A recent survey of veteran renters with military-related disabilities found that understanding and navigating subsidized housing programs, general lack of quality affordable housing in desirable neighborhoods, and property managers’ lack of knowledge about disability protections covered under the Fair Housing Act are key challenges to securing affordable rental housing. Veterans also cited poor credit due to health issues and extended hospital stays, difficulty finding housing with adequate accessibility features, and difficulty finding employment as barriers. Respondents called for veteran-specific housing programs and policy changes, education and advocacy to reduce these barriers to finding and maintaining suitable rental housing in high-opportunity neighborhoods.
The NC Housing Finance Agency finances housing opportunities for veterans through home repair programs targeting homeowners with special needs, including veterans, home buyer assistance programs for first-time homebuyers and military veterans, and development of rental housing for low-income tenants, with most properties including a set-aside of 10-20% of units for people with disabilities.
