In January, Kentucky counted more than 600 homeless veterans in the state. Despite increased efforts to house these veterans, several hundred remain homeless today.
Veterans in Kentucky who are currently homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless can still receive priority assistance from Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC). As announced in January, the Veterans Emerging Through Transition (VETT) Program gives preference for 100 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) for qualified veterans, regardless of discharge status, in the 87 counties KHC serves through the HCV Program. Lexington and Louisville offer additional resources to end veteran homelessness.
“These veterans have served our country and put their lives on the line to defend our nation and not one of them should be homeless,” said HUD Kentucky Field Office Director Christopher Taylor. “I applaud Kentucky Housing Corporation for working with us to ensure that these men and women can finally have a place to call home.”
The 100 HCV set aside was designed to support the Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness, announced by First Lady Michelle Obama in June 2014.
“We have seen in cities, like Houston, that programs like this can work to eliminate homelessness among veterans,” said Heather French Henry, commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs. “The key is getting the word out to the veterans who can use these vouchers to obtain decent, stable housing.”
While Kentucky has made great strides in ensuring our veterans are cared for, KHC wants to ensure all veterans are aware of the VETT Program and do not discount their own eligibility before speaking with a participating agency.
“We want to make sure every man and woman who fought for our country has safe, affordable housing,” said Kathryn Peters, executive director of KHC. “No matter their housing issue, we are here to help Kentucky veterans find programs appropriate for their needs.”
The process to be approved for a VETT voucher moves quickly after all paperwork is complete, placing veterans in safe, quality housing in just a few short months.
“I heard about the program in June of 2015 and began receiving assistance just three months later,” said Amy Bradley, a Navy veteran living in Clark County. “Without KHC, not only would I not have a home, I wouldn’t have my children! The program allowed me to keep my family together.”
KHC will continue the VETT Program until all 100 vouchers are utilized. To learn about or apply for assistance through the VETT Program, please visit KHC’s website, under Specialized Housing, VETT Program.
From Kentucky Housing Corporation