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Homelessness Among Veterans - Corporation for Supportive Housing

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SERVING VETERANS THROUGHOUT MINNESOTA<br />

Nathaniel Saltz – Program Director<br />

Sara Sommarstrom – Vetlaw Director


Ending <strong>Homelessness</strong> <strong>Among</strong><br />

<strong>Veterans</strong>


A VETERAN<br />

DEFINED….<br />

Principled Uprightness of Character<br />

Principled Uprightness of Character<br />

Personal Integrity<br />

Honor<br />

Sacrifice


MACV Mission: To provide assistance throughout<br />

Minnesota to positively motivated veterans and their<br />

families who are homeless or experiencing other life crises.<br />

MACV accomplishes this by providing direct services or by<br />

collaborating with other agencies/providers.<br />

MACV Vision To be an enthusiastic, proactive<br />

champion and national leader creating and supporting<br />

alliances and partnerships to assist veterans who are<br />

threatened with or experiencing homelessness.


About MACV<br />

501(c)(3) Nonprofit<br />

Established 1990<br />

Operates 3 Regional Offices <strong>for</strong><br />

statewide outreach: Mankato, Duluth,<br />

and the Twin Cities Metro;<br />

Headquarters in St. Paul.<br />

Certified by Minnesota Charities<br />

Review Council &<br />

Better Business Bureau<br />

Audited ANNUALLY and throughout<br />

the year by specific funders


MACV Locations:<br />

St. Paul Headquarters:<br />

360 Robert Street North<br />

Suite 306<br />

St. Paul, MN 55101<br />

MACV-Duluth<br />

5209 Ramsey Street<br />

Duluth, MN 55807<br />

MACV-Metro:<br />

One <strong>Veterans</strong> Drive<br />

VAHCS Building 47<br />

Minneapolis, MN 55417<br />

MACV-Mankato<br />

12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 1615<br />

Mankato, MN 56011


VA BENEFITS<br />

Health Care<br />

Research<br />

Disabilities and Pensions<br />

Home Loan Guarantees<br />

Memorial Affairs<br />

– National Cemetery<br />

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION<br />

VHA –<strong>Veterans</strong> Health Care<br />

VBA –<strong>Veterans</strong> Benefits


MILITARY AND VETERANS<br />

NO SAFE PLACE – NO SAFE ROLE<br />

Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)<br />

Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)<br />

Operation New Dawn (OND)


National Findings (OEF/OIF)<br />

Approximately 1.7 million have deployed since 2001<br />

34% have deployed multiple times<br />

28% are National Guard or Reservists (average age is 36 years old)<br />

46% of Regular Forces are under 25 years old; <strong>for</strong> many this is the first<br />

time they have left home<br />

Approximately 895,000 OEF/OIF veterans are separated from the military<br />

and ELIGIBLE <strong>for</strong> VA services<br />

MILITARY AND VETERANS


Roughly one in every 5 suffer from a major depression or PTSD, estimated<br />

at 300,000. Only half have sought treatment.<br />

As many or more report possible brain injuries i from explosions or other<br />

head wounds. An estimated 50%–60% of spouses of TBI patients suffer<br />

depression.<br />

Roughly 50% have spouses and children<br />

Reasons <strong>for</strong> not seeking help were cited as concern over side effects of<br />

medication, they believed family and friends would help, or they feared seeking<br />

