Veterans may have no history of living alone and are uncomfortable doing so. 

They may decide to leave the program to live with relatives or significant others.

• Program violations—Veterans may allow friends or family to move into their unit 

without following the proper procedure with the housing authority. 

• Moving—Veterans may want to port the voucher to another city and decide to move 

there anyway, even when a port is impossible. 

• Withdrawal—Veterans may no longer need the support the program provides and 

voluntarily leave the program.
Appendix H: Philadelphia Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 267 Final Report

• Increase in income—Veterans who become over-income are no longer eligible to receive 

housing assistance. 

• Homeownership—The Philadelphia program encourages Veterans to learn about VA 

homeownership resources so that they can purchase a property rather than rent. 

• Unit abandonment

• Loss of contact 

• Incarceration

• Death

Nonleased Exiters

The VA case management team identified a number of reasons why Veterans may leave the 

HUD-VASH program after they have received a voucher but prior to obtaining a housing unit:

• Challenging process—Veterans may view the program as a significant commitment that 

requires extensive paperwork. The process can seem overwhelming and protracted. While 

staff have tried to alleviate these issues by providing the weekly orientation group and 

making improvements to the inspections process, the process can still feel intimidating. 

• Motivation—Veterans may lack motivation to complete the process, including searching 

for an apartment.

• Readiness—Veterans may realize that independent housing is not right for them at the 

time, or fear leaving a living situation that may not be ideal but is comfortable. Veterans 

who are not accustomed to unstructured living, such as those who have been previously 

incarcerated, face these difficulties as well. These Veterans may seek assistance from 

another program with additional services and requirements. 

• Increase in income—Veterans may become over-income and ineligible for the program if 

they secure employment or begin to receive additional benefits. 

VETERANS IN CRISIS 

VA case managers review Veterans’ medical records monthly to learn about medical or mental 

health issues. Other Veterans may also report to a VA case manager that a Veteran is relapsing. 

Veterans may inform their VA case managers about problems; however, the VA case 

management team stated that it is often at the point of an emergency. VA case managers who are 

closer to the Veteran or have been working with him/her longer are more likely to hear about 

issues from the Veteran in a timely manner. Often, VA case managers learn that a Veteran is in 

crisis when they are unable to contact her/him. In this case, the VA case manager will visit the 

Veteran’s home, call emergency contacts, and/or reach out to the property owner. The VA case 

manager may also review the Veteran’s medical record to see if any issues are noted. 

If a Veteran is not paying rent, the property owner usually contacts the VA case manager 

directly, either by phone or email. There have been instances when the VA case management 

team did not learn about a Veteran’s nonpayment of rent until s/he owed significant back rent. 

Since some Veterans pay such a small amount toward the rent, the property owner may not 

realize that the payments have not been made. Typically, the VA case management team, the 
Appendix H: Philadelphia Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 268 Final Report

housing authority, and property owner work together to set up a payment plan with the Veteran, 

which may involve SSVF funds; however, the rent arrearages may be too much for the Veteran 

to pay. If a Veteran is evicted for nonpayment of rent and then seeks a new HUD-VASH voucher 

(or HCV), s/he must pay the balance owed to the housing authority in order to receive another 

voucher. 

GRADUATION

A Veteran has never graduated from the Philadelphia HUD-VASH program. No HCVs are 

available for Veterans outside of HUD-VASH. If general vouchers were available, the VA case 

management team would graduate a number of Veterans who are ready; however, as long as 

Veterans are using a HUD-VASH voucher, they must continue to receive VA case management. 

Interestingly, the VA case management team believes that some Veterans would not want to exit 

VA case management, even if they were financially stable; many Veterans are more concerned 

about losing VA case management than they are about losing financial assistance from the 

housing authority, even Veterans who are primarily self-sufficient.

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AGENCIES

The Philadelphia VA case management team has a good relationship with PHA. The VA case 

management teams meet with PHA weekly to answer questions and address any housing 

concerns. The program also collocates with PHA during voucher briefings and recertifications, 

making the relationship much stronger. 

FACILITATORS OF HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

The Philadelphia VA case management team identified a number of facilitators of housing 

sustainability for Veterans in the HUD-VASH program:

• HUD-VASH Boot Camp

• Decrease in initial voucher timeframe—Philadelphia decreased the initial issuance period 

from 120 to 60 days, which has led Veterans to lease up more quickly. 

• Smaller case loads—Smaller case loads allow case managers to provide greater support 

to the Veterans. Increases in HUD-VASH staff and VA specialists have been helpful for 

the program. 

• VA SUD specialist—The VA SUD specialist prevents the team from losing Veterans or 

being unable to provide specialized support to Veterans with a history of substance abuse.

• VA peer support specialist—The VA peer support specialist provides needed assistance 

to the team. 

• VA housing specialist—The VA housing specialist provides assistance with VA systems 

and paperwork, giving VA case managers more time to dedicate to supporting Veterans. 

• Community connections—The Philadelphia program has formed community connections 

in a number of ways: collocating VA case managers at the Veterans Multi-Service Center 

; maintaining relationships with many community service providers, such as SSVF, GPD, 

Safe Haven, and Veterans Empowerment Center; and forming relationships with local 

property owners who house HUD-VASH participants. 
Appendix H: Philadelphia Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 269 Final Report

• Connection to resources—Community resources can assist Veterans in furthering their 

education and finding employment or volunteer work. Engagement with outside 

providers may help Veterans transition out of HUD-VASH. 

• Relationship with VA case manager—A close relationship may allow VA case managers 

to identify issues Veterans are experiencing before they escalate.

BARRIERS FOR HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

Veterans in Philadelphia face a number of challenges to accessing and sustaining permanent 

housing, including the following:

• Personal history—Poor credit and criminal backgrounds are a barrier to Veterans being 

accepted into a unit. 

• Financial issues—Lack of a fiduciary or the length of time it takes to get a fiduciary if a 

Veteran requires one can make it difficult to get housing. 

• Housing process—The timeframe can be too long for property owners. Additionally, 

there seems to be much duplicated paperwork that causes delays and draws out the 

process. 

• Cost of rent—PHA has reduced the amount that is offered to property owners, leading to 

protracted rent negotiations. For Veterans who are already in housing, some have been 

forced to move when their lease expired because PHA would no longer pay the same 

rental amount. These decreases have even caused some property owners to drop out of 

HUD-VASH. 

• SUD—Veterans in recovery from substance abuse may relapse when they have a space 

of their own. For some, there is a “honeymoon period” when they first move into housing 

and feel that their lives are in order, but the pressure to keep up with the new 

responsibility may lead to relapse. 

• Mental illness 

PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS / RECOMMENDATIONS

The Philadelphia VA case management teams believe that they would be able to better serve 

Veterans if they had additional transportation (i.e., a car for each VA case manager). Currently, 

the VA case managers must share cars and vans. 

Computer access for Veterans would enable the program to help Veterans with job searches and 

email communication. Veterans currently use VA case managers’ computers for these tasks, 

which is not ideal. 

Additional resources for furniture and other items Veterans need for move-in would improve that 

process. The team described that furniture and funding assistance for these types of items are 

difficult to find. This often leads to Veterans renting furniture, which is cost prohibitive. 

Philadelphia Housing Authority

PHA has three staff who work on HUD-VASH, including one special programs director, one 

special programs team leader, and one HUD-VASH leasing coordinator dedicated entirely to the 
Appendix H: Philadelphia Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 270 Final Report

program. The case load for the HUD-VASH leasing coordinator is 1:460. PHA recently 

restructured their services: previously, offices were located in five major neighborhoods 

throughout the city; now there is only one centralized branch. The housing authority typically 

meets with HUD-VASH participants in the community at the Veterans Multi-Service Center as 

they have found that Veterans are more familiar with and comfortable in this location. PHA staff 

may meet with Veterans at the housing authority or the VAMC as well. 

HUD-VASH clients are given priority within the HCV Program; Veterans’ files (indicated with a 

purple folder), are placed at the top of the list for inspections and rent negotiations. Details on 

PHA’s voucher issuance and payment standards are shown in the table below:

Payment Standard 1BR - $942, 2BR - $1,135, 3BR - $1,414, 4BR - $1,518, 5BR - $1,746, 6BR - $1,973

Portion of Rent that is Veteran’s 

Responsibility Based on family size: 1BR - 28%, 2–3BR - 27%, 4+BR - 26%

Initial Voucher Issuance Period 60 days

VOUCHER APPLICATION 

The VA case management team assists the Veteran in completing the HUD-VASH application 

and submits the application to PHA. The housing authority confirms receipt of all necessary 

documents, completes a background check on the Veteran to ensure eligibility for the program, 

and then schedules a voucher briefing. 

VOUCHER BRIEFING

The voucher briefing includes an overview of general program polices, including expectations 

for the Veteran and what to expect from the housing authority. Voucher briefings typically take 

place with small groups of Veterans at the Veterans Multi-Service Center or PVAMC and they 

generally receive their voucher that day. 

HOUSING SEARCH

PHA has relationships with many area property owners. In fact, the housing authority offers 

weekly landlord classes with prospective property owners interested in becoming certified for the 

HCV Program. Because the property owners have many properties in the program already, the 

housing authority is familiar with area rent and shares this information with Veterans. In 

addition, PHA offers some pre-inspected units as well as some project-based units for families. 

PHA indicated that rent in Philadelphia can fluctuate a great deal from block to block, and 

Veterans are expected to pay between 30% and 40% of their income. PHA is experiencing a rent 

freeze; rent increases have not occurred in Philadelphia since sequestration.

INSPECTION

Once the housing authority receives the RFTA, PHA schedules an inspection unless the unit has 

already been pre-inspected. Inspections are expedited for HUD-VASH clients, usually taking 

place within five business days of RFTA receipt. The Veteran does not need to be present during 

the inspection. If the unit fails inspection, a reinspection generally extends the process by another 

week or two. Veterans or their VA case managers can also contact PHA for inspections any time 
Appendix H: Philadelphia Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 271 Final Report

during the year if there are issues with the unit. This enables Veterans to ensure necessary repairs 

are made by the property owner. 

HAP CONTRACT AND LEASE

The housing authority described intense rent negotiations, which, at times, delay the housing 

process, even with property owners familiar with the HCV Program and pre-inspected units. 

Higher rent requests require an additional inspection, which occurs in about 10–15% of cases. 

After the rent negotiation, the HAP contract and lease agreement are executed in-person at the 

housing authority with the property owner, tenant, case manager, and housing authority leasing 

agent present.

PORTS

PHA does not port many vouchers. However, Veterans can port to another area once they have 

been approved by the receiving VA and housing authority. When the Veteran moves to another 

service area, s/he must use a local HUD-VASH voucher. 

REEXAMINATIONS

Veterans are not required to report increases in income until the annual recertification. Decreases 

in income are processed immediately and changes in rent take effect the following month. 

Veterans can also add children to the household composition at any time throughout the year. 

ANNUAL RECERTIFICATION

Annual recertification meetings are conducted monthly at the PVAMC. The meeting is 

scheduled through PHA, which mails the Veteran a letter and copies the case manager on email. 

At the meeting, the housing authority verifies income to ensure the Veteran remains eligible for 

the program and updates the household composition. If the household composition has increased, 

PHA often encourages the Veteran to consider applying for a bigger unit during the 

recertification process, as recertification is the only time that a Veteran can request a move. The 

Inspections Department will also schedule a reinspection of the unit annually. 

During the recertification, the property owner may increase the Veteran’s rent. Since PHA 

currently has a freeze on rent increases, the Veteran is responsible for the increase. If the Veteran 

does not believe that s/he can afford the new rent amount, PHA will ensure the accuracy of the 

income information on file and may issue a new voucher to the Veteran to find a new housing 

unit that is affordable. PHA described recertification as difficult for some Veterans.

REASONS FOR EXITS

Leased-Up Exiters

Veterans who exit the program after leasing a unit often experience eviction for nonpayment of 

rent or submit incomplete recertification materials. 

