--- title: How Public Housing Authorities are Supporting Veterans in Their Communities description: Discover how public housing authorities are supporting veterans through dedicated housing, community partnerships, and innovative programs that promote housing stability. image: https://blog.haigroup.com/hubfs/PHAs-Veterans.png --- [Skip to content](https://blog.haigroup.com/how-public-housing-authorities-are-supporting-veterans-in-their-communities#main-content) [![hai-logo-KO-256px](https://blog.haigroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/hai-logo-KO-256px.png?width=256&height=57&name=hai-logo-KO-256px.png "hai-logo-KO-256px")](https://www.haigroup.com/) - SEARCH - [Research](https://blog.haigroup.com/tag/research), - [Public Housing](https://blog.haigroup.com/tag/public-housing) # How Public Housing Authorities are Supporting Veterans in Their Communities ![](https://blog.haigroup.com/hubfs/PHAs-Veterans.png) - November 9, 2026 ![Cate Asp | Research Analyst](https://blog.haigroup.com/hubfs/Cate_Asp.png) [Cate Asp | Research Analyst](https://blog.haigroup.com/author/cate-asp) [\< Back to Resource Center](https://blog.haigroup.com) Veterans have long encountered [distinct obstacles to stable housing](https://blog.haigroup.com/how-u.s.-veterans-have-helped-shape-affordable-housing), from the lasting effects of [service-connected disabilities to the difficulty of navigating complex assistance systems](https://blog.haigroup.com/supporting-those-who-served-how-housing-programs-help-veterans-thrive). Across the country, public housing authorities (PHAs) are expanding access to housing and stability for former service members through innovative programs, partnerships, and campaigns. Driven in part by supportive housing programs such as Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH), the U.S. has made significant progress in reducing veteran homelessness. Between 2025 and 2010, [veteran homelessness fell by 56%](https://department.va.gov/homeless/point-in-time-pit-count/). ![Veterans-Infographic2](https://blog.haigroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Veterans-Infographic2.png?width=500&height=250&name=Veterans-Infographic2.png)Between January 2025 and January 2026 alone, [veteran homelessness is estimated to have declined by more than 8%](https://community.solutions/press/veteran-homelessness-declines-2026-analysis/), the largest drop in over a decade. Veterans are also the [only group still experiencing year-over-year declines in homelessness](https://www.huduser.gov/portal/sites/default/files/pdf/2024-AHAR-Part-1.pdf).These results show that housing stability and supportive services, delivered through HUD-VASH and similar initiatives, play a key role in supporting veterans nationwide. Still, the need to house and support veterans remains, with approximately [30,000 veterans still experiencing homelessness today](https://community.solutions/research-posts/2026-veteran-homelessness-estimates/). This article highlights how PHAs are helping close that gap. From dedicated housing developments in Oklahoma City (Oklahoma) and Yakima (Washington) to a citywide landlord engagement campaign in Los Angeles (California), these examples show how creative programs, strong local partnerships, and flexible use of resources can connect veterans with stable homes and the support they need to thrive. ## Building dedicated housing for veterans One way PHAs are supporting former service members is by constructing new units for veterans, ensuring they have a safe, accessible place to call home. These developments often go beyond providing housing by incorporating supportive services, including case management in partnership with Veterans Affairs (VA), accessible resources, such as partnerships that help bring healthcare to residents, and opportunities for residents to build community, such as events that honor veterans. ### Oklahoma City Housing Authority’s Dorset Place The Oklahoma City Housing Authority (OCHA) has expanded opportunities to improve housing stability for veterans through Dorset Place Veteran Community, a development that combines dedicated housing with supportive services. [Opened in 2025, the first phase](https://cms6.revize.com/revize/oklahomacityhousingauthority/Documents/About%20OCHA/News%20Docs/OCHA%202025%20Impact%20Report%20(1)-1.pdf?t=202608131349410&t=202608131349410) is fully leased and provides 37 homes to veterans who were previously experiencing homelessness. Converted from a former senior living facility, [the development was funded by MAPS 4](https://www.okc.gov/News-articles/Oklahoma-City-celebrates-opening-of-Dorset-Place-Veteran-Community), a temporary penny sales tax that supports neighborhood, human-needs, quality-of-life, and job-creating initiatives across Oklahoma City. ![](https://www.oklahoman.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/10/06/NOKL/86553506007-vet-3.