The Road Home

Welcome to Season 7 of The Road Home!

How can veteran service providers turn their firsthand experience into meaningful influence over housing policy and community priorities?

In Part 1 of “Mission-Aligned: Including Veterans in Your Community's Housing Goals,” host Jae Villaflor welcomes Tram Hoang, Senior Associate at PolicyLink, to explore how providers can build community partnerships, shape housing narratives, and advocate for solutions that reflect veterans' needs.

The conversation covers the importance of storytelling in housing advocacy, the role of mission-aligned partnerships, and how power mapping can help organizations identify allies, engage decision-makers, and build momentum through achievable goals.

Episode Insights & Resources

Explore key takeaways and additional resources from this conversation with Tram Hoang of PolicyLink.

Download the Episode Insights

Season 7, “Leveraging Provider Expertise to Shape Veterans Housing,” explores how service providers can help expand housing opportunities for veterans through policy, partnerships, planning, and innovative housing solutions.

Subscribe to The Road Home and join us throughout the season.

Find us on your favorite podcast platform: https://lnk.bio/TheRoadHome

Produced by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, with support from The Home Depot Foundation.

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The Road Home returns October 28 for Season 7!

This season, the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) explores how veteran service providers can help shape the future of affordable housing for veterans.

From housing development and community planning to landlord partnerships, policy, and innovative housing models, we'll hear from experts across the country about practical ways providers can expand housing opportunities in their communities.

Join host Jae Villaflor as we look beyond connecting veterans to existing housing and explore how providers can help create more opportunities in the first place.

Subscribe to The Road Home so you don't miss the Season 7 premiere on October 28!

Find us on your favorite podcast platform: https://lnk.bio/TheRoadHome

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In this episode, Cuyahoga County Councilman Michael Houser discusses how the county is translating revitalization plans into real, community-centered outcomes. He explores the legacy of segregation and aging housing stock, the importance of using data to target investment, and why preserving existing homes matters as much as new development.

The conversation highlights Cuyahoga County’s intentional focus on affordability, partnerships, and keeping long-term residents in place, including seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. Houser also shares how initiatives like Circle East, home repair programs, and county-backed housing investments are shaping a more equitable path forward, offering lessons for communities navigating revitalization without displacement.

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In this episode, Michael Novogradac—Managing Partner at Novogradac & Company and a leading expert on Opportunity Zones—breaks down how OZs work, why they were created, and how they’re shaping investment in low-income communities.

We cover where capital is flowing, the growth in housing development, challenges around affordability, and how tools like Novogradac’s OZ Mapping Tool 2.0 can guide future projects. A clear, accessible look at what's happening in the OZ landscape today.

Episode Insights

This episode explores how veterans can overcome financial barriers and achieve stable homeownership through tailored counseling and supportive programs. Our guests, Jacob Merritt, Senior Counselor at Money Management International; David Ramirez, Army Veteran and Program Manager at Soldier On; and Gerard Romeo, Navy Veteran and program participant, share how financial education, credit-building tools, and wraparound supports empower veterans on their journey to long-term stability.

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In this episode of The Road Home, we sit down with Dr. Stephanie Marchetti, Executive Director of the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center (MVOC), to explore their ambitious adaptive-reuse project transforming two century-old schools into 44 units of permanent, affordable housing for veterans.

Stephanie shares MVOC’s 40-year history, the urgent housing needs in North Central Massachusetts, and the six-year journey—funding, partnerships, setbacks, and victories—that made this development possible.

She also discusses what the final community will offer and the lessons learned for anyone looking to develop veteran housing.

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Chuck Austin Place: Leveraging Title V to Create VeteransHousing

Guests:
Lowell Krueger, Executive Director, Yakima Housing Authority

Episode Description:
This episode examines federal property disposal programs and how they can be leveraged to create affordable housing for veterans. Lowell Krueger walks through the process, partnerships, and compliance considerations involvedin transforming surplus federal properties into housing opportunities, including insights from the Chuck Austin Place project in Yakima, WA.
Listeners will gain practical guidance on navigating HUD Title V, maximizing low-cost development opportunities, and overcoming complex challenges in veteran-focused housing initiatives.

