Local Veteran Receives the Wiregrass’ First VASH Voucher
Housing Authority Awards the First of its Twenty Available Veterans Housing Vouchers
Dothan, AL-– Dothan Housing (DH) proudly announces the issuance of its first Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) voucher, marking a significant step in its commitment to supporting veterans and combating homelessness in the Wiregrass region. This voucher provides much-needed housing assistance to a local veteran, Mr. Darris Williams, who needs affordable housing.
The VASH program combines rental assistance through Housing Choice Vouchers with supportive services provided by the Tuskegee VA Medical Center (VAMC) to help veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness find and sustain permanent housing.
“We are honored to award our first VASH voucher and offer critical support to a deserving veteran,” said Andrella Allums, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program Manager. “Veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they have access to safe and affordable housing upon their return.”
The recipient of the first voucher, Mr. Williams, served in the United States Army and, because of his fixed income, needed additional support concerning housing. The VASH voucher will not only provide him with stable housing but also keep him connected with essential VA services, including case management, employment assistance, and healthcare, to help him thrive in his new home.
“I feel great and have already started looking for a place,” states Williams. “I couldn’t believe how quick it was for me to receive the voucher. I just applied in January, and the staff here at DH are five-star excellent!”
This milestone reflects Dothan Housing’s ongoing commitment to addressing the needs of veterans in the community. In October 2023, the agency was awarded $141,216 through the HUD-VASH program, enabling it to distribute 20 vouchers to local veterans experiencing homelessness.
“We are grateful for the continued partnership with local VA Medical Centers and HUD in making this program a reality,” said HCV Caseworker Denise Anderson. “Together, we can
ensure our veterans have a safe place to call home and the support they need to rebuild their lives.”
Unlike the Housing Choice Voucher or Project Based Voucher, the VASH Voucher is readily available for qualifying Veterans and has no waitlist at this time. Veterans seeking to apply should contact their VAMC in Tuskegee or Dothan to request the Dothan Housing VASH Voucher. For more information, please email Andrella Allums at aallums@dothanhousing.org or Denise Anderson at danderson@dothanhousing.org.
