In a significant step toward addressing homelessness among veterans, new federal guidance has been issued, spurred by the persistent advocacy of mayors across the United States. The U.S. Department of Treasury recently revised regulations to ensure that disability benefits received by veterans will no longer disqualify them from obtaining housing through the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit, as reported by the Mayor's Office. Previously, these benefits were included in the income calculations that could push veterans over the income limits for housing vouchers, effectively forcing many to choose between necessary disability income and a roof over their heads.
This change follows similar moves by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which, in August, adjusted the HUD-VASH voucher program to exempt veterans' disability benefits from being counted as income. According to the Mayor’s Office, Mayor Karen Bass remarked, "No person should live or die on the street, especially our homeless disabled Veterans that have fought for our freedom, because their disability benefits made them ineligible to qualify for housing. That’s the old way of doing things.”
Mayor Bass has been active in addressing homelessness in Los Angeles as well, securing an agreement with the White House titled ALL INside to target unsheltered homelessness. Following the declaration of a local homelessness emergency, she collaborated with housing authorities to accelerate the housing process for homeless individuals. As noted by the Mayor’s Office, HUD approved an extension to the city’s request for a presumptive eligibility waiver, illustrating the continuity of efforts to reform homelessness policy.