Nonleased Exiters

The housing authority indicated that being over-income or deciding to move in with family were 

common reasons why Veterans did not rent a unit with their HUD-VASH voucher. Additionally, 
Appendix H: Philadelphia Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 272 Final Report

PHA said that many of the Veterans enrolled in the program in Philadelphia are older and have 

medical concerns and may decide to exit the program because they need a higher level of care. 

VETERANS IN CRISIS

PHA generally learns that Veterans are experiencing housing issues when a VA case manager 

reaches out to the housing authority. Property owners may also contact the housing authority if a

Veteran is not paying the rent but they generally speak directly with the tenant. The housing 

authority tries to work with Veterans in crisis as much as they can, reaching out to the VA case 

manager and doing their due diligence. At times, the housing authority will learn that a Veteran 

has been evicted only after the eviction has taken place. While PHA will issue the Veteran a new 

voucher, the Veteran must satisfy any debt on his/her previous rental or risk losing the new 

voucher. 

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AGENCIES

When working with HUD-VASH clients, VA case managers serve as the Veterans’ first point of 

contact. The housing authority indicated that having the VA case manager serve as a liaison is 

very effective for communication. Veterans can contact PHA directly, but the housing authority 

finds it useful to keep the VA involved in all communications with Veterans. PHA has one point 

person within the VA, who sends specific issues to the designated VA case manager working 

with the Veteran. The housing authority may get more involved with a specific VA case 

manager, depending on individual circumstances.

PHA sends a weekly report to the VA outlining where Veterans are in the housing process and 

listing pre-inspected units available for HUD-VASH Veterans. Two weekly meetings also assist 

with communication between service providers. One meeting takes place between PHA and the 

VA. Prior to this meeting, VA will email a list of questions for the housing authority to respond 

to at the meeting. The second meeting is coordinated through the Philadelphia Office of 

Supportive Housing (OSH) to ensure that all Veterans known to local service providers are 

receiving appropriate services. This meeting includes representatives from OSH, HUD, and 

community groups who work with the Veteran population, including the VAMC.

FACILITATORS TO HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

PHA described a number of facilitators that have made housing sustainability easier for 

Veterans:

• HUD-VASH Boot Camp—The HUD-VASH Boot Camp opened dialogue between 

service providers and enabled the program to operate more quickly and effectively.

• Streamlining paperwork—PHA has tried to streamline the application process and 

provide VA and Veterans with checklists to ensure that everything is clear and completed 

correctly. 

• Decrease in initial voucher timeframe—PHA decreased the initial voucher period from 

120 days to 60 days, which has resulted in Veterans leasing units more quickly. 

• Pre-inspection—Having pre-inspected units available for Veterans has expedited the 

lease-up process and the number of steps that must be completed between the selection of 

a unit and move-in. 
Appendix H: Philadelphia Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 273 Final Report

• Meeting with Veterans in the community or at the VAMC—PHA said that Veterans are 

more likely to attend meetings held at locations where they are more comfortable. 

• Regular communication between VA and PHA—Weekly reporting has improved 

communication between the agencies and provided better Veteran supports.

• One point of contact—PHA appreciates having just one point person at the VA who can 

communicate issues to the correct case manager. 

BARRIERS FOR HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

PHA indicated several challenges for housing sustainability:

• Selecting a unit in a timely manner

• Tension between HUD and VA performance measures—The housing authority’s priority 

is to have Veterans leased through HUD-VASH. However, VA has prioritized housing 

chronically homeless Veterans, a group that is very difficult to serve and often takes a 

longer time to house. Though both HUD and VA want to house Veterans, the way this 

outcome is measured can cause tension between the two agencies.

PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS / RECOMMENDATIONS

PHA is working with VA on refurbishing a project-based building for HUD-VASH recipients. 

Veterans who are interested in being housed near other Veterans may prefer this type of housing. 

The housing authority gauges its success by the number of Veterans who lease housing through 

HUD-VASH. VA, by contrast, measures performance by the number of Veterans enrolled in the 

program. Being enrolled does not necessarily mean the Veteran is housed. Rather, the Veterans, 

many of whom have been chronically homeless and are difficult to serve, are receiving case 

management and typically require a great deal of support and encouragement to reach the point 

of leasing an apartment. The housing authority, however, needs to ensure that it reaches the 

performance objectives outlined by HUD, which can be difficult with HUD-VASH participants.

Housing Authority of the City of Camden

HACC has staff who work with both HUD-VASH and other HCV clients, including a HCV 

Program manager and leasing coordinator. Veterans are served by HACC staff at the housing 

authority. Details on HACC’s voucher issuance and payment standards are shown in the table 

below:

Payment Standard 90% FMR

Portion of Rent that is Veteran’s 

Responsibility Veteran is responsible for a portion of rent

Initial Voucher Issuance Period 60 days

HACC’s administrative plan prioritizes services to Veterans; in the case of a funding shortage, 

Veterans would retain their vouchers.
Appendix H: Philadelphia Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 274 Final Report

VOUCHER APPLICATION 

VA case managers complete the HUD-VASH application with Veterans and are responsible for 

ensuring that Veterans have all necessary documents. The VA case manager submits the 

application to the housing authority. The housing authority runs a background check and 

confirms Veteran eligibility. 

VOUCHER BRIEFING

Voucher briefings are held at HACC. Briefings are typically one-on-one, but if several Veterans 

are applying for HUD-VASH at the same time a group briefing can be held. The housing 

authority indicated that if the Veteran attends the briefing and remains for the entire session, they 

are guaranteed a voucher. The initial voucher issuance period is 60 days but can be extended to a 

maximum of 120 days. 

HOUSING SEARCH

Veterans who enroll in HUD-VASH in Camden must live within the city limits. HACC 

described Camden as a “tough city” and said that the majority of Veterans do not want to live 

there. However, the housing authority does have relationships with local property owners and 

offers pre-inspected units. They also refer Veterans to recommended websites and the housing 

authority’s bulletin board during their housing search. 

The housing authority said that it can be difficult to find a unit in Camden. More apartment 

complexes in the city are running credit and criminal history checks, and conducting drug tests 

on applicants. In addition, while most of the bigger property owners will accept HCVs, many 

smaller ones do not, particularly as the housing authority pays only 90% FMR. These property 

owners often use non-negotiation of a set rent as a way of avoiding acceptance of these clients. 

INSPECTION

Once the housing authority receives the RFTA, an inspection is scheduled unless the unit has 

already been pre-inspected. The inspection process in Camden is expedited for Veterans and 

often takes place the next day following receipt of the RFTA. However, reinspections are not 

prioritized for Veterans. 

HAP CONTRACT AND LEASE

Some property owners in Camden do not accept the rent offered by the housing authority, 

especially since it is set at 90% FMR. Once a unit passes inspection and the rent offered by the 

housing authority is accepted by the property owner, the contract and lease are signed at the 

housing authority offices.

PORTS

Veterans can port to another area if they choose. In most of the current Camden ports, the 

Veteran ports to an area that is still within the Philadelphia VAMC service area, usually Bucks 

County, or to another part of New Jersey. The State of New Jersey Department of Community

Affairs processes Bucks County ports. HACC is then billed for and pays the Veteran’s rent 

above the amount for which the Veteran is responsible, in addition to the administrative fees 

associated with the lease-up. In this way, HACC becomes more of a “pass through” than a 
Appendix H: Philadelphia Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 275 Final Report

service provider for these clients. However, the housing authority said this process can take a 

very long time and few Veterans do it. Veterans may also move to another part of New Jersey. In 

these cases, HACC still administers the voucher even though it is outside of their jurisdiction. 

REEXAMINATIONS

When a Veteran experiences a change in income, it must be reported to the housing authority 

immediately. Often, the housing authority says this occurs because the Veteran starts to work or 

receive additional benefits. If a Veteran becomes over-income and can pay the full rental amount 

for six months, the housing authority revokes the voucher and assigns it to another Veteran. 

ANNUAL RECERTIFICATION

HACC notifies Veterans of an upcoming recertification via mail. If the Veteran does not respond 

to the first letter, HACC sends a second letter. If a Veteran remains unresponsive after these two 

communications, the voucher is terminated. The housing authority does not typically inform the 

VA case manager of an upcoming recertification unless there is a problem. 

REASONS FOR EXITS

The housing authority described losing many Veterans from the HUD-VASH program, 

indicating that for every two Veterans that lease, three Veterans exit the program, whether before 

signing a lease or after being housed. 

Leased-Up Exiters

HACC identified the following reasons why Veterans may exit HUD-VASH after leasing a 

housing unit:

• Eviction—The housing authority has experienced many cause for eviction notices, from 

nonpayment of rent to drug use to compromising the peaceful enjoyment of the 

neighbors. HACC indicated that these social issues are similar to those experienced by 

regular HCV clients. 

• Death

Nonleased Exiters

HACC identified a number of reasons why Veterans may leave the HUD-VASH program after 

they have received a voucher but prior to obtaining a housing unit:

• Readiness—Veterans may not be ready to accept assistance. Their personal 

circumstances, such as mental health issues and drug dependency, may also make it more 

difficult for them to move successfully through the application and housing process. 

• Challenging process—Some Veterans are not interested in the HUD-VASH program 

once they learn about the paperwork and VA case management components. They are not 

interested in answering questions or being interviewed and find the process invasive, 

overwhelming, or both. 
Appendix H: Philadelphia Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 276 Final Report

• Application requirements—Veterans must meet the property owner’s leasing criteria, 

which could involve paying an application fee and taking part in a credit check, criminal 

history check, and drug tests. Property owners may then deny the Veteran. 

• Housing authority boundaries—Some Veterans who enter the HUD-VASH program 

through Camden are not interested in living within the city limit, so they exit the program 

to seek housing elsewhere. 

VETERANS IN CRISIS

HACC usually learns about issues with Veterans from property owners, who sometimes look to 

the housing authority to serve as a management company so they do not have to take a Veteran 

to court. When this occurs, the HACC leasing coordinator will reach out to the VA case 

management team. If a property owner evicts a Veteran, HACC contacts the VA case manager 

and provides him/her with a copy of the eviction paperwork and the letter sent to the Veteran.

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AGENCIES

Monthly meetings are held with the housing authority and Camden VA case management team. 

At these meetings, the teams discuss Veterans who are going through the housing process and 

any issues individual clients may be experiencing or that will be coming up in the future. 

FACILITATORS OF HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

HACC described a number of facilitators that have made housing sustainability easier for 

Veterans:

• Program flexibility—The smaller size of HACC allows the housing authority to have 

more leeway on the services they offer, which can be beneficial for clients. 

• Communication with VA—Having regular meetings with the VA case management team 

enables both the VA and the housing authority to provide better, more efficient, and more 

personalized services for Veterans. 

BARRIERS TO HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

HACC indicated several challenges for housing sustainability:

• Readiness—Some Veterans are not ready to accept the assistance that is being offered 

through HUD-VASH due to their personal circumstances, including mental health 

challenges and/or drug dependency. 

• Motivation—The housing authority said that the HUD-VASH population can be difficult 

to work with as there are some program components that must be completed by the 

Veterans. 

• Attrition—Property owners need to lease their units quickly and keep them leased. 

Having Veterans drop out of HUD-VASH both prior to lease-up and following lease-up 

can cause difficulties in working with property owners. 
Appendix H: Philadelphia Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 277 Final Report

PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS / RECOMMENDATIONS

The HUD-VASH program is unique within HACC. HACC reports to the Newark HUD Field 

Office and typically interacts only with other entities in New Jersey. HUD-VASH, however, 

operates through the Philadelphia VAMC in Philadelphia, PA. HACC often feels like an 

independent entity, and while they do receive support from their field office, they were not 

included in the local HUD-VASH Boot Camp to improve program efficiencies. It would be 

helpful to participate in more local HUD-VASH events. 

The use of data by HUD and VA is helpful in ensuring that all parties are reaching their goals. 

