Licking County Board of Commissioners: Veterans Housing Development and Homeless Assistance Program

Created with the workforce program on July 11, 2024 (Resolution 123-334), this program pays organizations rather than veterans: the county's veterans assistance line funds the development and preservation of affordable housing for veterans and their dependents, and the development, support and operating costs of homeless shelter and transitional housing for them. Who can apply. An established 501(c)(3) non-profit of at least three years, whose housing is based on income, disability or age unless it provides homeless services, and which either serves veterans only or runs a veteran preference. A mixed facility must show at least 30 per cent of its occupancy is veterans or their dependents, or that at least 25 per cent of its units are reserved for them. The facility must be in Licking County and have at least four units, or, for emergency shelter, capacity for at least ten people. What it pays. One application a year, up to $125,000 for a facility of 50 or more occupants, $75,000 for 25 to 49, $50,000 for 10 to 24 and $25,000 for fewer than 10; a larger ask can be considered where the housing is veteran-specific. Development and preservation means new affordable rental units, preserving subsidized properties, bringing units to code, removing hazards in major systems, cutting maintenance costs, improving accessibility and adding veteran-designated units. Shelter and transitional support also reaches operating costs: maintenance and repair, property taxes and insurance, replacement of major building systems, utilities, remaining appliances and equipment, and the staffing the facility needs day to day. Applications need the IRS determination letter and a current W-9, and go to the Board of County Commissioners through the Veterans Service Commission.