San Diego Veteran Housing Assistance Program
San Diego offers multiple veteran housing assistance programs, with the HUD-VASH voucher program as the primary rental subsidy. The County’s Homelessness Prevention Landlord Incentive Program provides landlord payments up to $2,800 to help veterans secure rentals. Over 1,000 local veterans were housed through the “Leave No Veteran Homeless” initiative, and new developments like Serra Mesa Apartments are creating dedicated affordable units for veterans.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Program | HUD-VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) Vouchers |
| Eligibility | Homeless or at-risk veterans referred by VA |
| Rent Contribution | Veterans pay ~30% of income, voucher covers remainder |
| County Incentive Program | Up to $2,800 per landlord for security deposits, damages |
| Official Agency | San Diego County Housing Authority + VA San Diego Healthcare System |
| Total VASH Allocation | ~1,004 vouchers in San Diego County |
| Updated For | 2026 |
Overview of San Diego Veteran Housing Assistance
San Diego County has the third-largest veteran population in the nation, with over 189,000 veterans and approximately 115,000 active-duty military personnel . This concentration of military families has driven the development of one of the most comprehensive veteran housing assistance networks in the United States.
The cornerstone of San Diego’s approach is the HUD-VASH voucher program, which combines rental assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development with case management and supportive services from the VA . In 2024, over 2,000 local veterans were housed using VASH vouchers .
HUD-VASH Voucher Program
What Is HUD-VASH?
The HUD-VASH program is a federal initiative that provides rental assistance vouchers to homeless veterans while connecting them with VA case management and supportive services. Veterans pay approximately 30% of their income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder.
HUD-VASH is a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The “VASH” in the name stands for Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing .
How it works:
The VA identifies eligible veterans and refers them to the Housing Authority
The Housing Authority issues a rental voucher
The veteran finds a rental unit on the open market
Rent assistance is paid directly to the landlord
A VA case manager provides ongoing support for up to five years
Why it matters: HUD-VASH has been credited with cutting veteran homelessness in half nationwide and is the primary tool for housing veterans in San Diego . In San Diego County, the program has grown from 1,750 veterans housed in May 2023 to over 2,019 in May 2024 .
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityWhat veterans should do next: Contact the VA San Diego Healthcare System’s Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team (HPACT) to be screened for VASH eligibility. Veterans can also reach out to local partners like PATH San Diego or Veterans Village of San Diego for assistance with the referral process.
VASH Statistics in San Diego
According to the County’s September 2025 report, San Diego has approximately:
| Metric | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Voucher Allocation | ~1,004 |
| Total Lease-Ups | 846 |
| Vouchers Available | ~100 |
| Households Searching | 48 |
Source:
Project-Based VASH Vouchers
In addition to tenant-based vouchers, the San Diego Housing Commission awards “project-based” VASH vouchers tied to specific apartment developments. This ensures affordable units remain available for veterans long-term .
Recent project-based VASH allocations:
Serra Mesa Apartments: 30 vouchers for veterans, groundbreaking April 2026
Swift Avenue Apartments: 20 VASH vouchers allocated
The Grant at Mission Trails: 12 VASH vouchers awarded
The VA provides on-site supportive services at these developments, including health case management and connections to food and transportation resources .
Homelessness Prevention Landlord Incentive Program
In February 2026, California State Senator Catherine Blakespear presented a $1.67 million check to San Diego County to fund the Homelessness Prevention Landlord Incentive Program. The program provides direct payments to landlords of up to $2,800 to cover security deposits, application fees, leasing bonuses, and a landlord assurance fund.
In 2025, the county invested $683,900 in landlord incentives, helping secure housing for 243 veterans .
What the incentive covers:
Security deposits
Application fees
Leasing bonuses
A landlord assurance fund covering damages beyond the security deposit
Program impact: County officials estimate the additional $1.67 million in state funding could serve between 160 and 200 additional households . The program is designed to remove barriers that prevent landlords from renting to veterans with VASH vouchers .