HACC indicated that since HUD-VASH is just one of several special programs it manages, it is 

important to analyze data related to performance and targets.

Step-By-Step Processes

The following chart summarizes the steps in the process of housing Veterans in HUD-VASH—

from initial referral to the program to moving into the housing unit—as well as the roles of the 

VA case managers and housing authorities.

VA Case Management Housing Authority of the City of 

Camden (HACC)

Philadelphia Housing Authority 

(PHA)

Referral & Admission

Referral & Referral Processing 

Walk-In Appointment Initial 

Screening

 VA case manager conducts initial 

screening with Veteran to determine 

eligibility using Veteran medical 

records and HOMES assessment 

templates. VA case manager informs 

Veteran of documentation needed to 

complete voucher application.

Prioritization on Interest List

 Initial screening assessment 

determines Veteran eligibility and 

priority on interest list.

Intake Screening

 Two VA case managers meet with 

Veteran to complete more detailed 

intake screening.

Case Review & VA Case Manager 

Assignment

 VA case managers present Veteran’s 

case at weekly committee meeting; if 

Veteran is accepted into HUD-VASH, 

s/he is assigned a case manager.

Veteran Enrollment in VA Case 

Management
Appendix H: Philadelphia Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 278 Final Report

VA Case Management Housing Authority of the City of 

Camden (HACC)

Philadelphia Housing Authority 

(PHA)

Voucher Application & Briefing

Voucher Application Completed

 VA case manager assists Veteran in 

completing voucher application.

Voucher Application Submitted

 VA case manager submits completed 

voucher application and required 

documents to housing authority by 

mail.

Eligibility Verification

 HACC completes sex offender check 

and confirms Veteran eligibility.

Eligibility Verification

 PHA completes sex offender check 

and confirms Veteran eligibility.

Voucher Briefing

 Voucher briefing held at HACC 

office.

Voucher Briefing

 PHA emails the VA when the HUDVASH applicants are “voucher 

ready”. The VA contacts the 

Veteran. 

 Voucher briefings usually held 

every Friday at the Veterans MultiService Center or at the PHA office. 

Housing Search

Weekly Meetings

 Philadelphia VA case management 

team offers orientation meetings 

about the program and housing 

process; attendance required for 

Veterans who have not yet been 

housed.

 Philadelphia VA case management 

team offers housing tour after 

orientation meeting to a different 

part of the city each week.

 Meetings not offered with Camden 

VA case management team.

Pre-inspected Units

 PHA pre-inspects units and emails 

list of pre-inspected units to VA 

case management team.

RFTA Submission RFTA Processing RFTA Processing

 The Veteran submits the RFTA to 

the VA case worker who then 

submits it to PHA’s Special 

Programs team. 
Appendix H: Philadelphia Site Description

HUD-VASH Exit Study 279 Final Report

VA Case Management Housing Authority of the City of 

Camden (HACC)

Philadelphia Housing Authority 

(PHA)

Inspection & Rent Negotiation

Inspection Scheduled

 HACC expedites inspection process 

for HUD-VASH; inspections take 

place 1 business day following RFTA 

submission. 

Inspection Scheduled

 PHA expedites inspection process 

for HUD-VASH; inspections take 

place 4-5 business days following 

RFTA submission. Once the RFTA is 

submitted, the inspection is added 

to the Inspections Dept queue. The 

inspection is labeled as “VASH” so 

the Inspection Dept knows to 

expedite. 

Inspection Inspection

Reinspection 

 Reinspections are not expedited; 

they occur at same rate as other 

clients

Reinspection

 Reinspections occur within 1-2 

weeks

Rent Negotiation Rent Negotiation

 Once the unit is approved, the 

Veteran’s file is forwarded to the 

Owner Services Dept which then 

negotiates the rent with the 

property owner. 

HAP Contract & Lease

Execution of HAP Contract and 

Lease

 HAP contract and lease are executed 

at PHA with PHA leasing agent, 

property owner, Veteran, and VA 

case manager

Execution of HAP Contract and 

Lease

Execution of HAP Contract and 

Lease 

 HAP contract and lease are 

executed at PHA with PHA leasing 

agent, property owner, Veteran and 

VA case manager.

Move-In 

Move-In Assistance

 VA case management team tries to 

assist with move-in funds and 

supplies. Security deposit funding is 

available through SSVF and City of

Philadelphia Office of Supportive 

Housing. SSVF can also provide thrift 

store voucher for furniture purchase.
HUD-VASH Exit Study 280 Final Report

APPENDIX I:

SUPPORTING DATA

CHARACTERISTICS OF HUD-VASH PARTICIPANTS

By Study Group

Exhibit I.1 Sample details, HUD-VASH participants, by study group

HUD-VASH participant count

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

Houston 495 17.8 1,013 32.8 260 17.3

Los Angeles 1,643 58.9 1,251 40.5 873 57.9

Palo Alto 314 11.3 680 22.0 293 19.4

Philadelphia 336 12.0 144 4.7 81 5.4

Total 2,788 100 3,088 100 1,507 100

Year of program admission

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

2008 or before 49 1.8 85 2.8 1 0.1

2009 350 12.6 500 16.2 20 1.3

2010 489 17.6 668 21.6 43 2.9

2011 1,018 36.6 914 29.6 243 16.2

2012 832 29.9 585 18.9 338 22.5

2013 45 1.6 312 10.1 502 33.4

2014 0 0.0 24 0.8 356 23.7

Total 2,783 100 3,088 100 1,503 100

Days in HUD-VASH, by quartile

25% 50% 75% Mean

Stayers

Voucher issuance to end of observation period 917 1,153 1,462 1,230

Move-in to end of observation period 844 1,076 1,391 1,148

Leased-up exiters

Voucher issuance to exit 433 651 968 731

Move-in to exit 365 573 889 658

Nonleased exiters

Voucher issuance to exit 89 129 177 148

Years in HUD-VASH housing

Any Leased-Up Exiters

N % N %

1 year or longer 5,089 86.6 2,309 74.8

2 years or longer 3,551 60.4 1,116 36.1

Source: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System (HOMES)
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 281 Final Report

Exhibit I.2 Demographics, HUD-VASH participants, by study group

Gender

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

Female 307 11.1 336 10.9 142 9.5

Male 2,469 88.9 2,738 89.1 1,349 90.5

Total 2,776 100 3,074 100 1,491 100

Age

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

<35 233 8.4 357 11.6 229 15.4

35-44 269 9.7 366 11.9 190 12.7

45-54 1,006 36.2 1,045 34.0 417 28.0

55-64 1,025 36.9 1,087 35.4 501 33.6

≥65 243 8.8 219 7.1 154 10.3

Total 2,776 100 3,074 100 1,491 100

Race

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

Black or African American 1,627 60.4 1,721 57.4 634 44.6

White 925 34.3 1,105 36.8 683 48.0

Other 141 5.2 173 5.8 106 7.4

Total 2,693 100 2,999 100 1,423 100

Ethnicity

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

Hispanic/Latino 189 7.0 234 7.7 148 10.2

Non-Hispanic/Non-Latino 2,500 92.1 2,758 91.2 1,278 88.1

Multiple 25 0.9 32 1.1 24 1.7

Total 2,714 100 3,024 100 1,450 100

Marital status

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

Married 286 10.3 360 11.7 207 13.9

Widowed 80 2.9 90 2.9 38 2.6

Separated 252 9.1 310 10.1 141 9.5

Divorced 1,048 37.9 1,372 44.7 554 37.3

Never married 1,099 39.7 939 30.6 546 36.7

Total 2,765 100 3,071 100 1,486 100

VA enrollment priority group

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

≥50% service-connected disability 476 17.2 824 26.9 398 26.9

<50% service-connected disability 528 19.0 552 18.0 262 17.7

No service-connected disability; Medicaid-eligible 1,653 59.6 1,510 49.3 736 49.8

No service-connected disability; Not Medicaid-eligible 3 0.1 4 0.1 5 0.3

Other 114 4.1 174 5.7 76 5.1

Total 2,774 100 3,064 100 1,477 100

Source: VA Medical Record
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 282 Final Report

Exhibit I.3 Military history, HUD-VASH participants, by study group

Period of service

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

World War II 7 0.3 9 0.3 4 0.3

Korean War 44 1.6 24 0.8 14 0.9

Vietnam Era 1,097 39.5 1,197 38.9 480 32.2

Post-Vietnam 993 35.8 980 31.9 444 29.8

Persian Gulf War 574 20.7 796 25.9 508 34.1

Other 61 2.2 68 2.2 40 2.7

Total 2,776 100 3,074 100 1,490 100

OEF/OIF deployment 

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

No 2,653 95.6 2,874 93.5 1,314 88.1

Yes 123 4.4 200 6.5 177 11.9

Total 2,776 100 3,074 100 1,491 100

Combat exposure

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

No 2,687 96.8 2,928 95.3 1,427 95.7

Yes 89 3.2 146 4.7 64 4.3

Total 2,776 100 3,074 100 1,491 100

Source: VA Medical Record

Exhibit I.4 Medical and mental/behavioral health conditions, HUD-VASH participants, by study group

Medical conditions

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

Any medical condition 703 25.3 853 27.7 388 26.0

Hypertension 378 13.6 452 14.7 203 13.6

Diabetes, uncomplicated 151 5.4 181 5.9 64 4.3

Chronic pulmonary disease 111 4.0 142 4.6 72 4.8

Obesity 106 3.8 144 4.7 50 3.4

Traumatic brain injury 4 0.1 12 0.4 5 0.3

Mental/behavioral health conditions

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

Any mental/behavioral health condition 931 33.5 1243 40.4 564 37.8

Post-traumatic stress disorder 165 5.9 251 8.2 158 10.6

Depression 315 11.3 420 13.7 191 12.8

Psychoses 327 11.8 456 14.8 247 16.6

Schizophrenia 212 7.6 332 10.8 176 11.8

Alcohol abuse 435 15.7 594 19.3 299 20.1

Drug abuse 592 21.3 818 26.6 355 23.8

Suicide and intentional self-inflicted injury 100 3.6 169 5.5 92 6.2

Source: VA Medical Record
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 283 Final Report

By Study Site

Exhibit I.5 Sample details, HUD-VASH participants, by study site

HUD-VASH participant count

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

N % N % N % N %

Stayers 495 28.0 1,643 43.6 314 24.4 336 59.9

Leased-up exiters 1,013 57.3 1,251 33.2 680 52.8 144 25.7

Nonleased exiters 260 14.7 873 23.2 293 22.8 81 14.4

Total 1,768 100 3,767 100 1,287 100 561 100

Year of program admission

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

N % N % N % N %

2008 or before 30 1.7 59 1.6 23 1.8 23 4.1

2009 163 9.2 563 14.9 46 3.6 98 17.5

2010 339 19.2 435 11.6 318 24.8 108 19.3

2011 424 24.0 1,373 36.5 258 20.1 120 21.5

2012 458 25.9 798 21.2 363 28.3 136 24.3

2013 293 16.6 317 8.4 198 15.5 51 9.1

2014 61 3.5 221 5.9 75 5.9 23 4.1

Total 1,768 100 3,766 100 1,281 100 559 100

Source: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System (HOMES)

Exhibit I.6 Demographics, HUD-VASH participants, by study site

Gender

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

N % N % N % N %

Female 267 15.2 329 8.8 101 7.9 88 15.8

Male 1,493 84.8 3,423 91.2 1,172 92.1 468 84.2

Total 1,760 100 3,752 100 1,273 100 556 100

Age

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

N % N % N % N %

<35 234 13.3 414 11.0 117 9.2 54 9.7

35-44 255 14.5 388 10.3 121 9.5 61 11.0

45-54 614 34.9 1,168 31.1 487 38.3 199 35.8

55-64 590 33.5 1,391 37.1 426 33.5 206 37.1

≥65 67 3.8 391 10.4 122 9.6 36 6.5

Total 1,760 100 3,752 100 1,273 100 556 100

Race

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

N % N % N % N %

Black or African American 1,215 69.5 2,035 56.4 337 27.6 395 73.0

White 455 26.0 1,338 37.1 793 64.9 127 23.5

Other 77 4.4 233 6.5 91 7.5 19 3.5

Total 1,747 100 3,606 100 1,221 100 541 100.0
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 284 Final Report