might damage their military careers.<br />

National Findings (OEF/OIF) Continued…<br />

MILITARY AND VETERANS


Studies have found that veterans returning from<br />

combat are 63% more likely to report new-onset heavy<br />

drinking than those not deployed to combat zones;<br />

young veterans had the highest risk <strong>for</strong> developing<br />

alcohol-related problems.<br />

Alcohol is commonly used as a coping mechanism after traumatic events.<br />

National Findings (OEF/OIF) Continued…<br />

MILITARY AND VETERANS


Women in the Military<br />

An estimated 180,000 OEF/OIF veterans are women<br />

According to the DoD in 2010, more than 30,000<br />

single mothers have deployed to Iraq & Afghanistan.<br />

Women now make up:<br />

15% of active duty military<br />

17% of National Guard/Reserves<br />

20% of New Recruits<br />

MILITARY AND VETERANS


390,000 <strong>Veterans</strong> Live in Minnesota<br />

MN is 21st in population; 5 th in size of National Guard<br />

MN Army Air National Guard has been in over 33 countries<br />

in the last 5 years<br />

National Findings (OEF/OIF) Continued…<br />

MILITARY AND VETERANS


974 Water Towers in Minnesota……<br />

585 have deployed service<br />

personnel in OEF/OIF


NATIONAL GUARD LOCATIONS<br />

25 & DOWN<br />

26‐75 PAX<br />

76 & UP


20–25% of the veterans recently back<br />

from tours of duty are UNEMPLOYED.<br />

Of those employed since leaving the<br />

military, 25% earn less than $21,840<br />

year.<br />

Source: Department of <strong>Veterans</strong> Affairs survey of 1941 veterans


Leading Cause of death of<br />

returned veterans: MOTORCYCLES<br />

O C


In the Headlines<br />

“Long Iraq Tours Make Home a Trying<br />

Front”<br />

“Battle Worn”<br />

“When Troops Bring the War Home”<br />

“Hundreds d of Iraq Vets are Homeless”<br />

“Treating War’s Toll on the Mind”<br />

“For Troops, Stress a Lingering i Hazard”


Unique injuries and mental<br />

health hissues among veterans returning<br />

from Iraq and Afghanistan<br />

• TBI - increasing evidence that combat-related TBI are a frequent occurrence.<br />

One half of all injuries are TBI due to explosion (mostly mild). Most common<br />

physical injury.<br />

• PTSD - the VA defined PTSD as a type of anxiety that affects people who’ve<br />

experienced a particular traumatic event that creates intense fear,<br />

helplessness l or horror. 20% (one of five) of Iraq veterans (seeking help) have<br />

PTSD with women suffering more pronounced and debilitating <strong>for</strong>ms of PTSD.<br />

• SUD – includes both abuse and dependence of alcohol and drugs. SUD can<br />

create or exacerbate problems <strong>for</strong> homeless veterans looking <strong>for</strong> work or<br />

starting new jobs. On the other hand, employment can provide a powerful<br />

motivator <strong>for</strong> people to re-examine their behaviors related to substances.


HOMELESSNESS


<strong>Homelessness</strong> <strong>Among</strong> <strong>Veterans</strong><br />

National Statistics<br />

Estimated more than 67,000 homeless veterans on any<br />

given night (NCHV) VA estimates it can only meet 20% of<br />

the need. The other 80% is up to community based<br />

organizations.<br />

23% of all homeless are veterans<br />

33% of all homeless men are veterans


Statistics Provide Typical<br />

Profile of a Homeless Veteran<br />

• Typical homeless Veteran is male, single,<br />

most come from poor, disadvantaged<br />

communities, 45% suffer from mental illness,<br />

and 50% have substance abuse problems.<br />

More than 67% served our country <strong>for</strong> at<br />

least three years.<br />

• http://www1.va.gov/homeless/<br />

/ /


An estimated 6500 female veterans are currently homeless<br />

In this country and the number is expected to continue to<br />

rise (5% of total homeless veteran population)<br />

A female veteran is four times more likely to be homeless<br />

than a female civilian<br />

One out of 10 homeless veterans under the age of 45 is<br />

now a woman<br />

National Statistics Continued….<br />

…<br />

HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANS


Female <strong>Veterans</strong><br />

Unlike their male counterparts, many have the added<br />

burden of being single parents<br />

Although 15% of the military is female, only 8 of 260<br />

programs in the National Coalition <strong>for</strong> Homeless <strong>Veterans</strong><br />

network offer services specifically <strong>for</strong> women<br />

VA recently authorized new funding to target elderly,<br />

female, and mentally-disabled veterans<br />

National Statistics Continued….<br />

…<br />

HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANS


“The $15,000 that t <strong>for</strong>mer Army<br />

Private Margaret O. had in the bank<br />

when she left Iraq is long gone,<br />

spent on alcohol l and cocaine.”<br />

National Statistics Continued…<br />

HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANS


Approximately 390,000 veterans in MN (23,000 female); approx. 100,000 are<br />

getting VA Health Care, but another 70,000 are eligible (<strong>for</strong> female veterans<br />

only 1500 are connected to the VA)<br />

Estimated that over 4000 are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless<br />

at some point in the year<br />

669 veterans are homeless on any given night; (250 in the Metro area)<br />

1 in 4 homeless men are veterans<br />

<strong>Veterans</strong> represent approx. 13% of the total homeless population (1 in 8)<br />

32% of homeless veterans have served in a combat zone<br />

Source: Wilder Research 2009 Statewide Survey of Homeless <strong>Veterans</strong> in Minnesota<br />

