Comparing Tenant and Neighborhood Characteristics of the VA's Project- vs. Tenant-Based Supportive Housing Program in Los Angeles County

J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2019;30(4):1373-1393. doi: 10.1353/hpu.2019.0098.

Abstract

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-Veteran Administration Supportive Housing (VASH) program uses project- and tenant-based vouchers to provide permanent supportive housing for homeless Veterans. We compared Veteran characteristics, health service utilization, and neighborhood characteristics between HUD-VASH participants with project-based (n=114) vs. tenant-based (n=978) vouchers. We found that project-based voucher holders were older and more ill than tenant-based voucher holders. Project-based vouchers were also associated with higher-quality neighborhoods and higher rates of health service utilization than tenant-based vouchers. With the limited availability of project-based vouchers, juxtaposed with the increased service use and better neighborhood quality with this voucher type, our findings suggest a need to think strategically about how best to allocate housing vouchers to meet homeless Veteran's needs.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ill-Housed Persons / statistics & numerical data
  • Los Angeles
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Public Housing* / economics
  • Public Housing* / organization & administration
  • Public Housing* / statistics & numerical data
  • Residence Characteristics* / statistics & numerical data
  • United States
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs* / organization & administration
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs* / statistics & numerical data
  • United States Government Agencies / organization & administration
  • United States Government Agencies / statistics & numerical data
  • Veterans / statistics & numerical data