What advice can you provide to help me assist a disabled veteran who is looking for a room to rent in Phoenix, AZ area?

Capt Rachelle Crespo — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 11:16:52 -0500

Hello, everyone. I work at the Mesa Veterans Resource Center and I was recently contacted by a disabled veteran that is looking for help finding somewhere to move to. He is paralyzed from the waist down and doesn't want to live alone but he doesn't want to live in a group home due to past experience. I'm looking for recommendations on how to search for rooms for rent. I was hoping AHRN would help but there are no shared listings in the area posted. I'm wary of Craigslist and Facebook but I know they are options. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

I'm also going to discuss home health aides and other assisted living options with him but I'm not sure of his eligibility if it's not a service-connected disability. Any advice on that?

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Feb 8 at 2021 11:43 AM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 11:43:10 -0500

I think there are programs through the VA if a vet is disabled and it isn't service connected. I think I remember reading something along those lines. If he is disabled and can't be employed due to his disability, and it is less than 100% rated, there is the TDIU that can get him some help.

Response by Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr made Feb 8 at 2021 2:20 PM

Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 14:20:28 -0500

If he is Service connected, check with the VA Hospital. They should have resources.

Response by Patricia Overmeyer made Feb 8 at 2021 4:12 PM

Patricia Overmeyer — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 16:12:44 -0500

Capt Rachelle Crespo: I'm not sure if you are aware of the HUD program from disability housing. It's called the Section 811 housing program. It's administered in this state. I have a friend who works at the AZAG (we're in Tucson) who said the veteran would most likely be eligible for this program. You can also check into various VA programs that offer disability housing and assistance for veterans, although it is usually limited to service connected disabilities. If I were you, I'd start with the DES housing programs then work your way from there.
https://des.az.gov/services/disabilities/developmental-disabilities/individuals-and-families/supports-and-services/housing

Member Housing Opportunities | Arizona Department of Economic Security

The Division of Developmental Disabilities has partnered with the Housing Authority of Maricopa County (HAMC), the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH), the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to offer qualified members limited affordable housing opportunities in Maricopa and Pima Counties. Residents from other counties in Arizona may apply for these Affordable...

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Feb 8 at 2021 4:58 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 16:58:11 -0500

If he is paralyzed from the waist down I am almost certain he qualifies for some kind of at home assistance. Maybe not from the VA but state or national support services. His primary care manager (PCM) should be able to assist in finding these resources.

Response by AN Andrea F. made Apr 7 at 2021 1:09 AM

AN Andrea F. — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 01:09:14 -0400

I would think he would be eligible under Medicare. Is he on Medicare? They started paying for home health aids in 2018.