Minnesota Statistics Continued….<br />

…<br />

HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANS


13% of homeless adults are veterans •<br />

24% of homeless men are veterans<br />

89% received an honorable discharge<br />

95% completed HS/GED compared to 74% of general homeless pop.<br />

60% serious mental illness<br />

70% suffer from substance abuse problems<br />

46% are age 45 or older<br />

31% dual diagnosis<br />

52% chronic health condition<br />

27% (47% of combat <strong>Veterans</strong>) have PTSD<br />

Minnesota Statistics Continued….<br />

…<br />

HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANS


Homeless <strong>Veterans</strong> by County/Region<br />

13% of Homeless Adults are <strong>Veterans</strong> Statewide<br />

Metro Area:<br />

2% Anoka<br />

7% Dakota<br />

13% Hennepin*<br />

14% Ramsey<br />

3% Scott/Carver<br />

2% Washington<br />

Greater Minnesota:<br />

24% Central<br />

13% Northeast<br />

8% Northwest<br />

10% Southeast<br />

10% Southwest<br />

14% St. Louis County<br />

17% West Central<br />

*Minneapolis –250 homeless veterans on any given night<br />

Minnesota Statistics Continued….<br />

…<br />

HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANS


MN Veteran <strong>Homelessness</strong> Statistics<br />

<strong>Veterans</strong> were older than non-veteran homeless men<br />

95% of homeless veterans had a high school degree<br />

1/3 reported alcohol/drug abuse<br />

60% reported a serious mental illness<br />

52% had a chronic health condition<br />

Source: Wilder Research 2009 Statewide Survey of Homeless <strong>Veterans</strong> in Minnesota<br />

Minnesota Statistics Continued….<br />

…<br />

HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANS


Af<strong>for</strong>dable <strong>Housing</strong> National Statistics<br />

HUD released a report to Congress in 2010 that stated households with ‘worst<br />

case’ housing needs increased 6% between 2009- 2010. ‘Worst case’ is<br />

defined as using more than 50% of their monthly income <strong>for</strong> rent or living in<br />

substandard housing (severely cost-burdened households).<br />

In 2010, there were 6.2 million households with ‘worst case’ needs.<br />

Only 77 out of 100 very low income units were available and only 40 out of 100<br />

extremely low income units were available.<br />

HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANS


A single parent with one child in Hennepin County would<br />

need $19.57/hour to cover monthly expenses<br />

If they make $12.95 they would not be eligible <strong>for</strong> MFIP,<br />

Food Stamps, free/reduced lunch, Child Care Assistance,<br />

or WIC.<br />

SO… if they earn between $12.95 and $19.57, they are not eligible <strong>for</strong><br />

services/programs AND they are not making a living wage.<br />

Source: All expense data from JOBS NOW Coalition 2009<br />

Minnesota Af<strong>for</strong>dable <strong>Housing</strong> Statistics Continued….<br />

…<br />

HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANS


Homeless <strong>Veterans</strong> Need…<br />

A coordinated ef<strong>for</strong>t that provides secure housing, food,<br />

essential physical health care, substance abuse aftercare,<br />

mental health counseling, and employment assistance.<br />

employment = housing = empowerment<br />

HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGY


Homeless <strong>Veterans</strong> Need…<br />

According to the National Coalition <strong>for</strong> Homeless <strong>Veterans</strong>,<br />

cost effective programs are community-based, nonprofit,<br />

‘veterans helping veterans’ groups.<br />

Programs that seem to work feature transitional housing<br />

settings that offer living in a structured, substance-free<br />

environment with fellow veterans.<br />

HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANS


Homeless <strong>Veterans</strong> Need…<br />

Community based homeless veteran service providers are<br />

most successful when they work in collaboration with<br />

federal, state, and local government agencies and veteran<br />

service organizations.<br />

www.nchv.org<br />

HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANS


MACV PROGRAMS


MACV 2011 STATISTICS<br />

Close to 25,000 contacts annually<br />

In 2011, we assisted over 967 veterans and their families<br />

with direct services; a 58% increase over 2007.<br />

Female <strong>Veterans</strong>: 7% and rising<br />

<strong>Veterans</strong> with a Disability: 65%<br />

OIF/OEF <strong>Veterans</strong>: 27% and rising<br />

MACV PROGRAMS


Services: Intensive case management, and other<br />

supportive services such as training, i education, etc.<br />

Assistance: Direct assistance including short-term rent<br />

assistance, security deposits, mortgage assistance, utility<br />

assistance, transportation assistance, food vouchers, etc.<br />

MACV PROGRAMS


MDVA & CVSO PARTNERSHIPS<br />

In our attempt to not duplicate any service already available<br />

to a veteran, we make sure a referral is made to the CVSO<br />

(County <strong>Veterans</strong> Service Officer) in order that the veteran<br />

can be assessed <strong>for</strong> eligibility in county/state programs<br />

such as:<br />

State Soldiers Assistance Program, Special Needs, Dental<br />

and Eye Care, Education Benefits


MACV Funding Sources<br />

Program Fees from the Veteran Participants<br />

Federal VA Grant & Per Diem – Building 47<br />

State Grants MN Dept of Veteran Affairs, Office of Economic Opportunity<br />

Federal Grants DOL HVRP, HUD, SSVF, EFSP, ESG/CDBG<br />

Donations (Unrestricted & Restricted) – Foundations, Corporate Giving, Individuals<br />

