Mission Homeless Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Project Specific FAQs
Augusta | Hines | Lyons | Newington | Roseburg | Togus | Tuskegee
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Do we need to identify all members of the development/operations team in our response?
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Who is eligible to apply?
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How do we obtain more information about specific sites?
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Is permanent housing development allowable under this initiative?
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Can the projects serve homeless families, where at least one member of the family is a Veteran?
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Will a minimum project size be required?
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Can the project be a “Veterans-only” development?
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Will VA allow mixed-income projects on-site?
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Will VA allow mixed-use (e.g., commercial and residential) projects on-site?
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Can the projects serve homeless individuals who are not Veterans, or Veterans who are not homeless (but who are at risk of homelessness due to substandard housing conditions, economic circumstances, etc.)?
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Is there any funding tied to this initiative?
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Will building floor plans and photographs be made available?
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Will the EUL site be subject to property taxes?
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Where can I find a list of projects that are being planned or that have been awarded using VA's Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) authority?
1. Do we need to identify all members of the development/operations team in our response?
The RFP details information that must be provided for the Offeror and its key team members and personnel.
Offerors (including team members as appropriate) with a proven track record of developing affordable housing and providing support services to the homeless, including homeless Veterans. Teams could include one or more development/service organizations.
3. How do we obtain more information about specific sites?
Please visit the VA Mission Homeless Program of this website.
4. Is permanent housing development allowable under this initiative?
Yes. Transitional and permanent housing models are allowable; however, some sites have expressed a preference for one or the other. Please see the site specific RFPs more information concerning VA’s goals and objectives for each site.
5. Can the projects serve homeless families, where at least one member of the family is a Veteran?
Yes. The projects can serve homeless Veteran singles and families.
6. Will a minimum project size be required?
No. However, Offerors should specify the estimated number of housing units in the project, as well as the estimated breakdown of units among the selected target population(s), in their proposals. Offerors should support the proposed project size and selected target population(s) by citing available market demand data and local market knowledge. Upon selection of a preferred developer, VA will work closely with the preferred developer to determine the most appropriate project size
7. Can the project be a “Veterans-only” development?
VA requests proposals in which homeless Veterans would have priority placement.
8. Will VA allow mixed-income projects on-site?
Yes, mixed-income projects are acceptable as long as homeless Veterans are given priority placement for a mutually agreed upon number of units in the project.
9. Will VA allow mixed-use (e.g., commercial and residential) projects on-site?
Yes. VA will permit limited commercial and/or retail uses as a mechanism to enhance the economic viability of the project, but these uses must not interfere with VA’s patient care mission. If a retail use is proposed, VA’s Canteen service must be given right of first refusal to provide sundry services.
Projects are intended to provide priority placement for homeless Veterans. Residents may also include Veterans who are not homeless and homeless individuals who are not Veterans, as long as homeless Veterans are given priority placement for a mutually agreed upon number of units in the project.
11. Is there any funding tied to this initiative?
No, there is no funding tied to this initiative. However, you are encouraged to apply for federal, state and local capital and operating funding. Funding sources could include Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity, Historic Preservation Tax Credit equity (for buildings or land parcels with historic considerations), HUD Supportive Housing Program funds, Federal Home Loan Bank funds, VA’s Grant & Per Diem program and HUD VA Supporting Housing (HUD-VASH) vouchers.
12. Will building floor plans and photographs be made available?
If available, floor plans will be provided upon request. Please send requests by email via the VA Mission Homeless Program website.
13. Will the EUL site be subject to property taxes?
The Offeror is subject to all applicable State and local taxes, fees, assessments, and special assessments associated with the EUL Site and improvements, in accordance with the EUL statute (i.e., 38 U.S.C. § 8167). The Offeror is expected to negotiate these payments or other arrangements with appropriate authorities. However, neither VA’s interest in the EUL nor the United States*rsquo; fee interest in the underlying property shall be subject, directly or indirectly, to any State or local laws relative to taxation, fees, assessments or special assessments.
Lists of both EUL priority projects and EUL active awarded projects are located on the VA’s Asset Management website.