Homeless veterans get housing help

BOISE — Veterans in northern Idaho will receive rental assistance and other support thanks to a unique collaboration between Idaho Housing and Finance Association, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

IHFA’s Coeur d’Alene branch office will oversee 25 Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers that will provide $106,331 in rental assistance support to veterans in the area during the first 12 months of the program.

The VASH program combines HUD rental assistance for homeless veterans with case management and clinical services through VA medical centers. Participants must be referred to the program by a VA medical center. Veterans in North Idaho should go to the Health Care for Homeless Vets center, 705 W. 2nd St., Spokane, to apply. For more information, contact Lily Haken at (509) 462-2500, ext. 4018.

“This is the first allotment of VASH vouchers in the Coeur d’Alene area, and we’re honored that we can help provide veterans with the safe, stable housing and the other support they deserve," said IHFA Executive Vice President Julie Williams.