Exhibit I.6 Demographics, HUD-VASH participants, by study site

Ethnicity

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

N % N % N % N %

Hispanic/Latino 69 3.9 337 9.3 153 12.3 12 2.2

Non-Hispanic/Non-Lation 1,670 95.3 3,268 89.7 1,064 85.5 534 97.3

Multiple 13 0.7 37 1.0 28 2.2 3 0.5

Total 1,752 100 3,642 100 1,245 100 549 100

Marital status

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

N % N % N % N %

Married 229 13.0 430 11.5 134 10.5 60 10.8

Widowed 57 3.2 83 2.2 48 3.8 20 3.6

Separated 206 11.7 339 9.1 85 6.7 73 13.2

Divorced 792 45.1 1,402 37.5 611 48.1 169 30.5

Never married 474 27.0 1,485 39.7 393 30.9 232 41.9

Total 1,758 100 3,739 100 1,271 100 554 100

VA enrollment priority group

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

N % N % N % N %

≥50% service-connected disability 361 20.6 912 24.4 311 24.5 114 20.7

<50% service-connected disability 407 23.2 638 17.1 208 16.4 89 16.1

No service-connected disability; 

Medicaid-eligible 883 50.3 2,010 53.7 691 54.5 315 57.1

No service-connected disability; Not 

Medicaid-eligible 5 0.3 3 0.1 2 0.2 2 0.4

Other 98 5.6 178 4.8 56 4.4 32 5.8

Total 1,754 100 3,741 100 1,268 100 552 100

Source: VA Medical Record

Exhibit I.7 Military history, HUD-VASH participants, by study site

Period of service

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

N % N % N % N %

World War II 1 0.1 15 0.4 3 0.2 1 0.2

Korean War 4 0.2 59 1.6 15 1.2 4 0.7

Vietnam Era 572 32.5 1,492 39.8 478 37.5 232 41.7

Post-Vietnam 556 31.6 1,212 32.3 453 35.6 196 35.3

Persian Gulf War 597 33.9 878 23.4 288 22.6 115 20.7

Other 30 1.7 95 2.5 36 2.8 8 1.4

Total 1,760 100 3,751 100 1,273 100 556 100
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 285 Final Report

Exhibit I.7 Military history, HUD-VASH participants, by study site

OEF/OIF deployment

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

N % N % N % N %

No 1,638 93.1 3,504 93.4 1,174 92.2 525 94.4

Yes 122 6.9 248 6.6 99 7.8 31 5.6

Total 1,760 100 3,752 100 1,273 100 556 100

Combat exposure

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

N % N % N % N %

No 1,677 95.3 3,626 96.6 1,204 94.6 535 96.2

Yes 83 4.7 126 3.4 69 5.4 21 3.8

Total 1,760 100 3,752 100 1,273 100 556 100

Source: VA Medical Record

Exhibit I.8 Medical and mental/behavioral health conditions, HUD-VASH participants, by study site

Medical conditions

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

N % N % N % N %

Any medical condition 446 25.3 954 25.4 396 31.1 148 26.6

Hypertension 246 14.0 490 13.1 214 16.8 83 14.9

Diabetes, uncomplicated 85 4.8 193 5.1 83 6.5 35 6.3

Chronic pulmonary disease 54 3.1 175 4.7 68 5.3 28 5.0

Obesity 51 2.9 181 4.8 54 4.2 14 2.5

Traumatic brain injury 2 0.1 14 0.4 5 0.4 0 0.0

Mental/behavioral health conditions

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

N % N % N % N %

Any mental/behavioral health 

condition 735 41.8 1249 33.3 573 45.0 181 32.6

Post-traumatic stress disorder 100 5.7 286 7.6 153 12.0 35 6.3

Depression 237 13.5 431 11.5 196 15.4 62 11.2

Psychoses 293 16.6 419 11.2 246 19.3 72 12.9

Schizophrenia 223 12.7 289 7.7 160 12.6 48 8.6

Alcohol abuse 342 19.4 542 14.4 346 27.2 98 17.6

Drug abuse 551 31.3 714 19.0 377 29.6 123 22.1

Suicide and intentional self-inflicted 

injury 132 7.5 89 2.4 104 8.2 36 6.5

Source: VA Medical Record
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 286 Final Report

FEATURES OF STUDY SITES

Exhibit I.9 Adult population, 2013

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

Overall 3,148,444 7,690,569 4,652,993 1,259,073

Veterans 162,451 295,347 236,174 68,553

% Veterans 5.2 3.8 5.1 5.4

Overall poverty rate 15.2 16.4 12.1 24.0

Veteran poverty rate 8.3 9.6 7.4 11.7

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Exhibit I.10 Homeless population, 2009-2014

Homeless population – 2009 

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

All homeless 10,881 47,247 18,494 8,729

Unsheltered 4,068 32,948 10,272 756

Sheltered 6,812 14,299 8,222 7,973

Veterans 1,171 7,052 2,106 509

Unsheltered 517 5,056 1,252 78

Sheltered 654 1,997 854 431

Chronic 2,109 10,269 5,095 785

Unsheltered 1,356 7,949 4,257 446

Sheltered 753 2,320 838 339

Homeless population – 2010 

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

All homeless 9,732 46,984 18,360 8,417

Unsheltered 4,184 32,372 10,272 863

Sheltered 5,548 14,612 8,088 7,554

Veterans 1,125 6,899 2,039 481

Unsheltered 562 4,766 1,249 85

Sheltered 563 2,133 790 396

Chronic 2,025 10,416 5,083 730

Unsheltered 1,435 7,897 4,257 397

Sheltered 590 2,519 826 333

Homeless population – 2011 

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

All homeless 12,038 45,042 18,614 8,783

Unsheltered 6,830 28,298 11,468 719

Sheltered 5,208 16,744 7,146 8,064

Veterans 1,574 7,375 1,702 472

Unsheltered 1,019 4,507 1,210 84

Sheltered 554 2,867 492 388

Chronic 2,655 10,969 5,325 801

Unsheltered 2,053 8,591 4,673 415

Sheltered 602 2,378 652 387
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 287 Final Report

Exhibit I.10 Homeless population, 2009-2014

Homeless population – 2012

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

All homeless 10,429 42,038 17,558 8,092

Unsheltered 6,162 28,234 11,468 702

Sheltered 4,267 13,804 6,090 7,390

Veterans 1,522 5,867 1,550 512

Unsheltered 1,052 4,468 1,210 100

Sheltered 470 1,398 340 412

Chronic 1,966 10,017 5,383 735

Unsheltered 1,719 8,554 4,673 446

Sheltered 248 1,462 709 289

Homeless population – 2013 

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

All homeless 9,153 51,193 18,996 7,975

Unsheltered 4,670 37,970 12,980 794

Sheltered 4,483 13,223 6,016 7,182

Veterans 1,259 5,776 1,782 534

Unsheltered 645 4,425 1,305 101

Sheltered 614 1,351 477 433

Chronic 1,820 14,900 5,707 851

Unsheltered 1,454 13,354 4,923 481

Sheltered 365 1,546 784 370

Homeless population – 2014

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

All homeless 8,067 35,090 18,955 8,803

Unsheltered 3,982 23,005 12,778 507

Sheltered 4,085 12,085 6,177 8,296

Veterans 839 3,627 1,855 525

Unsheltered 453 2,517 1,290 31

Sheltered 387 1,111 565 494

Chronic 1,350 9,390 5,620 1,049

Unsheltered 1,107 7,976 4,846 297

Sheltered 243 1,414 774 753

Source: Point-in-Time Count 

Exhibit I.11 Rental market, 2013

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

Median rent $872 $1,205 $1,397 $912

Rent-occupied housing (% of housing 

units that are occupied by renters)

45.7 54.5 45.0 49.7

Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 288 Final Report

Exhibit I.12 HUD-VASH program characteristics

HUD-VASH voucher allocation, 2008-2014⌾

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

2008 385 840 70 105

2009 280 455 210 140

2010 125 650 250 100

2011 125 425 150 75

2012 200 950 250 135

2013 277 819 265 65

2014 303 930 283 123

Total 1,695 5,069 1,478 743

HUD-VASH average days to placement in permanent housing, 2009-2014⊠

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

All N-CH CH All N-CH CH All N-CH CH All N-CH CH

Referral to admission 34.3 33.1 36.9 54.6 51.7 57.8 63.4 92.5 55.2 25.5 23.0 30.6

Admission to HA referral 9.6 10.5 7.7 38.8 43.4 33.6 26.7 23.3 27.6 19.0 20.6 15.8

HA referral to receipt of voucher 4.4 4.5 4.1 40.8 42.6 38.9 21.0 24.3 20.1 22.6 23.9 19.9

Receipt of voucher to move-in 63.8 63.0 65.8 87.6 87.2 88.1 66.5 58.6 68.7 81.2 82.7 78.2

Referral to move-in 112.1 111.1 114.4 221.8 224.9 218.4 177.6 198.8 171.6 148.3 150.2 144.4

Admission to move-in 77.9 78.0 77.5 167.2 173.2 160.6 114.2 106.3 116.5 122.7 127.2 113.9

VA performance measures, 2014⊚

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

2013 % 2014 % 2013 % 2014 % 2013 % 2014 % 2013 % 2014 %

% vouchers resulting in housing 88.5 93.1 86.1 90.3 97.9 92.7 89.0 91.5

% housed within 90 days 74.6 63.5 22.7 40.2 44.4 40.1 37.5 51.9

% chronic 68.0 84.2 66.1 80.0 73.4 78.1 76.4 83.0

Targeted/prioritized populationso

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

Homeless continuously for 1 year or 

longer X X X X

4+ episodes of homelessness over 3 

years 

X X X X

Veterans at risk for becoming 

homeless - - X -

Females - X X -

OEF/OIF/OND Veterans - X X X

Young adults, ages 18-25 - - X -

Older adults, ages 55 and over - X X -

Families - X X X

Substance abuse or dependence 

only - - X -

Mentally ill only - - X -

Co-occurring substance use and 

mental illness - X X X

Barriers impacting implementation and/or service deliveryo (1=strongly agree, 5=strongly disagree)

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

Difficulties hiring qualified staff 5 4 1 3

Difficulties retaining qualified staff 5 4 5 2

Shortfall in recruiting or enrolling 

target Veterans

4 4 4 4

Veteran reluctance to access HUDVASH services

4 4 4 2
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 289 Final Report

Exhibit I.12 HUD-VASH program characteristics

Difficulties retaining target 

Veterans in HUD-VASH program

2 4 4 2

Difficulties following up with 

Veterans in HUD-VASH program

2 4 4 2

Difficulties providing services as 

planned

2 4 4 5

Existing agency rules or regulations 2 4 5 1

Sources: ⌾ HUD (2014b), ⊠Northeast Program Evaluation Center, ⊚VHA Support Service Center, oStaff Interview/PreInterview Questionnaire

PROGRAM ENGAGEMENT AND HOUSING PROCESS

Exhibit I.13 Days to placement in permanent housing, HUD-VASH participants

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

M SD M SD M SD

Assessment to admission 46.34 82.19 47.71 94.42 45.01 103.48

Admission to HA referral** 30.46 97.49 25.77 89.81 22.59 68.54

HA referral to receipt of voucher*** 34.03 42.66 27.55 36.06 31.29 32.05

Voucher receipt to housing selection*** 53.29 53.99 47.68 57.34 57.69 49.20

Housing selection to inspection 16.97 24.45 15.95 23.96 20.12 20.82

Inspection to execution of HAP Contract*** 11.12 14.23 9.35 13.05 9.38 13.37

Execution of HAP Contract to move-in 8.26 26.29 8.05 25.87 NA NA

Admission to receipt of voucher*** 64.50 106.25 53.28 97.53 52.96 72.65

Receipt of voucher to move-in*** 82.32 62.42 72.93 63.12 NA NA

Admission to move-in*** 146.85 124.54 126.23 117.77 NA NA

Source: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System **p≤0.05, ***p≤0.01

Exhibit I.14 Multiple regression analysis for days between admission and HA referral, HUD-VASH 

participantsa (N=6,055)

Estimate SE t-value p

Intercept 12.631 0.793 15.936 0.000

Houston -3.105 0.376 -8.252 0.000

Palo Alto -0.644 0.379 -1.701 0.089

Philadelphia 1.274 0.506 2.519 0.012

Leased-Up Exiter 0.695 0.301 2.309 0.021

Nonleased Exiter 1.103 0.446 2.473 0.013

Age 0.031 0.013 2.373 0.018

Male -0.844 0.462 -1.827 0.068

White -0.413 0.297 -1.390 0.165

Other race -0.508 0.582 -0.874 0.382

Service-connected disability -0.021 0.281 -0.073 0.942

Housing First 0.097 0.499 0.194 0.847

VA case management contact between 

admission and HA referral (monthly 

average)

-0.219 0.009 -25.556 0.000

a Reference categories: Study site—Los Angeles; Study group—Stayers; Gender—Female; Race—Black; Service-connected 

disability—No service-connected disability; Housing First—Pre-Housing First.

