Through the SSVF Program, VA aims to improve very low-income Veteran families’ housing stability. The first core concept is that SSVF programs utilize a Housing First approach. The essential idea of Housing First is that people’s need for housing is a basic need that should be met as quickly as possible, without any preconditions. To meet this goal, grantees (private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives) provide eligible Veteran families with outreach, case management, and assistance in obtaining VA and other benefits.

DCHV will provide the following assistance:

• Case Management
• Community Partners, Referrals, and Outreach
• Financial Assistance Tracking
• Household Budgeting and Income Maximization
• Landlords and Housing Navigation

In addition, grantees also provide time-limited payments to third parties (e.g., landlords, utility companies, moving companies, and licensed child care providers) if these payments help Veterans’ families stay in or acquire permanent housing on a sustainable basis.