Military veterans can face a number of problems as civilians and one of the biggest stumbling blocks is the availability of affordable housing. The issue affects veterans of all ages. Young veterans may have trouble getting a home loan. Older veterans, who served decades ago and now have significant health problems, may not have the resources to pay for expensive assisted living or nursing care.
Michael Rafferty, an army veteran, became homeless because he was underemployed and couldn’t find an affordable place to live. But he heard about a new apartment building for veterans that was opening on land at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Medical Campus in west suburban Hines. The building — named Freedom’s Path — has 72 units and was financed with low-income housing tax credits awarded by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA).
Rafferty applied for a studio apartment and moved into the building last August. “It’s more than I could have hoped for,” says Rafferty. “It’s a privilege to live here.”
Luckily, a number of housing programs are available for the approximately 721,000 Illinois veterans and their families. The programs vary widely and include everything from home loans to affordable apartments and help to pay for home care.
While assistance is available, the web of agencies that administer the programs can be difficult to navigate, experts say. A good place to start is to call or visit one of the more than 80 VA field offices in Illinois. (Illinois.gov/veterans, click on “service offices”) Staffers there can help veterans through the housing application process, or refer veterans to the proper source. Also, Illinois Joining Forces (ijf.com) is a consortium of private agencies that offers assistance to veterans.
Here are more housing resources:
– The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs operates four nursing homes. They are located in Quincy, Manteno, LaSalle and Anna. Each facility offers several levels of care, including for those with memory impairments. The largest facility is located in Quincy, set on 212 acres with about 400 residents. The campus also includes studio apartments for veterans who are independent. The maximum monthly fee at all four homes is based on the veteran’s income (not assets) and is currently capped at $1,429. Veterans must fill out an application, and undergo a screening process.
Veterans who need help paying the cost of nursing care, assisted living or home care may be able to qualify for an Aid & Attendance Pension — one of the less publicized veterans’ programs. The benefit provides about $1,800 a month to a veteran, $1,149 to a surviving spouse, or $2,120 to a couple. The benefit, coupled with Social Security, can get close to paying the cost of an assisted living facility. A physician must certify that the applicant requires daily assistance. Net worth and income affects eligibility. VA field offices can help with the application process. Assisted living buildings also typically have a knowledgeable staffer who can help complete the paperwork.
The 65th Infantry Regiment Veterans Housing will have 48 units of supportive rental housing for veterans and their families. It is located near the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood. The project broke ground last February and is slated to open next spring. Funding is being provided by the IHDA.
Melrose Park Veterans’ Village will have 35 units of rental housing for veterans and their families. It is located on vacant land near Westlake Community Hospital in Melrose Park. It is slated to open in the fall of 2016. Funding is being provided by the IHDA.
Hope Manor Joliet (Phase III) is expected to open in the fall of 2017. It will have 67 units of supportive rental housing for homeless and at-risk veterans and their families. It is located within walking distance of the new U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ clinic in Joliet. Funding is being provided by the IHDA.
VA guaranteed home loans are available to veterans. The loans can be used to purchase a home, condominium, improve or repair a home, or refinance an existing home.