Note: Adjusted R2=0.166 Bold font indicates p≤0.05

Sources: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System, VA Medical Record
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 290 Final Report

Exhibit I.15 Multiple regression analysis for days between HA referral and receipt of voucher, HUDVASH participantsa (N=6,102)

Estimate Standard Error t-value p

Intercept 38.649 1.506 25.670 0.000

Houston -23.967 0.738 -32.461 0.000

Palo Alto -2.342 0.712 -3.292 0.001

Philadelphia -12.661 1.062 -11.922 0.000

Leased-Up Exiter -0.419 0.572 -0.732 0.464

Nonleased Exiter 2.088 0.923 2.263 0.024

Age -0.058 0.025 -2.335 0.020

Male 0.626 0.877 0.714 0.475

White -0.257 0.562 -0.457 0.648

Other race 1.369 1.127 1.215 0.225

Service-connected disability 1.450 0.547 2.650 0.008

Housing First -7.162 0.989 -7.238 0.000

VA case management contact between 

HA referral and receipt of voucher 

(monthly average)

-0.411 0.037 -11.245 0.000

a Reference categories: Study site—Los Angeles; Study group—Stayers; Gender—Female; Race—Black; Service-connected 

disability—No service-connected disability; Housing First—Pre-Housing First.

Note: Adjusted R2=0.255 Bold font indicates p≤0.05

Sources: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System, VA Medical Record

Exhibit I.16 Multiple regression analysis for days between receipt of voucher and move-in, HUD-VASH 

participantsa (N=5,308)

Estimate Standard Error t-value p

Intercept 93.286 3.438 27.132 0.000

Houston -17.753 1.471 -12.070 0.000

Palo Alto -11.865 1.767 -6.714 0.000

Philadelphia -8.317 2.568 -3.238 0.001

Leased-Up Exiter -2.217 1.230 -1.802 0.072

Age -0.120 0.058 -2.076 0.038

Male -0.118 1.989 -0.059 0.953

White -3.547 1.288 -2.755 0.006

Other race -3.463 2.615 -1.324 0.186

Service-connected disability 2.446 1.240 1.972 0.049

Housing First -13.591 2.526 -5.380 0.000

VA case management contact between 

receipt of voucher and move-in 

(monthly average)

-2.913 0.232 -12.537 0.000

a Reference categories: Study site—Los Angeles; Study group—Stayers; Gender—Female; Race—Black; Service-connected 

disability—No service-connected disability; Housing First—Pre-Housing First.

Note: Adjusted R2=0.090 Bold font indicates p≤0.05

Sources: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System, VA Medical Record
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 291 Final Report

Exhibit I.17 Multiple regression analysis for days between admission and receipt of voucher, HUDVASH participantsa (N=5,724)

Estimate Standard Error t-value p

Intercept 60.969 2.681 22.742 0.000

Houston -35.310 1.652 -21.376 0.000

Palo Alto -6.384 1.263 -5.056 0.000

Philadelphia -14.179 1.825 -7.768 0.000

Leased-Up Exiter -0.394 0.996 -0.395 0.693

Nonleased Exiter 5.414 1.597 3.390 0.001

Age -0.006 0.043 -0.138 0.890

Male -0.892 1.604 -0.556 0.578

White -1.573 0.996 -1.580 0.114

Other race 1.102 1.937 0.569 0.569

Service-connected disability 1.258 0.952 1.322 0.186

Housing First -12.796 1.798 -7.115 0.000

VA case management contact between 

admission and HA referral (monthly 

average)

-0.252 0.032 -7.905 0.000

VA case management contact between 

HA referral and receipt of voucher 

(monthly average)

-0.656 0.098 -6.665 0.000

a Reference categories: Study site—Los Angeles; Study group—Stayers; Gender—Female; Race—Black; Service-connected 

disability—No service-connected disability; Housing First—Pre-Housing First.

Note: Adjusted R2=0.211 Bold font indicates p≤0.05

Sources: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System, VA Medical Record

Exhibit I.18 Multiple regression analysis for days between admission and move-in, HUD-VASH 

participantsa (N=4,882)

Estimate Standard Error t-value p

Intercept 71.230 3.944 18.062 0.000

Houston -38.811 2.460 -15.779 0.000

Palo Alto -10.627 1.999 -5.317 0.000

Philadelphia -15.501 2.975 -5.210 0.000

Leased-Up Exiter -0.598 1.387 -0.431 0.666

Age -0.014 0.065 -0.215 0.830

Male -3.516 2.369 -1.484 0.138

White -0.789 1.485 -0.531 0.595

Other race -1.555 2.923 -0.532 0.595

Service-connected disability 1.851 1.418 1.306 0.192

Housing First -10.769 3.574 -3.013 0.003

VA case management contact between 

admission and HA referral (monthly 

average)

-0.373 0.048 -7.725 0.000

VA case management contact between 

HA referral and receipt of voucher 

(monthly average)

-0.780 0.169 -4.623 0.000

VA case management contact between 

receipt of voucher and move-in 

(monthly average)

-0.505 0.299 -1.687 0.092

a Reference categories: Study site—Los Angeles; Study group—Stayers; Gender—Female; Race—Black; Service-connected 

disability—No service-connected disability; Housing First—Pre-Housing First.

Note: Adjusted R2=0.158 Bold font indicates p≤0.05

Sources: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System, VA Medical Record
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 292 Final Report

Exhibit I.19 Living situation during HUD-VASH housing process, study respondents

Living situation at voucher receipt

Stayers Leased-up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

Emergency shelter 38 10.5 2 2.6 6 12.0

Place not meant for human habitation 41 11.4 9 11.5 9 18.0

Permanent housing 28 7.8 5 6.4 4 8.0

Transitional housing for homeless person 86 23.8 22 28.2 7 14.0

Substance abuse treatment facility or detox center 85 23.5 16 20.5 8 16.0

Family member or friend’s room, apartment or house 72 19.9 19 24.4 14 28.0

Other 11 3.0 5 6.4 2 4.0

Total 361 100 78 100 50 100

Living situation at apartment selection

Stayers Leased-up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

Emergency shelter 36 10.0 1 1.3 1 5.9

Place not meant for human habitation 38 10.6 9 11.7 6 35.3

Permanent housing 29 8.1 7 9.1 1 5.9

Transitional housing for homeless person 86 23.9 21 27.3 1 5.9

Substance abuse treatment facility or detox center 80 22.2 16 20.8 3 17.6

Family member or friend's room, apartment or house 79 21.9 17 22.1 4 23.5

Other 12 3.3 6 7.8 1 5.9

Total 360 100 77 100 17 100

Source: Veteran Survey

Exhibit I.20 HUD-VASH enrollment and housing process, study respondents

Ease of HUD-VASH enrollment and housing process (1 = very difficult, 5 = very easy)

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

M SD M SD M SD

Enrolling in the HUD-VASH program 4.02 1.19 3.98 1.14 3.81 1.16

Submitting applications to HA*** 4.01 1.13 3.90 1.15 3.41 1.41

Providing documentation of identity and income to HA*** 4.14 1.16 4.18 0.97 3.60 1.44

Finding listings of available apartments 3.89 1.28 3.65 1.33 NA NA

Finding an acceptable apartment option 3.36 1.46 3.48 1.45 NA NA

Getting an apartment inspected by HA 4.05 1.17 3.96 1.10 NA NA

Being selected as a tenant by a landlord 4.17 1.20 4.20 1.12 NA NA

Obtaining money for rent, security deposit, moving costs 3.62 1.36 3.74 1.24 NA NA

Steps completed in the housing process by Nonleased exiters before exit 

Nonleased Exiters

N %

Finding listing of available apartments 34 61.8

Finding an acceptable apartment option 25 43.1

Getting an apartment inspected by HA 5 8.6

Being selected as a tenant by a landlord 9 15.5

Obtaining money for rent, security deposit, moving costs 13 22.4

Source: Veteran Survey *p≤0.10, **p≤0.05, ***p≤0.01
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 293 Final Report

Exhibit I.21 Housing selection, study respondents

Number of apartments visited during housing search

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

None 4 1.1 1 1.3 18 34.0

One 104 28.1 21 26.6 5 9.4

Two 52 14.1 14 17.7 2 3.8

Three 56 15.1 12 15.2 2 3.8

Four or more 154 41.6 31 39.2 26 49.1

Total 370 100 79 100 53 100

Proportion of “acceptable” apartments*

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

M SD M SD M SD

70.92 33.53 68.41 33.40 42.40 35.15

Reason for apartment choice

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

Location/neighborhood 234 63.4 51 65.4 NA NA

Good repair/quality 27 7.3 3 3.8 NA NA

Particular features of apartment 56 15.2 10 12.8 NA NA

I didn't have a choice 52 14.1 14 17.9 NA NA

Total 369 100 78 100 NA NA

Comfort during first few nights in apartment

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

Not comfortable 38 10.3 10 12.5 NA NA

Moderately comfortable 116 31.4 18 22.5 NA NA

Very comfortable 216 58.4 52 65.0 NA NA

Total 370 100 80 100 NA NA

Source: Veteran Survey

Exhibit I.22 Services received during housing process and move-in, study respondents

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

Assistance getting and receiving appointment with HA 301 81.4 66 82.5 47 83.9

Assistance providing proof of identity or income 171 46.2 36 45.0 26 44.8

Assistance completing and submitting HA application 263 71.3 59 73.8 37 66.1

Assistance finding apartment options 170 46.1 35 43.8 15 26.3

Assistance getting essential move-in items 107 29.0 32 40.0 NA NA

Assistance moving belongings into the apartment 58 15.7 17 21.3 NA NA

Assistance setting up utilities 31 8.4 4 5.1 NA NA

Source: Veteran Survey
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 294 Final Report

Exhibit I.23 Housing satisfaction while in HUD-VASH and after exit, study respondents (1 = very 

dissatisfied, 5 = completely satisfied)

Housing satisfaction while in HUD-VASH

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

M SD M SD M SD

Apartment condition 3.78 1.16 3.81 1.13 NA NA

Affordability 3.84 1.16 3.89 1.16 NA NA

Building safety and security 3.61 1.23 3.59 1.33 NA NA

Access to shopping* 4.10 0.97 3.86 1.13 NA NA

Access to public transportation** 4.31 0.90 4.01 1.15 NA NA

Neighborhood safety 3.60 1.24 3.39 1.28 NA NA

Opportunities to socialize 3.63 1.20 3.47 1.23 NA NA

Housing satisfaction after exit

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

M SD M SD M SD

Apartment condition*** NA NA 3.73 1.10 2.98 1.46

Affordability NA NA 3.91 1.19 3.67 1.47

Building safety and security* NA NA 3.88 1.12 3.31 1.44

Access to shopping NA NA 3.83 1.17 3.49 1.26

Access to public transportation NA NA 3.76 1.17 3.96 0.94

Neighborhood safety*** NA NA 3.91 1.13 3.30 1.43

Opportunities to socialize*** NA NA 3.79 1.26 3.09 1.38

Difference in housing satisfaction of leased-up exiters while in HUD-VASH and after