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp) Dorset Place was made possible through [strong partnerships with Oklahoma City’s HUD-VASH office, Community Enhancement Corporation (CEC), and Veterans Affairs](https://ochanet.org/business_detail_T12_R55.php). OCHA Executive Director Mark Gillett said these partnerships have been critical to the development's success, connecting residents with resources that help them not only achieve and maintain stable housing, but also connect with their broader community. OCHA works closely with the VA to connect residents with case managers who [support their needs and to provide move-in kits](https://kfor.com/news/local/new-permanent-housing-option-for-oklahoma-veterans/) that include items such as bedding and cleaning supplies. Funded through grants from the VA’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, these kits help veterans seamlessly transition into their new homes. Dorset Place is further supported through community involvement, with volunteers hosting events at the property and private donations helping to meet residents’ needs. Through their relationship with the VA, OCHA also works to support resident health. A doctor from the VA Medical Center visits Dorset Place at least once a month, [bringing care to residents through a mobile medical clinic](https://kfor.com/news/local/new-permanent-housing-option-for-oklahoma-veterans/). Beyond this, the community [provides residents with lunch daily](https://www.oklahoman.com/videos/news/2025/10/07/homelessness-in-okc-dorset-place-veteran-community/86556404007/) during the week and includes a community space and courtyard. The property was also built with veteran comfort in mind, [ensuring that each unit is accessible](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l40NUEtEWJE) to accommodate a wide range of needs among former service members.   ![](https://blog.haigroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Nov-04-2026-02-40-48-7598-PM.jpeg?width=451&height=301&name=undefined-Nov-04-2026-02-40-48-7598-PM.jpeg) "These partnerships demonstrate the power of community support in helping our veterans feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to build a stable future," Gillett said.   When asked for advice for other PHAs interested in supporting veterans, Gillett emphasized the importance of building strong partnerships.    “Our advice to other PHAs is to build strong partnerships with the VA and community organizations, as collaboration is key to meeting veterans’ needs," Gillett said. "Providing housing is just the beginning; connecting veterans with resources, household essentials, and ongoing support helps create long-term stability."   "Most importantly, treat every veteran with dignity and respect," Gillett continued. "These veterans have served our country, and ensuring they have a safe, stable place to call home is one meaningful way we can serve them in return. When we work together, we do more than provide housing—we help veterans rebuild their lives, restore hope, and create a foundation for a brighter future.” ### Chuck Austin Place In 2019, [Yakima Housing Authority (YHA) broke ground on Chuck Austin Place](https://walkerconstructioninc.com/project/auto-draft/), aptly named after a local Yakima veteran. Built on the site of a former U.S. Marine Corps Armory, the development now provides 41 homes to former service members and their families who were previously experiencing homelessness. Chuck Austin Place was intentionally designed as a supportive community where veterans can access services, build connections, and thrive. ![image-png-Nov-04-2026-02-42-22-2859-PM](https://blog.haigroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Nov-04-2026-02-42-22-2859-PM.png?width=450&height=300&name=image-png-Nov-04-2026-02-42-22-2859-PM.png)Through a partnership with Yakima Neighborhood Health Services, [residents have on-site access to medical, dental, and behavioral health care](https://ynhs.org/news/honoring-veterans-close-to-home-spotlight-on-chuck-austin-place). The Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and Opportunities Industrialization Center–Supportive Services for Veteran Families also provide on-site services that support the health and wellness of former service members and their families. Additional community partners include [Elite Academy,](https://yakimahousing.org/residents/chuck-austin-place/) which provides residents with haircuts, and Iron Saints Motorcycle Club, which organizes honor rides and veteran recognition events. Beyond services offered through partnerships, YHA has created a sense of community at Chuck Austin Place through an on-site library, lounge, walking path, dog park, and community garden, which they use to host events that bring residents together. These events range [from fitness programs and digital literacy workshops to Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies.](https://yakimahousing.org/residents/chuck-austin-place/) By pairing housing with on-site services and opportunities for connection, Chuck Austin Place shows how a single property can become a lasting source of stability and belonging for veterans. ## Housing vets through landlord partnerships Developing dedicated housing is a great way to address veteran homelessness, but PHAs can also expand housing for former service members by working with landlords. Rental assistance programs combined with landlord outreach and financial incentives can help veterans achieve stable housing in their communities. ### House Our Vets Campaign The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) has taken a citywide outreach approach, [working with landlords and partners to open more doors for veterans across the private rental market.](https://blog.haigroup.com/honoring-service-and-building-stability-how-hacla-is-housing-los-angeles-veterans) ![image-png-Nov-04-2026-02-47-12-4104-PM](https://blog.haigroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Nov-04-2026-02-47-12-4104-PM.png?width=400&height=500&name=image-png-Nov-04-2026-02-47-12-4104-PM.png)House Our Vets began when [Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass approached