Read the Episode Insights

Rebuilding After a Tragedy: Manchester Apartment Rebuildwith HVAF

Guests:
Emmy Hildebrand, CEO, HVAF

Episode Description:
In this episode, Emmy Hildebrand shares HVAF’s journey of recovery after a devastating fire destroyed one of their transitional housing facilities for 48 veterans.
We explore how HVAF leveraged fundraising, service continuity, and local/national partnerships to rebuild and restore critical housing, offering a model for veteran organizations navigating large-scale disasters while maintaining support for those they serve.

Check out insights from this episode

Reclaiming Potential: How Land Banks TransformCommunities

Guests:
Brian Larkin, Director, National Land Bank Network, Center for Community Progress
Brandi Parker, Assistant Director of Outreach for Veteran Services, Axess Family Services

Episode Description:
This episode explores land banks and their transformative impact on distressed and blighted communities. Guests Brian Larkin and Brandi Parker share how land bank programs can enable new construction of affordable homes, including opportunities specifically for veterans.
Listeners will learn about innovative partnerships, community-driven development, and national initiatives that make revitalization inclusive and sustainable.

Link to Episode Insights
https://www.calameo.com/read/005810385c9e0b68d769f

Bridging Capital and Communities with the Low-Income Investment Fund

Guest(s):
Makenzi Sumners, National Policy Manager, Low-Income Investment Fund (LIIF)

Episode Description:
This episode explores the powerful role of community development financial institutions (CDFIs) in revitalizing communities and expanding access to affordable housing.

Our guest, Makenzi Sumners from the Low-IncomeInvestment Fund, discusses how CDFIs create opportunity in places long overlooked by traditional finance—investing in housing, healthcare, childcare, and small businesses to strengthen the foundation of thriving communities.
We also examine the broader policy and political landscape shaping CDFIs, the challenges ahead, and how listeners can support and partner in revitalization efforts that include veterans and low-income households.

Episode 1 Insights

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The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans is back with Season 6 of The Road Home Podcast, launching this Fall. This season, we’re diving into the theme of Revitalization—what it means for veterans housing, how it differs from gentrification, and the ways communities can create lasting solutions to end veteran homelessness.

From land banks and federal property disposal to opportunity zones and state housing finance strategies, we’ll explore models making real impact. Hear from experts, practitioners, and community leaders as we unpack how revitalization can uplift neighborhoods and expand affordable housing for veterans.

Brought to you with generous support from The Home Depot Foundation.

Health + Housing: Partnerships for Better Living

In this bonus episode of The Road Home, produced by NCHV and sponsored by The Home Depot Foundation, host Jae is joined by Katherine Laborde, Executive Director of Gulf Coast Housing Partnership (GCHP).

They discuss how GCHP is transforming lives by connecting housing and healthcare through their Health + Housing initiative. Katherine shares the story of H3C, a 192-unit affordable housing community in New Orleans designed to help seniors age in place. With an on-site clinic, community health worker, and partnerships with organizations like Belle Reve and Aetna, H3C demonstrates the power of combining supportive services and affordable housing to improve health outcomes.

We’re grateful to Katherine Laborde for highlighting the importance of housing as a social determinant of health and for sharing this inspiring project.

Tune in for this insightful conversation on the transformative impact of partnerships in affordable housing development.

For a deeper dive check out the episode’s insights here.

Be sure to follow, rate, and share The Road Home for more stories like this!

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In the season finale of The Road Home, host Jae sits down with Gregory Crawford and Clifton Lewis from Access Housing—Washington, D.C.'s oldest transitional housing program for veterans.

Joined by veterans Mr. Pham and Mr. Jordan, who have personally benefited from the program, they explore Access Housing’s transformative support, including an onsite VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) that provides essential medical care to veterans where they live.

Crawford and Lewis discuss Access Housing’s future plans to expand permanent housing and deepen partnerships.

For additional insights, check out our Episode Insights for key takeaways and resources on supporting veteran housing and health. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation—listen now, and be sure to subscribe and share!

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In this episode of The Road Home, host Jae sits down with David Cleghorn, President of Help Development Corp (HELP), to discuss the Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) Program and its impact on housing for veterans.

HELP, a mission-driven, non-profit developer, has transformed excess federal land into supportive housing communities, including Perry Point Veterans Village, a thriving home for 75 formerly homeless veterans and their families in Perryville, Maryland.

Tune in to hear how the EUL program enables unique partnerships to create housing that connects veterans to vital VA services.

David shares insights on the benefits of the EUL model, lessons learned at Perry Point, and the changes needed to expand this innovative program nationwide.

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!

