With Respect, Honor and Gratitude

Today, in honor of Veteran’s Day, it is imperative we reflect on and give thanks & respect to the men and women who gave of their time to serve our country. We give added thanks to the families of those who paid the ultimate price to protect our freedom.

Rockford Housing Authority asks that you recognize the post-service struggles some of our veterans face. Over the last year RHA has secured housing for more than 100 US veterans, 91 of them were formerly homeless in our community and utilize the HUD-VASH vouchers. HUD-VASH is a collaborative program between HUD and the VA combining HUD housing vouchers with VA supportive services to help homeless Veterans and their families find and sustain permanent housing. Through public housing authorities, like RHA, HUD provides rental assistance vouchers to Veterans who are eligible for VA health care services and are experiencing homelessness.

To understand the true impact quality affordable housing makes, please check out this video by Local Initiatives Service Corporation showing the difference it made to Army Veteran Gerald Hurt, a formerly homeless veteran who recently moved into a new supportive housing community in Danville, Illinois. The same powerful stories and opportunities exist here in Rockford.

Additional thanks to HUD, the City of Rockford, our Continuum of Care and Single Point of Entry, Team RHA and the Veterans Administration for their assistance in helping to effectively end veterans homelessness in our community. Special Thanks to LISC for their work and this video.

If you know a veteran currently experiencing homelessness please call 844-710-6919 or visit the Single Point of Entry office at 555 N. Court St., #301, Rockford, IL.

It is with great honor that we give thanks, remember and provide assistance to our veterans and their families; not just today but every day.

—The Team of Rockford Housing Authority