Philadelphia, PA – April 8, 2014 – (RealEstateRama) — The Philadelphia Housing Authority wants to add Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) to its portfolio to expand housing opportunities for homeless veterans.
The housing authority is seeking proposals from owners/developers who will commit to providing between 10 and 75 units of housing for veterans. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued a Notice of Funding Availability announcing that it would competitively award Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers to public housing agencies that administer a VASH program in partnership with a local Veterans’ Administration Medical Center (VA).
Currently, PHA is housing 400 veterans with VASH vouchers. If HUD awards the housing authority additional vouchers, affordable housing owners selected by PHA will receive a multi-year contract from the agency that ensures rental subsidies for an extended period. Eligible veterans and their families who are extremely low income (households at 50% of Area Median Income or less) will receive quality affordable housing as well as supportive services provided by the VA.
The agency has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for property owners who want to take part in the VASH program, using Project Based Vouchers (PBV). Property owners are asked to submit a written proposal that demonstrates their eligibility, qualifications, and interest in securing these vouchers to serve veterans.
“We are well aware of the sacrifices that veterans have made to keep this country safe and strong,” said PHA President and CEO Kelvin Jeremiah. “We also know that many of our vets have literally been left out in the cold at times. It is most appropriate that we offer help to those who put themselves in harm’s way on our behalf.”
The demand for Housing Choice Vouchers in Philadelphia is great. PHA’s HCV wait list is closed, except for applicants who qualify for admission under HUD’s Special Purpose Voucher programs, including VASH, as well as applicants referred to PHA from external agencies that have an agreement with the housing authority.
Project Based VASH vouchers are specifically designed for homeless veterans to access affordable housing with an array of supportive services. PBV assistance subsidizes rent on behalf of eligible persons or families living in units that are contracted under the program.
Proposals by owners/developers are due in to PHA by 5:00 p.m. on April 11, 2014. Interested parties can view the Request for Proposals online or request an electronic copy of the solicitation by e-mailing 
A hard copy may be requested with a 24-hour notice and may be picked up at PHA’s Contracts Department, 3100 Penrose Ferry Road, Philadelphia, Pa. 19145. However, there is a fee for a hard copy of the entire solicitation.