HACLA](https://www.hacla.org/en/news/hacla-stands-firmly-mayor-bass-and-us-veteran-affairs-end-veteran-homelessness-los-angeles) about a campaign to bring landlords, businesses, and nonprofits together to address veteran homelessness. HACLA joined the effort, launching the citywide campaign in January 2025 in collaboration with the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System and other local housing agencies and partners. The campaign aims to efficiently move veterans experiencing homelessness into housing by improving coordination among agencies, landlords, and veterans. To make participation simpler for both property owners and veterans, HACLA hosts dedicated housing locator events to help veterans find suitable units sooner, expedites unit inspections to reduce move-in delays, and provides financial incentives to attract new landlords to the program. To make the program viable, House Our Vets combines HUD-VASH vouchers with local funding. Its main funding source is the County of Los Angeles’s [Homeless Incentive Program (HIP)](https://www.hacla.org/en/about-section-8/hacla-hip), which draws on a small share of local sales tax revenue to address homelessness. While HIP is not specifically designed for veterans, HACLA adapted it to close the housing gap for those who have served, using it to offer qualifying veterans and their landlords a range of incentives and support, including: - Security deposit coverage - Sign-on bonuses - Expedited inspections - Damage Mitigation - Utility Deposit Assistance Since the program launched less than two years ago, HACLA announced that House Our Vets has helped more than [1,300 former service members and their families secure housing](https://www.hacla.org/en/news/hacla-houses-1300-veterans-los-angeles-accelerates-progress-toward-ending-veteran-homelessness). House Our Vets shows what’s possible when local agencies work together to serve those who served. Beyond vouchers and incentives, its success relies on collaboration and partnership. HACLA’s work is a reminder that communities can honor veterans not only with words, but with stable homes. ## Creating meaningful community connections While housing is critical for stability, opportunities for connection and community support are great ways PHAs can uplift veterans in their community. Some PHAs, such as Harlingen Housing Authority (HHA), are finding creative ways to recognize former service members. ### The Family Learning Centers' Letters to Veterans ![](https://blog.haigroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Nov-04-2026-02-46-07-7098-PM.jpeg?width=450&height=338&name=undefined-Nov-04-2026-02-46-07-7098-PM.jpeg)The Harlingen Housing Authority (HHA), in partnership with the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District, established the [Harlingen Family Learning Centers](https://www.hcisd.org/family-learning-centers) to provide students from HHA and nearby neighborhoods with academic and personal support. The students also learn how to give back to their community, such as through the [Letters to Veterans initiative](https://www.nahro.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-CIAP-NAHRO-Awards-of-Merit-Catalog_4.pdf), which prompts these young residents to connect with veterans by handwriting letters of appreciation that recognize their service and sacrifice. The hope is that these letters provide recognition outside formal ceremonies, fostering meaningful appreciation and connection to their community. Through their partnership, HHA and the school district have created a simple but impactful way to recognize veterans. The initiative demonstrates how PHAs can work with local schools and community organizations to ensure veterans feel acknowledged, valued, and connected within their community. ## Local solutions, lasting impact Whether through dedicated housing, strategic partnerships, landlord outreach, or community support, public housing authorities are finding different ways to support veterans in their communities. Dedicated developments like Dorset Place and Chuck Austin Place highlight how combining housing with supportive services and opportunities for community engagement can promote veteran stability, while HACLA’s House Our Vets campaign shows how coordinated landlord outreach can expand veterans’ access to private rental housing. Beyond providing housing, PHAs can also recognize veterans through other efforts, such as HHA’s Letters to Veterans initiative. Together, these examples highlight how PHAs can use local resources, partnerships, and existing programs to address veterans’ needs. While the approaches differ, they share the important goal of ensuring that veterans have access to the housing, resources, and community support they need to build stable futures. The information presented is for general reference only. HAI Group makes no representation or warranty about the accuracy or applicability of this information for any particular use or circumstance. Your use of this information is at your own discretion and risk. HAI Group and any author or contributor identified herein assume no responsibility for your use of this information. You should consult with your legal, professional or subject matter advisor before implementing any new strategy or policy. HAI Group® is the registered trademark of Housing Authority Risk Retention Group, Inc. and its related companies. For a complete list of HAI Group companies, visit www.haigroup.com. Products or services may not be available in all jurisdictions. 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