Veterans Affairs Supported Housing

Program Description

The Veterans Affairs Supported Housing (VASH) program is a joint program between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The goal of the VASH program is to move homeless veterans into supportive housing. The primary component of the program is VA Case Management services. It provides a link to medical care; and mental health and substance abuse services. Case management also provides other services needed to enhance a veteran's ability to remain stable, housed, and integrated into the community.

Portland Housing Authority has been selected by HUD to work in partnership with TOGUS Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) to provide housing assistance in the form of a VASH Housing Choice Voucher (VASH HCV). This program makes it possible for veterans to afford privately owned rental housing in a community of the veteran's choice provided it is located within a specified distance from the VAMC or Outpatient Clinics.

Portland Housing Authority administers the VASH HCV used by veterans in Southern Maine including parts Cumberland and York counties and the Lewiston/Auburn area. (Maine Housing Authority administers VASH for the rest of the State of Maine). 

For More Information

Applications for this program are not necessary. Veterans are referred to Portland Housing by the VA Case Management Team members.

All Homeless Veterans interested in more information about VASH and the eligibility requirements must contact the HUD VASH Office at:

TOGUS Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Mental Health Services - HUD VASH Program
Phone: 207-623-8411, ext. 2892 
Toll Free: 877-424-3838

Wendy Thomas-Blais, LCSW - Acting HUD VASH Program Manager