Supervisors OK Continuing Program Addressing Veteran Homelessness

SAN DIEGO, CA — The county Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to expand a program aimed at ending veteran homelessness.

As proposed by Supervisor Jim Desmond, the measure supporting the "Leave No Veteran Homeless" campaign would:

-- continue social media outreach educating property owners on the benefits of participating in the U.S. Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program;
-- provide a landlord assurance fund to cover damages that exceed security deposits, "addressing one of the main barriers that discourage landlords from renting to veterans with vouchers," according to Desmond's office;
-- use a comprehensive list, developed with the Regional Task Force on Homelessness, to connect every unhoused veteran to housing and services; and
-- work with cities and regional partners to ensure a coordinated effort.

Based on a friendly amendment by Vice Chair Terra Lawson-Remer, the measure also includes having Ebony Shelton, chief administrative officer, send a letter offering constructive suggestions to U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Doug Collins, Veterans Affairs secretary, to help end the veteran homelessness crisis.

Desmond's board letter "seeks to sustain and build on this momentum by securing ongoing funding and resources to finish the mission," according to a statement from his office.

The county introduced "Leave No Veteran Homeless" in 2023, and it has helped 1,200 veterans find a place to live, Desmond said during Tuesday's board meeting.

"Our veterans have made sacrifice after sacrifice for our country, and they shouldn't be living on our streets," Desmond said. "Although we know we have more work to do, this was a great result and I'd like to see this work continue."

The campaign ran through last fall. With roughly 1,000 veterans on the streets in the county, Desmond added that the campaign "is too important to stop now."

The federal VASH program lets veterans pay a portion of rent based on their income, with a voucher covering the rest, "ensuring landlords receive fair market rates," according to Desmond's office.

"However, many landlords hesitate to participate without protection against potential damages. By securing ongoing funding for the landlord assurance fund, the county removes a major barrier to participation."

— City News Service