Proof Point: Our Community’s Coordination to End Veteran Homelessness
Jessilyn Averill
Veterans are housed using a variety of programs and funding sources. In addition, Eviction Prevention and employment services are crucial to decreasing the number of newly homeless Veterans and supports in building self-sufficiency. A very small number of aging Veterans entered long-term care.
About a third of Veterans housed in 2025 returned to their previous residence by reconciling with family or partners or had sufficient income to find housing in the private market with the support of their case managers.
The largest percentage of Veterans were housed in the community with tenant-based Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers. VASH combines U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless Veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These vouchers are administered by the Ann Arbor Housing Commission with ongoing supportive services provided by VA Ann Arbor Health Care.
Veterans who can benefit from a higher level of support were housed with project-based VASH Vouchers. Veterans are housed in intentional communities operated and owned by Avalon Housing or Ann Arbor Housing Commission that include additional on-site support, resources, and community.
Veterans working on increasing their income and moving toward self-sufficiency were housed with Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF). In 2025, SSVF was administered by Michigan Ability Partners (MAP) and Disability Network of Eastern Michigan (DNEM). Each client receives case management and in some cases limited, time-based case rental assistance. Every case is different, with some Veterans only needing move-in support, and others needing longer-term assistance. SSVF also offers Eviction Prevention support for Veterans.
The Washtenaw County Office of Veterans Affairs works with Veterans to submit benefit and disability claims. This office also provides emergency assistance and Eviction Prevention for Veterans.
Lastly, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) administered locally by MAP supports Veterans in obtaining gainful and meaningful employment. This program offers employment and job development opportunities for Veterans who are homeless or have extremely low income.
Thank you again to all our partners who are working hard to end Veteran homelessness in Washtenaw County by making it rare, brief and one-time!