Rental Assistance For Homeless Veterans

(l to r) Danielle Johnson, VASH recipient, displays her art portfolio to Jane Miller, HUD Philadelphia Field Office Director, and Jane C.W. Vincent, HUD Regional Administrator for Region 3

Danielle Johnson is one of 52 veterans for whom the Housing Authority City of Erie (HACE) is currently providing affordable housing assistance through the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. HUD-VASH combines Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA provides these services for participating veterans at VA medical centers (VAMCs) and community-based outreach clinics.

Danielle, a single mother of two, served in the United States Air Force from 1993 to 1996. After moving to Erie, she found herself in a housing crisis and turned to an emergency shelter for assistance and then to the Erie VA Medical Center. This is when Danielle first learned about HUD-VASH and HACE.

Now living in an affordable housing unit, Danielle receives rental assistance via the HACE-administered HUD-VASH program. Program goals include promoting maximal veteran recovery and independence to sustain permanent housing in the community for the veteran and the veteran's family.

The program is designed to address the needs of the most vulnerable homeless veterans. To be eligible, veterans must be VA Health Care eligible, homeless and need and participate in case management services in order to obtain and sustain permanent independent community housing.

Danielle is now building her photographic portfolio and arts resume while connecting to job and career opportunities. She recently received a scholarship to Chautauqua Institute to work with well-known playwright Kate Fodor. Her photography has also been exhibited at the Erie Art Museum. Well done, Danielle!

###