Housing Services for Veterans

Service Information

Homeless or At-Risk Homeless Veterans 

The Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program is a joint federal initiative that pairs Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) case management and supportive services. These services are designed to help homeless veterans and their families find and sustain permanent housing in addition to health care, mental health treatment and other services necessary to help improve quality of life.

Chicago Stand Down 

The Chicago Stand Down program connects veterans at-risk for, or experiencing, homelessness to essential resources and support services at events twice a year. The program reduces access barriers to ensure veterans receive the support they need to achieve stability and long-term success. Events feature opportunities to connect with employment resources, veteran benefits, health care and housing solutions. Food, clothing and basic necessities are also provided. Learn more on the Chicago Stand Down website.

Community Resource and Referral Center - Chicago Vet Center

Entrance to the Community Resource and Referral Center in Chicago

For Cook County veterans facing housing insecurity, the Community Resource and Referral Center (CRRC) serves as a central access point to both VA and community-based resources. The CRRC team works directly with veterans to identify immediate needs, develop housing plans, access earned benefits and connect to supportive services that help secure and maintain safe, stable housing. If you, or a veteran you know, is experiencing homelessness or is at risk of losing housing, contact the CRRC or visit the facility to speak with a representative and access available support services.

The CRRC is located at 1141 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60612 and can be reached via telephone at 312-569-8387. 

Veterans experiencing a housing crisis can also contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or chat live with a National Call Center for Homeless Veterans professional here.

Cook County Housing Opportunities for Veterans and Housing Providers

The Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) is committed to expanding affordable housing opportunities for veterans throughout suburban Cook County. Through partnerships with the VA and local housing providers, HACC helps veterans access safe, stable and affordable housing while connecting them to supportive services and resources.

Veterans Seeking Housing

If you are a veteran in need of housing, HACC offers several programs and housing opportunities designed specifically for veterans and their families. Through the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program, eligible veterans can receive rental assistance combined with case management and supportive services provided by the VA.

The outside of a grey and white four-story apartment building.

Veterans may also be eligible for veteran-focused housing developments supported by HACC, including Otto Veterans Square and other veteran housing communities throughout Cook County. These developments provide affordable housing options while connecting residents to services that promote long-term stability, wellness and independence.

To learn more about available housing opportunities, eligibility requirements and veteran housing programs, visit the Housing Authority of Cook County website.


Housing Providers

Are you a landlord, property manager or housing provider interested in helping veterans find stable housing? HACC partners with the VA through the VASH program to connect veterans experiencing homelessness with permanent housing opportunities throughout suburban Cook County.

The VASH program combines rental assistance through HCVs with case management and supportive services provided by the VA. This partnership helps veterans secure housing while receiving the resources and support needed to achieve long-term stability and success.

More than 400 veterans and their families have been housed through the HACC VASH program. By participating as a housing provider, you can play a direct role in helping local veterans transition from homelessness to permanent housing.

To learn more about becoming a participating landlord, available incentives, and the VASH program, visit the Housing Authority of Cook County website.

VACCC Emergency Financial Services

Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) provides emergency financial assistance to eligible veterans experiencing financial hardship. Assistance may be available for essential needs including housing, utilities and other expenses. Veterans are encouraged to contact the VACCC to determine eligibility. Learn more on the VACCC Veterans Emergency Financial Assistance webpage.