Developing Permanent Supportive Housing for Homeless Veterans

"The Veterans Administration 2007 CHALENG Report estimates that nearly 154,000 veterans are homeless on any given night, and more than half a million experience homelessness over the course of a year. ...

There is an entire continuum of housing options available depending on the needs of the clients. Short term housing options such as emergency shelter or transitional housing may be very appropriate for what they were intended to serve, short term emergency housing needs. However for those with the most complex set of service needs and significant challenges in establishing housing stability, permanent supportive housing may be the most appropriate housing intervention. Supportive housing works well for individuals and families who are not only homeless, but who also have very low incomes and serious, persistent issues that may include substance use, mental illness, and HIV/AIDS. ..."

Thus begins the Guidebook for Developing Permanent Supportive Housing for Homeless Veterans, a joint effort of our federal government and the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.

This 94-page guide aims to help community-based homeless veteran service providers explore the various supportive housing development options available for homeless veterans:

"Readers will be given the tools needed to initiate the
development process, identify available capital, operating and services funding for supportive housing, and assess their organization’s capacity to develop and/or operate supportive housing."

Lawyers experienced in steering business projects to success, but frustrated at finding appropriate pro bono opportunities, should consider assisting projects that develop solutions for homelessness among veterans; this guide may be a good introduction. Read it at http://www.nchv.org/docs/CSHVeteransDevelopmentGuidebook2008FINAL.pdf

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Regional Trainings

From another press release:

"Since 2004, The Corporation for Supportive Housing has subcontracted with the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) to provide targeted technical assistance around the topic of permanent supportive housing for homeless veterans to its member base of homeless service providers. Based on recent events including the allocation of 10,000 HUD-VASH vouchers in 2008 there is an increased momentum around the development and operation of permanent supportive housing for homeless veterans.

To assist in building the capacity of homeless veteran housing and service providers, CSH will be providing 2-day trainings on a regional basis. The first day will consist of a basic overview of how to develop process in permanent supportive housing, moving from providing transitional to permanent housing, property management and service coordination. The second day will consist of a morning session dedicated to the overview of supportive housing budgets and an afternoon session focused on operating budgets and effective service strategies in supportive housing.

The dates and locations for the trainings are as follows:

• Western Region
• Eastern Region – Newark , NJ – February 18-19, 2009
• Central Region – Chicago , IL – March 10-11, 2009

Registration: FREE

How to Register: To apply for the Los Angeles training click here

For all questions regarding these trainings, please contact Melanie Lilliston with the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans at nchv5@nchv.org or by phone at 202-546-1969."

Veterans in Mortgage Distress: a few options

Among the many resources available on the VA's Loan Guaranty Web Site is a press release: Enhanced VA Mortgage Options Now Available for Veterans Of Potential Benefit to Those in Financial Distress

"WASHINGTON (Oct.24) -- Veterans with conventional home loans now have new options for refinancing to a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) guaranteed home loan. These new options are available as a result of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008, which the President signed into law on October 10, 2008.
“These changes will allow VA to assist a substantial number of veterans with subprime mortgages refinance into a safer, more affordable, VA guaranteed loan,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “Veterans in financial distress due to high rate subprime mortgages are potentially the greatest beneficiaries.”
VA has never guaranteed subprime loans. However, as a result of the new law VA can now help many more veterans who currently have subprime loans.
The new law makes changes to VA’s home loan refinancing program. Veterans who wish to refinance their subprime or conventional mortgage may now do so for up to 100 percent of the value of the property. These types of loans were previously limited to 90 percent of the value.
Additionally, Congress raised VA’s maximum loan amount for these types of refinancing loans. Previously, these refinancing loans were capped at $144,000. With the new legislation, such loans may be made up to $729,750 depending on where the property is located.
Increasing the loan-to-value ratio and raising the maximum loan amount will allow more qualified veterans to refinance through VA, allowing for savings on interest costs or even potentially avoiding foreclosure.
Originally set to expire at the end of this month, VA’s authority to guaranty Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) and Hybrid ARMs was also extended under this new law through September 30, 2012. Unlike conventional ARMs and hybrid ARMs, VA limits interest rate increases on these loans from year to year, as well as over the life of the loans.
Since 1944, when home loan guaranties were offered with the original GI Bill, VA has guaranteed more than 18 million home
loans worth over $911 billion. This year, about 180,000 veterans, active duty servicemembers, and survivors received loans valued at about $36 billion.
For more information, or to obtain help from a VA Loan Specialist, veterans may call VA at 1-877-827-3702 or visit www.homeloans.va.gov."

Servicemember Homeownership Protections in Housing Bill

Several improvements in homeownership protection for servicemembers were included in the Fanne Mae/Freddy Mac Bailout Bill (HR 3221)

As summarized on govtrack.us:

H.R. 3221: Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008

Title II - Mortgage Foreclosure Protections for Servicemembers

Section 201 -
Sets forth a temporary increase, through December 31, 2008, in the maximum loan guaranty amount for certain housing loans guaranteed by the Secretary of Veterans' Affairs.
Section 202 -
Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a program to advise members of the Armed Forces who are returning from active duty abroad on actions to prevent or forestall mortgage foreclosures, including credit counseling and home mortgage counseling.
Section 203 -
Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to increase from 90 days to nine months the period of: (1) protection against mortgage foreclosure proceedings; and (2) the stay of proceedings and adjustment of mortgage obligations. Sunsets such provisions December 31, 2010.
Revises the 6% interest rate limitation during the period of military service for debts incurred before military service whose interest rate did not exceed that percentage. Extends the 6% limitation for one year beyond the period of military service if the debt is a mortgage, trust deed, or other security in the nature of a mortgage.

More information: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-3221

Thanks to the Iraq And Afghanistan Veterans of America blog for the head's up!