Shallow Subsidy helps homeless and at-risk Veterans struggling with housing costs

In response to the affordable housing crisis, the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program has launched the Shallow Subsidy service.

Shallow Subsidy provides rental assistance for a set period of time to eligible and enrolled Veterans. Typically, the Shallow Subsidy service is targeted to Veterans who need longer-term assistance to achieve housing stability.

The maximum amount of rental subsidy that can be provided through Shallow Subsidy on behalf of the Veteran household is up to 50% of the lease rent.

Expanding our toolkit to support Veterans

SSVF usually comes in two forms: homeless prevention services for at-risk Veterans and rapid rehousing for Veterans who are literally homeless. Shallow Subsidy services are geared towards Veterans in both groups who have potentially fewer case management needs but still have a high-rent burden.

Traditional SSVF rapid re-housing and homeless prevention services are designed to be shorter term in length. They are typically between six to nine months and can pay up to 100% of the rent based on a household’s needs. Veterans utilizing these programs are just approaching or entering the homelessness system.  

Shallow Subsidy is different from traditional rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention assistance services because of the ability to support households for a longer period (up to 24 months) in order to support housing stability. But it differs from VA’s HUD-VASH program in that the subsidy is time-limited and generally not targeted toward Veterans with multiple barriers to housing stability.

How Shallow Subsidy helps Veterans

If something were to happen and the Veteran could no longer pay their half of the rent, they will still have the cushion of traditional rapid rehousing or homeless prevention financial services from SSVF. While the Veteran household is receiving Shallow Subsidy services they remain eligible for the full commitment period regardless of any increases in their income.

Our SSVF grantees have shown that Shallow Subsidy can help prevent homelessness due to evictions and other housing crises as well as supporting formerly homeless Veterans to stay housed.

Shallow Subsidy helps Veterans get back on their feet. It reduces the stigma around getting help and provides a collaborative partnership that supports Veterans until their circumstances improve. That extra help and assistance can truly make all the difference in the lives of Veterans.

How to get help

It is important to reach out for help if you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless:

• You should reach out to your local SSVF grantee to help determine if you are eligible for traditional, Shallow Subsidy or other services to help find and maintain housing or prevent the loss of your current housing. 
• The SSVF website is a great way to find your local grantees.
• Community Solutions also has a resource locator website that could help identify additional supports. VA does not endorse Community Solutions and is not responsible for the content of their website.
• Veterans can also call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 where trained counselors are ready to talk confidentially 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Learn more about VA programs

Visit the VA Homeless Programs website to learn about housing initiatives and other programs for Veterans exiting homelessness.

Check out the Ending Veteran Homelessness podcast to learn more about what VA is doing about Veteran homelessness.

Learn how to get involved with housing homeless Veterans.

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