The Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs announced a joint $180 million funding initiative under the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program to restore deteriorating housing units serving homeless veterans.
The funding, authorized under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, prioritizes properties with documented water damage, fire damage, or mold contamination — conditions that affect an estimated 23% of HUD-VASH units nationwide.
HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge said the investment would restore approximately 8,500 housing units across 42 states. Contractors must hold current IICRC certification for water damage restoration or mold remediation to qualify for federally funded projects.
The initiative includes a $15 million set-aside for veteran-owned restoration businesses, administered through the SBA's Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business program.
"Every veteran deserves a safe, healthy home," Secretary Fudge said. "This investment ensures that the properties we provide meet the health and safety standards our veterans have earned."
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Read the original report.