Why it matters: San Diego’s tight housing market makes it difficult for voucher holders to secure rentals. Landlords often hesitate to accept vouchers due to concerns about damage or administrative complexity. The incentive program reduces these barriers by providing upfront payments and damage protection .
“Leave No Veteran Homeless” Initiative
In 2023, San Diego County launched the “Leave No Veteran Homeless” campaign, successfully housing more than 1,200 homeless veterans. The initiative concluded in Fall 2024 but has been followed by ongoing efforts to continue the momentum.
In May 2025, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a measure to continue and expand efforts to end veteran homelessness .
Key elements of the ongoing initiative :
Landlord Outreach Campaign: Continued social media efforts to recruit property owners for the VASH program
Landlord Assurance Fund: Ongoing funding to cover damages exceeding security deposits
Veteran By-Name List: A comprehensive list developed with the Regional Task Force on Homelessness to track every unhoused veteran
Regional Collaboration: Working with cities and agencies across the region
According to Point-in-Time Count data, the number of unsheltered veterans in San Diego dropped from 544 to 408, a 25% decrease from the previous year .
Key Service Providers and Resources
Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD)
VVSD is a key partner in serving homeless veterans in San Diego. It opened a 40-bed shelter on its main campus in late 2024 and plans to add 50 more beds . In early 2026, VVSD partnered with the Lucky Duck Foundation on a pilot legal aid program helping veterans secure VA disability benefits, including those with “other than honorable” discharges .
PATH San Diego
People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) provides services at more than 70 locations across California. PATH provides temporary housing through HUD’s Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program and then works with veterans to find permanent supportive housing through HUD-VASH .
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
SSVF programs provide financial assistance and case management to help veterans find and stay in permanent housing. Veterans Community Services, a division of Community Catalysts of California, operates an SSVF program in San Diego that has helped veterans like Ben Jaramillo secure housing .
SOAR Initiative
SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) is a SAMHSA initiative that helps states increase access to Social Security benefits for people with disabilities experiencing homelessness. SSVF grantees use the SOAR model to connect eligible veterans to SSA benefits, income which can lead to sustained housing .
Veterans Village of San Diego Legal Aid Pilot Program
A 2026 pilot program provides free legal aid to homeless veterans at Veterans Village of San Diego, helping them secure VA disability benefits that can lead to sustainable housing and prevent future homelessness.
The Lucky Duck Foundation hired the Home Front Group legal firm to run the pilot, which launched in February 2026 .
Services provided:
VA disability claim assistance
Discharge upgrade help for “other than honorable” discharges
Access to healthcare, education, and job retraining
As of early 2026, at least one veteran at VVSD had successfully secured VA benefits through the program, with his attorney noting it was his first time being able to see a “future worth having” after 31 years .
Why it matters: Many veterans do not apply for disability benefits because they believe they don’t qualify. Legal aid helps them navigate the complexities of the VA system and access income that can permanently end homelessness .
Eligibility Requirements
HUD-VASH is open to veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. The VA makes the referral determination, and veterans who are medically unstable may be deferred until they can live independently.
To apply for HUD-VASH, veterans should :
Contact the VA San Diego Healthcare System
Request screening for the HUD-VASH program
Work with a VA case manager to complete the referral
If eligible, be referred to the Housing Authority for voucher issuance
Eligibility exceptions: Veterans with “other than honorable” discharges are not automatically barred from VA benefits. In many cases, veterans with less-than-honorable discharges can still qualify with proper representation .
How to Apply for Veteran Housing Assistance in San Diego
Step 1: Contact the VA San Diego Healthcare System
Call the VA or visit a VA medical center. Ask to be connected with the Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team (HPACT) for screening .
Step 2: Work with a Case Manager
If eligible, a case manager will help you complete the referral and gather necessary documents.
Step 3: Obtain a VASH Voucher
The Housing Authority issues a voucher. You’ll be placed on the “Veteran By-Name List” to track progress.
Step 4: Search for Housing
Find a rental unit on the open market. The landlord incentive program helps cover upfront costs .
Step 5: Sign a Lease and Start Rental Assistance
Once a landlord agrees, rental assistance is paid directly to them. You pay about 30% of your income toward rent .