HUD-VASH Exit Difference

M M % 

Apartment condition 3.81 3.73 -1.6

Affordability 3.89 3.91 0.4

Building safety and security 3.59 3.88 5.8

Access to shopping 3.86 3.83 -0.6

Access to public transportation 4.01 3.76 -5.0

Neighborhood safety 3.39 3.91 10.4

Opportunities to socialize 3.47 3.79 6.4

Source: Veteran Survey *p≤0.10, **p≤0.05, ***p≤0.01

Exhibit I.24 Program satisfaction, study respondents

Veteran believes HUD-VASH was a good fit for his/her needs

Stayers Leased-up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

Yes 354 95.9 72 90.0 51 87.9

No 15 4.1 8 10.0 7 12.1

Total 369 100 80 100 58 100

Reason Veteran does not believe HUD-VASH was a good fit for his/her needs

Stayers Leased-up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

Veteran did not need as much support as offered 0 0.0 2 28.6 1 14.3

Veteran needed more support than offered 5 31.3 4 57.1 1 14.3

Program had more rules than acceptable to Veteran 4 25.0 0 0.0 1 14.3

Housing unit did not fit Veteran’s needs 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 14.3

Other 7 43.8 1 14.3 3 42.9

Total 16 100.0 7 100.0 7 100.1

Source: Veteran Survey
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 295 Final Report

VA CASE MANAGEMENT

Exhibit I.25 Frequency of VA case management 

HUD-VASH participants○

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

M SD M SD M SD

30 days prior to admission** 1.06 1.86 0.95 1.57 1.08 1.63

Between admission and HA referral (monthly average) 8.96 14.61 9.54 16.72 9.69 15.96

Between HA referral and receipt of voucher (monthly 

average) 3.54 8.03 4.22 9.43 4.08 7.82

Between receipt of voucher and move-in (monthly 

average) 2.52 3.88 2.45 3.53 NA NA

30 days post-move-in 1.93 2.82 2.01 2.75 NA NA

31-60 days post-move-in 1.59 2.56 1.54 2.41 NA NA

61-90 days post-move-in 1.49 2.43 1.52 2.25 NA NA

91-180 days post-move-in (monthly average) 1.45 2.47 1.43 1.86 NA NA

181 – 360 days post-move-in (monthly average)* 1.41 2.03 1.32 1.41 NA NA

361-720 days post-move-in (monthly average)*** 0.88 1.31 1.22 1.40 NA NA

Self-reported number of monthly meetings with VA case manager, study respondentso

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

Do not meet with case manager 22 6.1 4 5.0 3 5.5

Less than once per month 70 19.3 12 15.0 1 1.8

Once per month 215 59.2 45 56.3 14 25.5

One to two times per month 40 11.0 11 13.8 18 32.7

More than twice per month 16 4.4 8 10.0 19 34.5

Total 363 100 80 100 55 100

Sources: ○VA Medical Record, oVeteran Survey *p≤0.10, **p≤0.05, ***p≤0.01

Exhibit I.26 VA case management satisfaction, study respondents (1 = never, 5 = always)

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

M SD M SD M SD

My case manager was able to help me*** 4.30 0.93 3.86 1.25 3.56 1.30

My case manager and I agreed on goals*** 4.39 0.83 3.74 1.35 3.92 1.10

My case manager and I had the same ideas about what my 

problems were

4.01 1.18 3.89 1.22 4.19 1.10

My case manager and I trusted each other*** 4.46 0.96 3.95 1.40 4.15 1.11

Source: Veteran Survey *p≤0.10, **p≤0.05, ***p≤0.01
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 296 Final Report

VA HEALTH SERVICES UTILIZATION

Exhibit I.27 VA services utilization, HUD-VASH participants

90 days prior to entry

Stayers Leased-up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

M SD M SD M SD

Outpatient

Medical** 5.37 10.73 6.02 11.02 4.83 10.15

Mental/behavioral health*** 4.05 7.67 4.61 8.19 3.16 6.44

Substance use*** 3.81 13.76 4.40 12.66 2.25 10.28

N % N % N %

Inpatient

Medical 130 4.9 168 5.7 91 6.4

Mental/behavioral health* 111 4.2 159 5.4 75 5.3

Substance use** 97 3.6 153 5.2 71 5.0

M SD M SD M SD

Average inpatient length of stay

Medical 18.34 43.38 19.67 53.06 20.77 49.94

Mental/behavioral health 31.22 65.36 28.03 54.02 30.25 59.09

Substance use 27.62 52.18 26.39 51.49 22.79 46.40

N % N % N %

Emergency care*** 453 17.0 622 21.0 305 21.4

90 days post entry

Stayers Leased-up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

M SD M SD M SD

Outpatient

Medical** 4.59 9.08 4.68 8.51 3.98 8.70

Mental/behavioral health*** 3.73 7.96 4.13 8.07 2.56 5.99

Substance use*** 2.92 12.09 3.15 10.60 1.63 8.42

N % N % N %

Inpatient

Medical** 101 3.6 156 5.1 68 4.7

Mental/behavioral health** 83 3.0 129 4.2 60 4.1

Substance use*** 61 2.2 92 3.0 65 4.5

M SD M SD M SD

Average inpatient length of stay

Medical 18.32 48.17 22.90 61.76 21.18 51.38

Mental/behavioral health 33.63 61.67 36.97 68.11 26.74 60.95

Substance use 23.43 53.75 19.77 43.60 23.18 50.97

N % N % N %

Emergency care*** 404 14.6 534 17.4 307 21.2

90 days post move-in

Stayers Leased-up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

M SD M SD M SD

Outpatient

Medical 3.46 7.48 3.37 7.60 NA NA

Mental/behavioral health 2.72 6.72 2.99 6.91 NA NA

Substance use 1.98 9.61 2.01 8.49 NA NA

N % N % N %

Inpatient

Medical* 79 2.8 112 3.7 NA NA

Mental/behavioral health 61 2.2 81 2.7 NA NA
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 297 Final Report

Exhibit I.27 VA services utilization, HUD-VASH participants

Substance use** 35 1.3 61 2.0 NA NA

M SD M SD M SD

Average inpatient length of stay

Medical 23.13 68.95 17.98 55.28 NA NA

Mental/behavioral health*** 57.47 103.87 33.61 74.51 NA NA

Substance use 20.39 54.87 18.71 58.09 NA NA

N % N % N %

Emergency care*** 314 11.3 472 15.8 NA NA

90 days pre-exit

Leased-up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

M SD M SD

Outpatient

Medical 3.34 9.03 3.15 6.91

Mental/behavioral health 1.52 5.13 1.79 5.76

Substance use 0.88 5.83 0.94 5.64

N % N %

Inpatient

Medical 136 4.5 47 4.3

Mental/behavioral health*** 64 2.1 48 4.4

Substance use* 71 2.3 36 3.3

M SD M SD

Average inpatient length of stay

Medical** 9.20 22.80 18.13 52.19

Mental/behavioral health*** 10.02 30.28 29.15 71.61

Substance use* 9.81 35.74 18.88 56.59

N % N %

Emergency care 502 16.5 194 17.9

30 days post-exit

Leased-up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

M SD M SD

Outpatient

Medical** 0.87 3.21 1.12 3.87

Mental/behavioral health*** 0.45 1.78 0.61 2.23

Substance use 0.28 2.21 0.23 1.65

N % N %

Inpatient

Medical 54 1.8 36 2.5

Mental/behavioral health 39 1.3 23 1.6

Substance use** 40 1.3 33 2.3

M SD M SD

Average inpatient length of stay

Medical** 8.71 25.35 22.94 63.82

Mental/behavioral health 14.44 40.14 20.35 51.94

Substance use 20.33 58.70 23.52 61.65

N % N %

Emergency care** 151 5.1 97 6.8

31-90 days post-exit

Leased-up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

M SD M SD

Outpatient
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 298 Final Report

Exhibit I.27 VA services utilization, HUD-VASH participants

Medical 1.68 5.05 1.79 5.18

Mental/behavioral health 0.83 3.44 0.90 2.69

Substance use* 0.59 4.11 0.36 2.67

N % N %

Inpatient

Medical* 66 2.4 43 3.3

Mental/behavioral health 46 1.7 30 2.3

Substance use** 40 1.4 32 2.5

M SD M SD

Average inpatient length of stay

Medical** 7.51 23.40 20.21 55.22

Mental/behavioral health 13.98 35.85 12.18 36.16

Substance use 9.19 25.67 14.96 42.98

N % N %

Emergency care** 237 8.6 137 10.6

91-180 days post-exit

Leased-up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

M SD M SD

Outpatient

Medical* 2.32 7.25 2.72 7.15

Mental/behavioral health 1.05 3.89 1.27 4.03

Substance use 0.79 5.47 0.58 4.21

N % N %

Inpatient

Medical** 70 2.9 48 4.3

Mental/behavioral health 45 1.8 24 2.2

Substance use** 37 1.5 29 2.6

M SD M SD

Average inpatient length of stay

Medical 5.67 19.71 9.62 23.73

Mental/behavioral health 12.56 32.47 10.28 29.06

Substance use* 10.48 32.29 21.38 56.10

N % N %

Emergency care 286 11.7 150 13.6

181-360 days post-exit

Leased-up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

M SD M SD

Outpatient

Medical 4.72 10.95 4.67 10.69

Mental/behavioral health 2.17 6.47 2.34 6.51

Substance use 1.63 11.92 1.08 8.86

N % N %

Inpatient

Medical 95 5.2 57 6.7

Mental/behavioral health 56 3.1 24 2.8

Substance use* 43 2.4 32 3.7

M SD M SD

Average inpatient length of stay

Medical 7.03 22.29 5.94 13.01

Mental/behavioral health 7.42 25.20 8.77 29.06
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 299 Final Report

Exhibit I.27 VA services utilization, HUD-VASH participants

Substance use 10.04 38.54 13.22 42.69

N % N %

Emergency care 340 18.7 168 19.7

Source: VA Medical Record *p≤0.10, **p≤0.05, ***p≤0.01
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 300 Final Report

Exhibit I.28 Self-reported health in HUD-VASH, study respondents

Self-reported health status

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

Excellent 26 7.0 2 2.5 2 3.4

Very good 72 19.5 11 13.8 15 25.9

Good 128 34.6 30 37.5 13 22.4

Fair 114 30.8 31 38.8 20 34.5

Poor 30 8.1 6 7.5 8 13.8

Total 370 100 80 100 58 100

Self-reported medical problems

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

Experienced serious medical problems 213 57.6 41 51.3 31 53.4

Hospitalized for medical problem 143 38.6 25 31.3 14 24.1

Experienced serious medical problems AND were 

hospitalized for medical problem

127 34.3 24 30.0 13 22.4

Self-reported mental health problems

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

Experienced serious mental health problems 143 38.9 48 60.0 24 41.4

Hospitalized for mental health problem 37 10.0 12 15.0 6 10.3

Experienced serious mental health problems AND were 

hospitalized for mental health problem

33 8.9 12 15.0 5 8.6

Self-reported being “troubled” by drugs/alcohol

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

Not at all 253 68.6 43 53.8 37 63.8

Slightly 67 18.2 15 18.8 14 24.1

Moderately 34 9.2 8 10.0 3 5.2

Considerably 11 3.0 6 7.5 1 1.7

Extremely 4 1.1 8 10.0 3 5.2

Total 369 100.1 80 100.1 58 100.0

Self-reported drug/alcohol treatment

Stayers Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N % N %

Inpatient 15 4.1 0 0.0 5 8.6

Outpatient 55 14.9 13 16.3 7 12.1

Both inpatient and outpatient 22 6.0 6 7.5 3 5.2

No treatment 276 75.0 61 76.3 43 74.1

Total 368 100 80 100 58 100

Source: Veteran Survey
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 301 Final Report

EXITS FROM HUD-VASH

Exhibit I.29 Logistic regression modeling exits from HUD-VASH (leased-up exit vs. stay), HUD-VASH 

participantsa (N=5,850)

Estimate Standard Error Odds Ratio p

Intercept -0.148 0.159 0.863 0.352

Houston 0.975 0.067 2.652 0.000

Palo Alto 1.066 0.081 2.903 0.000

Philadelphia -0.553 0.107 0.575 0.000

Age -0.008 0.003 0.992 0.002

Male 0.199 0.092 1.221 0.030

White 0.011 0.061 1.011 0.859

Other race 0.033 0.124 1.034 0.789

Service-connected disability 0.312 0.058 1.366 0.000

a Reference categories: Study site—Los Angeles; Gender—Female; Race—Black; Service-connected disability—No 

service-connected disability.

