HUD Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released a report on its survey of public housing authorities (PHAs) with a HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program. The HUD OIG review of challenges that participating PHAs face in meeting goals and objectives of HUD-VASH concluded on March 9, 2021, and found that most of the 559 respondents:
- Had excellent or good relationships with their designated Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs) and local HUD field offices to help administer HUD-VASH
- Expressed that HUD requirements, including waivers and alternative requirements, were helpful in meeting program goals and objectives
- Were unable to fully use HUD-VASH program vouchers due to a lack of available affordable housing
HUD OIG recommends that because the lack of affordable housing impacts the effectiveness of the HUD-VASH program, “HUD should consider extending the CARES Act waivers and any other appropriate steps to ensure that veterans are housed with minimal regulatory barriers, while safeguarding VASH program funds.” HUD OIG also recommends that HUD consider using technology to conduct oral briefings and inspections when a family is admitted into the HUD-VASH program.