Common Questions
What is the HUD-VASH program in San Diego?
HUD-VASH provides rental assistance vouchers to homeless veterans, combined with VA case management. Veterans pay ~30% of income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder. Over 2,000 San Diego veterans were housed through VASH as of 2024 .
How do I apply for veteran housing assistance in San Diego?
Contact the VA San Diego Healthcare System’s Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team (HPACT). The VA screens veterans and refers eligible individuals to the Housing Authority for a VASH voucher. You can also reach out to PATH San Diego or Veterans Village of San Diego for help .
What is the San Diego landlord incentive program for veterans?
A program providing $1.67 million in state funding to pay landlords up to $2,800 for security deposits, application fees, and damage protection. In 2025, it helped 243 veterans secure housing. The program removes barriers that prevent landlords from renting to veterans with vouchers .
Who qualifies for VASH vouchers in San Diego?
Homeless veterans or those at imminent risk of homelessness. The VA makes the referral determination. Veterans must be able to live independently—those who are medically unstable may be deferred until they can meet that standard .
Can I get a VASH voucher if I have an “other than honorable” discharge?
Yes, in many cases. Veterans with “other than honorable” discharges are not automatically barred from VA benefits. The VA considers each case individually, and with proper legal assistance, many veterans can still qualify. A 2026 legal aid pilot program at Veterans Village of San Diego specializes in these cases .
Is there veteran-specific affordable housing being built in San Diego?
Yes. Serra Mesa Apartments (59 units, half for veterans, groundbreaking April 2026), Swift Avenue Apartments (20 VASH units), and The Grant at Mission Trails (12 VASH units) are all in development or under construction. On-site VA case management is provided .
How many veterans are homeless in San Diego?
San Diego County has an estimated 1,000 unhoused veterans. However, progress is being made—the 2024 Point-in-Time Count showed a 25% drop in unsheltered veterans and a 27% drop in sheltered veterans from the previous year .
What is the “Leave No Veteran Homeless” initiative?
A San Diego County campaign that housed more than 1,200 veterans. The Board of Supervisors voted in May 2025 to continue the effort with a landlord assurance fund, a veteran by-name list, ongoing landlord recruitment, and regional coordination .
What services do veterans receive in VASH housing?
VA case managers provide wraparound supportive services including healthcare case management, transportation assistance to medical appointments, connections to food resources, and help maintaining housing stability. On-site services are available at project-based VASH developments .
How much does rent cost with a VASH voucher?
Veterans pay approximately 30% of their income toward rent. The VASH voucher covers the remainder, paid directly to the landlord. This is based on the “Housing First” evidence-based approach that prioritizes getting veterans into housing first .
Key Takeaways
The HUD-VASH voucher program is the primary rental assistance tool for homeless veterans in San Diego, with over 2,000 veterans housed as of 2024
The County’s landlord incentive program provides up to $2,800 per landlord to cover security deposits and damages, helping veterans overcome rental barriers
Three new affordable developments—Serra Mesa Apartments, Swift Avenue Apartments, and The Grant at Mission Trails—are creating dedicated VASH units
Free legal aid for VA disability claims is available through a 2026 pilot program at Veterans Village of San Diego
Over 1,200 veterans were housed through the “Leave No Veteran Homeless” initiative
Veteran homelessness dropped 25% in San Diego from 2023 to 2024
Contact the VA San Diego Healthcare System to begin the VASH screening process
Veterans with “other than honorable” discharges should seek legal assistance—they may still qualify for benefits
Official Resources
| Agency | Contact / Website | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| VA San Diego Healthcare System – HPACT | va.gov/san-diego-health-care | VASH referral and case management |
| San Diego County Housing Authority | sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa | VASH voucher issuance |
| San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) | sdhc.org | Housing development and vouchers |
| Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD) | vvsd.net | Shelter, legal aid, transitional housing |
| PATH San Diego | path.org | Temporary and permanent housing assistance |
| Regional Task Force on Homelessness | rtfhsd.org | Data, coordination, veteran homelessness reports |
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