Note: Nagelkerke R2=0.107 Bold font indicates p≤0.05

Sources: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System (HOMES), VA Medical Record

Exhibit I.30 Logistic regression modeling exits from HUD-VASH (Nonleased vs. leased-up exit), HUDVASH participantsa (N=4,565)

Estimate Standard Error Odds Ratio p

Intercept -0.270 0.183 0.763 0.139

Houston -0.960 0.084 0.383 0.000

Palo Alto -0.606 0.086 0.545 0.000

Philadelphia -0.185 0.149 0.831 0.213

Age -0.007 0.003 0.993 0.021

Male 0.085 0.112 1.088 0.451

White 0.434 0.070 1.544 0.000

Other race 0.373 0.134 1.452 0.005

Service-connected disability -0.070 0.069 0.932 0.306

PTSD 0.226 0.111 1.254 0.042

a Reference categories: Study site—Los Angeles; Gender—Female; Race—Black; Service-connected disability—No 

service-connected disability; PTSD—No diagnosis.

Note: Nagelkerke R2=0.065 Bold font indicates p≤0.05

Sources: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System, VA Medical Record
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 302 Final Report

Exhibit I.31 Reasons for exits reported by VA case managers, HUD-VASH participants

Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N %

Accomplished goals or obtained access to services and no longer needs 

program 1,306 42.5 28 1.9

Cannot be located 91 3 247 16.6

Deceased 268 8.7 18 1.2

Evicted by HA or landlord or other housing issues 280 9.1 10 0.1

Found/chose other housing 248 8.1 212 14.2

Incarcerated 115 3.7 54 3.6

No longer financially eligible 151 4.9 90 6

No longer interested in participating in HUD-VASH 176 5.7 327 21.9

Noncompliance with HUD-VASH case management 82 2.7 151 10.1

Too ill to participate in HUD-VASH 48 1.6 25 1.7

Transferred to another HUD-VASH program site 46 1.5 31 2.1

Unhappy with HUD-VASH housing 16 0.5 NA NA

Other 243 7.9 299 20

Total 3,070 100 1,855 100

Source: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System

Exhibit I.32 Reasons for exits identified by housing authority and VA staff

Houston Los Angeles Palo Alto Philadelphia

LeasedUp ExitersNonleased 

Exiters

LeasedUp ExitersNonleased 

Exiters

Leased

fee-Up 

Exiters

Nonleased 

Exiters

LeasedUp ExitersNonleased 

Exiters

Challenging process - X - - - X - X

Death - - - - X - X -

Eviction X - - - - - - -

Homeownership - - - - - - X -

Housing preference - - - X - - - -

Incarceration X - X - X X X -

Increase in income X - - X X X X X

Isolation - X - - - - X -

Lease or program 

violations X - X - - - X -

Loss of contact - X X X X X X -

Mass briefings - X - - - - - -

Mental illness - - - X - X - -

Motivation - X - - - X - X

Move/port - - - - - - X -

Noncompliance with 

VA case management X - - - - - - -

Nonpayment of rent X - - - - - X -

Personal history (e.g., 

bad credit, poor rental 

record)

- - - - - X - -

Problem with housing 

unit - - - - - - X -

Readiness X - - - X - - X

SUD X - - X - X - -

Unit abandonment X - - - - - X -
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 303 Final Report

Exhibit I.32 Reasons for exits identified by housing authority and VA staff

Voucher as safety net - X - - - - - -

Withdrawal - - x X x - X -

Source: Staff Interview

Exhibit I.33 Reasons for exits, study respondents

Main reason for exit

Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N %

Apartment that was found did not pass inspection NA NA 2 3.8

Conflict with HUD-VASH case manager or other program staff 4 5.4 3 5.7

Conflict with landlord 3 4.1 NA NA

Conflict with neighbors 2 2.7 NA NA

Couldn't find an available apartment to rent with the voucher NA NA 3 5.7

Difficulty paying the rent 6 8.1 NA NA

Disagreement with program rules 0 0 3 5.7

Dissatisfaction with apartment 2 2.7 NA NA

Dissatisfaction with available apartments NA NA 6 11.3

Dissatisfaction with neighborhood 2 2.7 NA NA

Evicted from apartment 5 6.8 NA NA

Improvement in health condition 0 0 1 1.9

Improvement in substance abuse condition 1 1.4 0 0

Increase in income 20 27.0 6 11.3

Legal trouble such as arrest, jail, warrant, probation, lawsuit or trial 3 4.1 2 3.8

Offer from family or friends to move into their housing 8 10.8 8 15.1

Voucher revoked by HA 3 4.1 12 22.6

Worsening in medical condition 6 8.1 2 3.8

Worsening in mental health condition 3 4.1 2 3.8

Worsening in substance abuse condition 6 8.1 3 5.7

Total 74 100 53 100

Contributing factors to exit, %

Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N %

Apartment that was found did not pass inspection NA NA 3 5.2

Conflict with HUD-VASH case manager or other program staff 9 11.4 5 8.6

Conflict with landlord 15 19 NA NA

Conflict with neighbors 11 13.9 NA NA

Couldn’t find an available apartment to rent with voucher NA NA 15 25.9

Did not have money to pay for security deposit or furniture NA NA 9 15.5

Difficulty paying the rent 19 24.1 NA NA

Disagreement with program rules 4 5.1 6 10.3

Dissatisfaction with apartment 11 13.9 NA NA

Dissatisfaction with available apartments NA NA 19 32.8
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 304 Final Report

Exhibit I.33 Reasons for exits, study respondents

Dissatisfaction with neighborhood 10 12.7 NA NA

Evicted from apartment 16 20.3 NA NA

Improvement in health condition 7 8.9 2 3.4

Improvement in mental health condition 6 7.6 1 1.7

Improvement in substance abuse condition 5 6.3 1 1.7

Increase in income 29 36.7 6 10.3

Legal trouble such as arrest, jail, warrant, probation, lawsuit or trial 7 8.9 3 5.2

Offer from family or friend to move into their housing 11 13.9 13 22.4

Voucher revoked by HA 9 11.4 15 26.3

Worsening in medical condition 11 13.9 9 15.5

Worsening in mental health condition 13 16.5 8 13.8

Worsening in substance abuse condition 15 19.0 6 10.3

Contributing factors to exit, mean (1=yes, 2=no)

Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

M SD M SD

Apartment that was found did not pass inspection NA NA 1.95 .223

Conflict with HUD-VASH case manager or other program staff 1.89 .320 1.91 .283

Conflict with landlord 1.81 .395 NA NA

Conflict with neighbors 1.86 .348 NA NA

Couldn’t find an available apartment to rent with voucher NA NA 1.74 .442

Did not have money to pay for security deposit or furniture NA NA 1.84 .365

Difficulty paying the rent 1.76 .430 NA NA

Disagreement with program rules 1.95 .221 1.90 .307

Dissatisfaction with apartment 1.86 .348 NA NA

Dissatisfaction with available apartments NA NA 1.67 .473

Dissatisfaction with neighborhood 1.87 .335 NA NA

Evicted from apartment 1.80 .404 NA NA

Improvement in health condition 1.91 .286 1.97 .249

Improvement in mental health condition 1.92 .267 1.98 .131

Improvement in substance abuse condition 1.94 .245 1.98 .131

Increase in income*** 1.63 .485 1.90 .307

Legal trouble such as arrest, jail, warrant, probation, lawsuit or trial 1.91 .286 1.95 .223

Offer from family or friend to move into their housing 1.86 .348 1.78 .421

Voucher revoked by HA** 1.89 .320 1.74 .444

Worsening in medical condition 1.86 .348 1.84 .365

Worsening in mental health condition 1.84 .373 1.86 .348

Worsening in substance abuse condition 1.81 .395 1.90 .307

Leased-up exiters’ most common main exit reason categories with related contributing factors, %

Leased-Up Exiters

N %

Increase in income 20 27.0

Improvement in health condition 4 20.0
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 305 Final Report

Exhibit I.33 Reasons for exits, study respondents

Improvement in mental health condition 3 15.0

Improvement in substance abuse condition 3 15.0

Worsening in medical, mental health or substance use condition 15 20.3

Conflict with HUD-VASH case manager or other program staff 2 13.3

Conflict with landlord 3 20.0

Conflict with neighbors 3 20.0

Difficulty paying the rent 5 33.3

Dissatisfaction with the apartment 3 20.0

Evicted from apartment 4 26.7

Voucher revoked by HA 3 20.0

Worsening in medical condition 7 46.7

Worsening in mental health condition 10 66.7

Worsening in substance use condition 9 60.0

Difficulty with housing (combination of conflict with landlord, conflict with 

neighbors, dissatisfaction with apartment and dissatisfaction with 

neighborhood)

9 12.2

Evicted from apartment 2 22.2

Increase in income 2 22.2

Nonleased exiters’ most common main exit reason categories with related contributing factors, %

Nonleased Exiters

N %

Voucher revoked by HA 12 22.6

Couldn’t find an available apartment to rent with voucher 3 25.0

Dissatisfaction with available apartments 2 16.7

Offer from family or friend to move into their housing 2 16.7

Difficulty with housing (combination of dissatisfaction with available 

apartments, couldn’t find an available apartment to rent with voucher, and 

apartment that was found did not pass inspection)

11 20.8

Did not have money to pay for security deposit or furniture 2 18.2

Offer from family or friend to move into their housing 2 18.2

Worsening in medical condition 2 18.2

Offer from family or friend to move into their housing 8 15.1

Did not have money to pay for security deposit or furniture 2 25.0

Exit type

Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N %

I decided to leave 45 58.4 33 57.9

I was asked to leave 32 41.6 24 42.1

Total 77 100.0 57 100.0

Contributing factors to exit by exit type

Leased-Up Exiters

Decided to Leave

Leased-up Exiters

Asked to Leave

Nonleased Exiters

Decided to Leave

Nonleased Exiters

Asked to Leave

N % N % N % N %

Apartment that was found did not 

pass inspection

NA NA NA NA 1 3.0 2 8.3
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 306 Final Report

