Emergency & Transitional Housing
HUD-VASH combines Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) rental assistance with VA case management and clinical services. In Arizona, HUD-VASH vouchers are administered through the Phoenix VA Health Care System and the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (Tucson). Eligible veterans receive a voucher that covers a significant portion of rent in the private market, along with ongoing support from a VA social worker.
Eligibility: Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness and who are eligible for VA healthcare. Priority is given to chronically homeless veterans and those with service-connected disabilities.
How to apply: Contact the VA Homeless Veterans program at (877) 4AID-VET (877-424-3838) or visit the Phoenix VA Medical Center's Homeless Veterans Services office.
SSVF provides rapid re-housing and homelessness prevention assistance to very low-income veteran families. In Arizona, SSVF grants are operated by several community organizations including Arizona StandDown Alliance, UMOM New Day Centers, and Catholic Charities Community Services.
Services include temporary financial assistance for rent, utilities, and security deposits; case management; assistance obtaining VA and public benefits; and connections to community resources. SSVF can typically provide up to several months of rental assistance while helping veterans stabilize their housing situation.
The VA's GPD program funds transitional housing for homeless veterans. In the Phoenix metro area, organizations like MANA House and U.S. VETS provide transitional housing beds with supportive services including job training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health counseling. Stays typically last up to 24 months while veterans work toward permanent housing.
Long-Term Rental Assistance
Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH)
ADOH administers several programs that benefit veterans, including the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program which finances affordable rental housing developments. Several LIHTC properties in Arizona give preference to veteran applicants. ADOH also manages the HOME Investment Partnerships Program which provides rental assistance and affordable housing opportunities.
Public Housing Authorities
Local public housing authorities in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and other Arizona cities administer Housing Choice Voucher programs. While these are not veteran-specific, veterans receive preference on many waitlists. Contact your local PHA for current waitlist status and veteran preference policies.
Homeownership Programs
The VA Home Loan program remains the most powerful homeownership tool available to veterans. With no down payment required, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive interest rates, VA loans have helped millions of veterans become homeowners. In Arizona's housing market, VA loans are accepted by virtually all sellers and are processed by dozens of VA-approved lenders statewide.
Arizona Home Plus Program
Administered by the Arizona Industrial Development Authority, the Home Plus program provides down payment and closing cost assistance of up to 5% of the loan amount. While open to all qualified borrowers, veterans often benefit from combining this with their VA loan benefits. The program works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans.
Arizona Department of Veterans' Services (ADVS) Housing Resources
ADVS maintains a comprehensive list of housing resources and can connect veterans with state-specific programs. Their Veterans Benefits Counselors can help navigate the application process for federal and state housing programs. Contact ADVS at (602) 255-3373 or visit any of their offices in Phoenix, Tucson, or other locations statewide.
Specialized Housing Programs
Veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for SAH grants (up to $109,986 in 2026) to build or modify a home to accommodate their disability. SHA grants (up to $17,130) help veterans modify an existing home. These grants can be used in combination with VA home loans.
Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery Housing Support
The Arizona State Veteran Home in Phoenix provides long-term skilled nursing care for veterans. While not traditional housing, it serves as a critical resource for aging veterans who need assisted living or nursing care. Located in Phoenix, the facility prioritizes Arizona veterans with service-connected disabilities.