Resources for veterans experiencing homelessness
Community action agencies
Community action agencies offer financial assistance and services to assist individuals with low or very low incomes who are homeless or are unstably housed and at risk of becoming homeless. Such programs may offer:
- Street outreach
- Emergency and transitional housing operations
- Rapid rehousing
- Homelessness prevention
- Shelter and transitional housing facilities renovation, rehabilitation, and conversion
Some programs cater to veterans. To be eligible for veterans funding, an applicant must meet one of the following conditions:
- Served on active duty and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions
- Received a combat or campaign ribbon or an expeditionary medal for service and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions
- Is receiving a non-service-connected pension from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Served in the military, naval, or air service, was discharged or released from that service, and has been determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to be eligible for any benefit from that department
To find the community action agency that serves your community, go to
Community Action Partnership of Oregon.
HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Voucher
The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program combines several resources:
- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless veterans
- Case management and clinical services provided by the VA
Veterans experiencing homelessness receive special consideration for housing under the joint program.
HUD-VASH runs the program, which offers rental assistance in the private market. These funds are specifically for homeless vets and their families.
Please note: This is not an OHCS program. HUD-VASH vouchers are distributed through local housing authorities. However, a veteran cannot apply directly to a housing authority for a HUD-VASH voucher. To apply for a HUD-VASH voucher or learn more about eligibility criteria:
Homeownership for veterans
Home Ownership Assistance Program
OHCS offers specialized programs to help veterans become homeowners. Through the Home Ownership Assistance Program (HOAP), veterans can access down payment assistance (DPA) to make purchasing a home more affordable. Eligible veterans and their families at or below 100% of the area median income can qualify for up to $60,000, depending on specific program guidelines. In addition, an amount up to 10% of the down payment assistance can be used for lender-required repairs, allowing the veteran household to retain their funds for future needs.
Additionally, the Restore Health and Safety (RHS) program has a set-aside for veterans and provides financial assistance to homeowners to repair and modify their homes for better health and safety. The program includes repairs that affect the house structure and/or repairs that are not limited to:
- Accessibility/adaptability modifications
- Updates to code compliance
- Emergency repairs
- Repairs for structural integrity
HOAP resources have been expanded to include serving the spouse of a deceased veteran, and both DPA and RHS funds can be accessed through different organizations across the state. Each organization has specific program guidelines, so it is best to contact them directly for qualifications and eligibility criteria.
Flex Lending
OHCS has developed two distinct loan products designed to assist veterans in achieving the dream of homeownership. In November 2024, OHCS Homeownership Lending introduced the FirstHome loan product, an enhanced version of the Oregon Bond Residential Loan. FirstHome is an IRS-based product that offers a lower interest rate to help with qualifying and to maximize buying power.
FirstHome for first-time homebuyers
FirstHome is designed to assist first-time homebuyers, but veterans are granted an exception if they have not previously utilized an IRS-based first-time homebuyer loan product to purchase a home. Borrowers can utilize their federal VA loan eligibility with 0% down payment that may be combined with optional down payment assistance of 4%-5%, which can be used to assist with closing costs. Maximum household income limits do apply and are based on the area median family income per county, as determined by HUD.
NextStep options for veterans
OHCS also offers the NextStep loan product, another excellent option for veterans. With this product borrowers can utilize their federal VA loan eligibility with 0% down payment that is combined with down payment assistance of 4%-5%, which can be used to assist with closing costs. Unlike FirstHome, the NextStep loan product does not require the purchaser to be a first-time homebuyer and has a maximum income limit of $125,000.
Additional loan options
Depending on a veteran’s needs, they are not limited to a VA loan. They may use FHA, USDA, or Conventional loan products through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Veterans are encouraged to apply with an approved lender. These products are tailored to meet the needs of veterans, offering flexible and affordable pathways to homeownership.
For more information about the program or to find an approved lender, visit the OHCS' Flex Lending webpage.
ODVA Veteran Home Loan
Oregon is one of only five states that offers a veterans home loan program. This Oregon benefit is separate and distinct from the federal VA Home Loan Guaranty. The program has lent about $8 billion in low-interest home loans to more than 334,000 veterans since 1945.
The Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) home loan program offers eligible veterans fixed-rate financing for:
- Owner-occupied, single-family residence
- Up to the Fannie Mae limit - purchase only (no refinancing is available) - up to four home loan maximum life benefit.
Apply for a home loan with the ODVA.
Home loan interest rate reduction
If you have an existing VA home loan, you can apply for an Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) to save money with a better interest rate.
Utility assistance and home weatherization
OHCS provides funds to local community organizations that help residents with low incomes apply for assistance with energy and utility bill payments. These programs make energy costs more affordable and prevent the loss and the restoration of home energy services. A household income must be at or below 60% of Oregon’s median income to be eligible for energy assistance. OHCS provides funding to the community action agencies to administer these programs:
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP)
To apply with a local agency, visit OHCS' Utility Bill Assistance Program.
OHCS also provides funds to local community organizations that provide households on low incomes with home weatherization services. These services increase energy savings through repairs, education, and other services. There are currently two federally funded weatherization programs:
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program (DOE-WAP)
If you qualify for an SAH or SHA grant but are living temporarily in a family member’s home, you may be able to get a Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant. It can pay for necessary changes to your relative’s home.
You may qualify for a
Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant. You might be eligible, whether your disability is service-connected or not. This grant provides medically necessary improvements and structural changes to your primary residence.