Check out the ⁠Episode Insights⁠ for more information on key topics discussed.

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In this episode of The Road Home, host Jae sits down with Eric Paine (CEO) and Kyle Paine, (CFO/President)of Community Development Partners (CDP), to discuss innovative solutions to the housing crisis through commercial to residential conversions. CDP’s latest project, La Placita Cinco, transformed an aging strip mall in Santa Ana, California, into a vibrant, affordable housing community for low-income families.

Tune in to hear how CDP’s approach emphasizes sustainability, community partnerships, and revitalizing commercial spaces to create much-needed affordable housing. Eric and Kyle share their insights on the future of commercial conversions, the impact of mixed-use developments, and the steps required to bring projects like La Placita Cinco to life.

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!

Check out the Episode Insights for more information on key topics discussed.
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In this episode of The Road Home, our host Jae talks with Cécile Chalifour, head of Community Development Banking for JP Morgan Chase’s West Region.

Cécile shares how Chase is partnering to expand affordable housing and support veterans through community development banking.

Tune in as they discuss financial tools like the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, building strong public-private partnerships, and helping low-income families build generational wealth.

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes. And check out theEpisode Insights for more on the key topics covered!

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In this episode of The Road Home, we dive into the critical issue of affordable housing development on tribal lands. Native Americans, who have the highest military service rate per capita, face significant barriers to accessing safe and affordable housing. Despite the progress made under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA), funding shortfalls and infrastructure challenges persist.

We’re joined by ⁠Douglas Marconi Sr., ⁠Executive Director of the ⁠National American Indian Housing Council⁠, to discuss how partnerships with tribal entities are addressing these gaps and what more needs to be done to support Native veterans experiencing homelessness. Tune in as we explore the power of collaboration in overcoming housing challenges on tribal lands and the path forward for affordable, culturally appropriate housing solutions.

For a deeper look at today’s discussion, check out our ⁠EpisodeInsights Infographic.⁠

If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to like, share, and subscribe to The Road Home to stay updated on new episodes each week. Your support helps us continue our mission to end veteran homelessness!"

In this episode of The Road Home, produced by NCHV and sponsored by The Home Depot Foundation, host Jae is joined by David Bowers, Vice President of the Mid-Atlantic Market & Senior Advisor for the Faith-Based Development Initiative at Enterprise Community Partners.

They explore how faith-based organizations (FBOs) are making a difference by developing affordable housing for low-income households.

David Bowers shares key insights on the process, including the support churches need to successfully develop housing and how zoning laws can empower congregations to use vacant land. The conversation also highlights Enterprise’s Faith-Based Initiative, its mission, and key partnerships, as well as the innovative “YIGBY” (Yes in God’s Backyard) movement.

We’re grateful to David Bowers for sharing his expertise on this critical topic.

Tune in for an engaging discussion on how faith and housing development are coming together to create lasting change.

For a deeper dive into the episode’s insights, visit https://bit.ly/FBD-EPISODE-INSIGHTS

Be sure to follow, rate, and share The Road Home for more episodes like this!

In this episode of The Road Home, host Jae sits down with Sara Riegle, VP of Property Operations, and Jon Lovald, COO of the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV), to discuss how strategic partnerships are transforming efforts to end veteran homelessness. Founded in 1990, MACV is the largest veteran service organization in Minnesota, providing housing, legal aid, employment, and more to homeless veterans.

Sara and Jon share how this collaboration is proof that high-quality homes can be built purely on the desire to address veteran homelessness, showcasing the power of partnership in providing stability and dignity for veterans.

Tune in to learn how MACV and Lennar are creating sustainable solutions and paving the way for future efforts to house veterans across the country.

Episode Insights

Welcome back to Season 5 of the Road Home Podcast! In this episode, host Jae is joined by Robert "Bob" Looby, Past State Commander of the American Legion of New Jersey, to explore how Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) are evolving to address the housing needs of veterans. 🏠

Bob shares insights on how partnerships between VSOs and housing developers are critical to building affordable housing, while also tackling other key issues like mental health, food security, and the stigma of homelessness. Learn about the unique challenges and innovative solutions VSOs are bringing to the fight to end veteran homelessness.

Don’t miss this powerful discussion, packed with valuable insights and resources to help us move the needle in the effort to house our heroes.

🎧 Tune in now and download our Episode Insights Infographic for more resources!

#VeteranHousing #VSOs #EndHomelessness #NCHV