Exhibit I.33 Reasons for exits, study respondents

Conflict with HUD-VASH case 

manager or other program staff

4 8.9 4 12.5 2 6.1 3 12.5

Conflict with landlord 5 11.1 10 31.3 NA NA NA NA

Conflict with neighbors 5 11.1 6 18.8 NA NA NA NA

Couldn’t find an available apartment 

to rent with voucher

NA NA NA NA 7 21.2 8 33.3

Did not have money to pay for 

security deposit or furniture

NA NA NA NA 7 21.2 2 8.3

Difficulty paying the rent 4 8.9 14 43.8 NA NA NA NA

Disagreement with program rules 1 2.2 3 9.4 3 9.1 3 12.5

Dissatisfaction with apartment 8 17.8 3 9.4 NA NA NA NA

Dissatisfaction with available 

apartments

NA NA NA NA 14 42.4 5 20.8

Dissatisfaction with neighborhood 7 15.6 3 9.4 NA NA NA NA

Evicted from apartment 0 0.0 16 50.0 NA NA NA NA

Improvement in health condition 5 11.1 2 6.3 1 3.0 1 4.2

Improvement in mental health 

condition

4 8.9 2 6.3 1 3.0 0 0.0

Improvement in substance abuse 

condition

4 8.9 1 3.1 1 3.0 0 0.0

Increase in income 21 46.7 7 21.9 4 12.1 2 8.3

Legal trouble such as arrest, jail, 

warrant, probation, lawsuit or trial

1 2.2 6 18.8 0 0.0 3 12.5

Offer from family or friend to move 

into their housing

10 22.2 1 3.1 11 33.3 2 8.3

Voucher revoked by HA 2 4.4 7 21.9 2 6.3 12 50.0

Worsening in medical condition 6 13.3 5 15.6 5 15.2 4 16.7

Worsening in mental health 

condition

6 13.3 7 21.9 6 18.2 2 8.3

Worsening in substance abuse 

condition

6 13.3 9 28.1 2 6.1 4 16.7

Plans for living arrangement following exit where Veteran decided to leave

Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N %

Plan 43 84.3 26 72.2

No plan 8 15.7 10 27.8

Total 51 100.0 36 100.0

Contributing factors to exit for those with plans for living arrangement following exit where Veteran decided to leave

Leased-Up Exiters

Plan

Leased-Up Exiters

No Plan

Nonleased Exiters

Plan

Nonleased Exiters

No Plan

N % N % N % N %

Apartment that was found did not 

pass inspection

NA NA NA NA 1 3.8 1 10.0

Conflict with HUD-VASH case 

manager or other program staff

5 11.6 0 0.0 1 3.8 2 20.0

Conflict with landlord 4 9.3 2 25.0 NA NA NA NA

Conflict with neighbors 5 11.6 0 0.0 NA NA NA NA

Couldn’t find an available apartment 

to rent with voucher

NA NA NA NA 5 19.2 3 30.0
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 307 Final Report

Exhibit I.33 Reasons for exits, study respondents

Did not have money to pay for 

security deposit or furniture

NA NA NA NA 4 15.4 3 30.0

Difficulty paying the rent 4 9.3 3 37.5 NA NA NA NA

Disagreement with program rules 1 2.3 0 0.0 2 7.7 2 20.0

Dissatisfaction with apartment 6 14.0 3 37.5 NA NA NA NA

Dissatisfaction with available 

apartments

NA NA NA NA 10 38.5 5 50.0

Dissatisfaction with neighborhood 6 14.0 2 25.0 NA NA NA NA

Evicted from apartment 0 0.0 1 12.5 NA NA NA NA

Improvement in health condition 5 11.6 0 0.0 1 3.8 0 0.0

Improvement in mental health 

condition

4 9.3 0 0.0 1 3.8 0 0.0

Improvement in substance abuse 

condition

4 9.3 0 0.0 1 3.8 0 0.0

Increase in income 21 48.8 1 12.5 3 11.5 1 10.0

Legal trouble such as arrest, jail, 

warrant, probation, lawsuit or trial

1 2.3 1 12.5 0 0.0 2 2.3

Offer from family or friend to move 

into their housing

9 20.9 1 12.5 12 46.2 1 10.0

Voucher revoked by HA 1 2.3 1 12.5 0 0.0 2 20.0

Worsening in medical condition 5 11.6 2 25.0 1 3.8 4 40.0

Worsening in mental health 

condition

5 11.6 3 37.5 2 7.7 4 40.0

Worsening in substance abuse 

condition

6 14.0 2 25.0 0 0.0 2 20.0

Source: Veteran Survey *p≤0.10, **p≤0.05, ***p≤0.01
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 308 Final Report

Exhibit I.34 Latent class analysis of leased-up exiters, HUD-VASH participants

Class 1

N=666, 20.9%

Class 2

N=536, 16.4%

Class 3

N=507, 16.6%

Class 4

N=833, 32.2%

Class 5

N=417, 13.9%

N % N % N % N % N %

Study site

Houston 316 47.5 0 0.0 199 39.3 352 42.3 122 29.3

Los Angeles 268 40.3 172 32 147 29.0 429 51.5 173 41.5

Palo Alto 45 6.7 364 68 151 29.8 0 0.0 88 21.1

Philadelphia 37 5.5 0 0.0 10 1.9 52 6.2 34 8.2

Gender

Female 223 33.5 24 4.5 66 13.0 8 1.0 5 1.2

Male 443 66.5 512 95.5 441 87.0 825 99.0 412 98.9

Age

<35 230 34.6 30 5.6 77 15.1 0 0.0 0 0.0

35-44 194 29.1 41 7.6 100 19.8 22 2.7 1 0.2

45-54 150 22.5 205 38.3 200 39.5 302 36.2 146 35.1

55-64 90 13.5 196 36.5 115 22.7 418 50.2 239 57.3

≥65 2 0.3 64 11.9 15 3.0 92 11.0 31 7.4

Race

Black 478 71.7 169 31.6 234 46.2 592 71.1 224 53.6

White 161 24.1 322 60.0 233 45.9 197 23.7 181 43.3

Other 28 4.2 46 8.5 40 7.9 44 5.3 13 3.1

Enrollment priority group

≥50% service-connected 

disability 314 47.2 102 19.1 251 49.5 78 9.4 51 12.3

<50% service-connected 

disability 145 21.8 84 15.6 107 21.2 133 16.0 58 14.0

No service-connected disability 168 25.3 321 59.8 134 26.4 558 67.0 286 68.5

Other 38 5.7 29 5.5 15 2.9 63 7.6 22 5.2

Medical and mental/behavioral health conditions and service use

Any medical condition 37 5.5 75 14 247 48.8 130 15.6 343 82.2

Any mental health condition 34 5.1 41 7.7 415 81.9 53 6.4 316 75.7

Any substance use condition 23 3.4 53 9.8 401 79.1 142 17.1 354 84.8

Any inpatient stay pre-exit 13 2.0 31 5.8 45 8.9 75 9.0 103 24.8

VA case managers’ reason for exit

Accomplished goals 282 42.4 349 65.1 237 46.7 314 37.7 80 19.1

Cannot be located, too ill, 

incarcerated, or deceased 28 4.2 62 11.6 47 9.2 197 23.6 166 39.8

No longer financially eligible 69 10.3 6 1.2 58 11.5 11 1.3 1 0.3

Non-compliant with VA case 

management or evicted 87 13.1 27 5.1 41 8.1 111 13.3 86 20.6

Transferred to another HUDVASH program or found other 

housing

91 13.6 31 5.8 55 10.8 77 9.3 30 7.3

Unhappy with housing or no 

longer interested in participating 52 7.8 24 4.4 37 7.3 47 5.6 26 6.3

Other 58 8.7 38 7 77 9.2 28 6.6 32 6.4

Sources: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System, VA Medical Record
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 309 Final Report

Exhibit I.35 Latent class analysis of nonleased exiters, HUD-VASH participants

Class 1

N=273, 25.2%

Class 2

N=451, 44.9%

Class 3

N=313, 29.9%

N % N % N %

Study site

Houston 54 19.9 66 14.7 46 14.7

Los Angeles 176 64.5 298 66.1 180 57.5

Palo Alto 35 13.0 73 16.1 73 23.3

Philadelphia 7 2.6 16 3.5 14 4.5

Gender

Female 79 28.8 7 1.5 11 3.4

Male 194 71.2 444 98.5 303 96.7

Age group

<35 95 34.9 10 2.3 49 15.5

35-44 89 32.6 16 3.5 33 10.6

45-54 52 19.2 150 33.3 102 32.5

55-64 37 13.4 200 44.3 113 36.0

≥65 0 0.0 75 16.6 17 5.5

Race

Black 130 47.6 230 51.0 116 37.1

White 105 38.4 206 45.7 171 54.7

Other 38 14.1 15 3.3 26 8.2

Enrollment priority group

≥50% service-connected 

disability 124 45.3 53 11.8 104 33.2

<50% service-connected 

disability 78 28.6 68 15.0 50 16.1

No service-connected disability 64 23.4 294 65.2 148 47.4

Other 7 2.7 36 8.0 11 3.4

Medical and mental/behavioral health conditions and service use

Any medical condition 18 6.5 62 13.8 203 64.8

Any mental health condition 26 9.5 17 3.8 271 86.6

Any substance use condition 11 4.0 38 8.4 270 86.2

Any inpatient stay pre-exit 27 6.0 75 24.0 15 5.4

VA case managers’ reason for exit

Accomplished goals 10 3.5 9 1.9 4 1.2

Cannot be located, too ill, incarcerated, or deceased 38 14.1 124 27.6 99 31.6

No longer financially eligible 17 6.1 18 4.0 8 2.6

Non-compliant with VA case management or evicted 37 13.6 55 12.1 41 13.2

Transferred to another HUD-VASH program or found other 

housing 61 22.5 71 15.7 49 15.6

Unhappy with housing or no longer interested in participating 56 20.6 93 20.7 57 18.1

Other 54 19.7 81 17.9 55 17.7

Sources: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System, VA Medical Record
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 310 Final Report

Exhibit I.36 Veterans’ status post-exit

VA case manager assisted in finding new place to stay following exit, study respondentso

Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N %

Yes 14 17.7% 6 10.7%

No 65 82.3 50 89.3

Total 79 100 56 100

Plan to continue utilizing VA services, study respondentso

Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N %

Yes 75 94.9 55 96.5

No 4 5.1 2 3.5

Total 79 100 57 100

Ongoing contact with VA case manager, study respondentso

Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N %

Yes 13 16.5 10 18.2

No 66 83.5 45 81.8

Total 79 100 55 100

Frequency of VA case management following exit, HUD-VASH participants○

Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

M SD M SD

30 days post-exit*** 0.67 1.40 0.46 1.01

31-60 days post-exit** 0.15 1.06 0.08 0.69

61-90 days post-exit* 0.13 0.83 0.07 0.79

Returns to VA homeless programs, HUD-VASH participants●

Leased-Up Exiters Nonleased Exiters

N % N %

Any 228 7.3 154 10.2

Within 30 days 41 1.3 21 1.4

Within 60 days 74 2.4 38 2.5

Within 90 days 91 2.9 52 3.5

Within 180 days 127 4.1 82 5.4

Within 360 days 183 5.9 120 8.0

Sources: ● VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System, ○ VA Medical Record, *p≤0.10, 

**p≤0.05, ***p≤0.01

oVeteran Survey
Appendix I: Supporting Data

HUD-VASH Exit Study 311 Final Report

Exhibit I.37 Cox proportional hazards survival analysis for time to return to homelessness within 360 

days, HUD-VASH participantsa (N=303)

Estimate Standard Error Hazard Ratio p

Houston -0.261 0.144 0.770 0.070

Palo Alto -0.314 0.160 0.731 0.050

Philadelphia 0.060 0.246 1.062 0.807

Nonleased exiters 0.371 0.121 1.449 0.002

Age -0.007 0.006 0.993 0.183

Male 0.563 0.258 1.757 0.029

White -0.117 0.126 0.890 0.353

Other race -0.069 0.245 0.934 0.779

Service-connected disability -0.339 0.122 0.713 0.006

Drug abuse 0.859 0.118 2.360 0.000

a Reference categories: Study site—Los Angeles; Study group—Leased-up exiters; Gender—Female; Race—Black; Serviceconnected disability—No service-connected disability; Drug abuse—No diagnosis.

Sources: VA Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System, VA Medical Record

Bold font indicates p≤0.05
HUD-VASH Exit Study 312 Final Report

APPENDIX J:

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U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Office of Policy Development and Research

Washington, DC 20410-6000

September 2017