{"id":21491,"date":"2023-06-30T09:00:20","date_gmt":"2023-06-30T13:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress-537697-2997182.cloudwaysapps.com\/?p=21491"},"modified":"2023-08-21T15:44:31","modified_gmt":"2023-08-21T19:44:31","slug":"30-million-allocated-toward-ending-veteran-homelessness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress-537697-2997182.cloudwaysapps.com\/30-million-allocated-toward-ending-veteran-homelessness\/","title":{"rendered":"$30 Million Allocated Toward Ending Veteran Homelessness"},"content":{"rendered":"
There is a war taking place here and now. It is happening right where you live on American soil. It is the war of homelessness, and former US soldiers battle against it by the tens and hundreds of thousands.<\/span><\/p>\n Did you know\u00a0<\/span>our military members are 50% more likely to experience homelessness<\/span><\/a>\u00a0than those who have never enlisted in the armed forces? Were you aware that\u00a0<\/span>more than half of unhoused US soldiers are inflicted with disabilities<\/span><\/a>\u00a0that create endless obstacles to obtaining housing and employment?<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re concerned about homelessness among American war veterans, the good news is you are not alone. In fact, the public outcry to house homeless veterans appears to be working as politicians and government entities are scrambling to provide housing to this subset of the houseless population.<\/span><\/p>\n The general public\u2019s sentiments toward veteran homelessness remain somewhat positive, which is likely why this type of homelessness has been reduced by more than half in the past thirteen years. Yet, even with more pathways to housing being built, too many soldiers are still falling through the cracks. The social safety nets are not quite sufficient.<\/span><\/p>\n Fortunately, more strides are being made in the name of this cause. At the beginning of February 2023,\u00a0<\/span>the Department of Veteran Affairs received a $30 million grant<\/span><\/a>\u00a0toward reducing veteran homelessness. Here\u2019s a look at what that grant could mean regarding housing.<\/span><\/p>\n While the $30 million of homeless veteran funding was announced in early February 2023, the VA does not intend to take action until October 2023. This gives them the necessary time to accept and work through applications.<\/span><\/p>\n These grants are to be used to fund Housing First strategies and wraparound services, a plan that has worked well in comparable models.<\/span><\/p>\n The Biden Administration<\/span><\/a>\u00a0has made it a mission to reduce veteran homelessness by at least one-fourth in the next two years. As such, this money is expected to fund those efforts through late September 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n As the name suggests, Housing First is an approach to homelessness that places the need for housing over other possible needs, effectively putting it first in the lineup of assistance. Ideally, once a houseless veteran is placed into permanent, supportive housing, this individual will also receive wraparound services to address potential other needs.<\/span><\/p>\n Wraparound services include but are not limited to:<\/span><\/p>\n To provide the most efficient access to care and services, the VA has also identified an urgent need for additional case managers, a total of 150 nationwide, to be precise.<\/span><\/p>\n Case managers work diligently by identifying and addressing veteran needs as well as developing actionable plans that sustain housing. From intake to advocacy and every step in between, case managers are critical to ensuring housing options remain permanent. Studies suggest that case management has a lasting and positive effect on homelessness<\/a> reduction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These contributions positively impact formerly homeless veterans as well as these communities overall. Some of the positive impacts case managers have include:<\/span><\/p>\n The VA extended grant opportunities to eligible\u00a0<\/span>homeless veterans<\/span><\/a>\u00a0who applied to the program by May 4, 2023, a deadline they described as \u201cfirm\u201d on their website. While that deadline has passed, unhoused veterans and loved ones should continue seeking help through upcoming Housing First initiatives whenever applicable resources become available.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nGetting Started with Housing First Strategies and Wraparound Services<\/h3>\n
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Identifying the Need for Case Management<\/h3>\n
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