Fundraising Events and Campaigns<br />

MACV PROGRAMS


Eligibility <strong>for</strong> Services<br />

Veteran status verified – DD214 -181 days Active Duty Service<br />

Homeless Status (some programs)<br />

Prevention (some programs)<br />

Financial need and meet specific program guidelines<br />

Minnesota Resident 30 days (most programs)<br />

Must be positively motivated to make a change<br />

MACV PROGRAMS


What We Assess with the Veteran<br />

<strong>Housing</strong> Status<br />

Health Status, mental & chemical<br />

Medical Problems<br />

Employment & Income Status<br />

Appropriate <strong>Housing</strong><br />

Living Skills<br />

Eye & Dental Care<br />

Legal Issues<br />

MACV PROGRAMS


What We Provide…<br />

Transitional & Permanent <strong>Housing</strong> with <strong>Supportive</strong> Services<br />

Eviction Prevention<br />

Mortgage Foreclosures<br />

Utility Payments<br />

Transportation Bus passes Gas Cards<br />

Food Vouchers<br />

Clothing Vouchers<br />

Employment Assistance<br />

Tax & Legal Referrals<br />

Case Management<br />

Network of Providers <strong>for</strong> Referrals<br />

MACV PROGRAMS


Desired Outcomes<br />

Placement in appropriate housing<br />

Increased level of life/living skills<br />

Increased level of income<br />

Increased level of financial responsibility<br />

Increased level of health (mental & physical)<br />

Increased level of responsibility and connection to the community<br />

Increased ability to interact in relationships<br />

MACV PROGRAMS


MACV – HQ<br />

Kathleen Vitalis – President/CEO: 651.291.8756<br />

Cari Canning<br />

Nathaniel Saltz<br />

Sara Sommarstrom<br />

Rebecca Geragi<br />

Chief Operating Officer<br />

Program Director<br />

Vetlaw Director<br />

Operations Administrator<br />

MACV PROGRAMS


MACV – METRO<br />

Jimmy Collier, Regional Director: 612.726.1327<br />

Sean Patterson Outreach Manager<br />

Cindy Larson Program Manager<br />

Edwin Williams<br />

Doran Hocker<br />

SIL <strong>Housing</strong> Case Manager<br />

Case Manager<br />

Michele Hickman Case Manager<br />

Kevin Tendall<br />

Employment Coordinator<br />

MACV PROGRAMS


Transitional <strong>Housing</strong><br />

Metro<br />

Building 47 13 <strong>Veterans</strong><br />

Minneapolis SIL(s) 20 <strong>Veterans</strong><br />

St. Cloud SIL 3 <strong>Veterans</strong><br />

Maplewood SIL 7 <strong>Veterans</strong><br />

*St. Paul SIL Women<br />

Metro Continued…<br />

MACV PROGRAMS


VA GRANT & PER DIEM<br />

<strong>Veterans</strong> must be found eligible by the VA Health Care <strong>for</strong> Homeless <strong>Veterans</strong><br />

Outreach Team to be funded by this grant<br />

-13 Beds<br />

-Can be up to 2 years<br />

-VA&MACVco-case case manage each veteran<br />

-Reimbursed only <strong>for</strong> total expenditures at $38.90/day<br />

To compare, the state funded MSOP (MN Sex Offender Program), which provides<br />

guidelines governing appropriate referrals and placements <strong>for</strong> sex offenders identified as<br />

high risk and likely to be <strong>for</strong>warded to the county attorney <strong>for</strong> civil commitment<br />

consideration as sexual psychopathic personalities/sexually dangerous persons at<br />

$328/per day per diem<br />

Metro Continued…<br />

MACV PROGRAMS


Mental Health Homeless Program (MHHP)<br />

VA program that t reaches out to homeless veterans who have<br />

mental, chemical, and/or physical health needs.<br />

VAHCS MHHP Team refers into Building 47<br />

Outreach to Community Shelters<br />

VA grant per diem (GPD) takes 30,000 homeless veterans off<br />

the street each year<br />

Metro Continued…<br />

MACV PROGRAMS


MACV SIL HOUSES<br />

STRUCTURED INDEPENDENT LIVING<br />

Minnesota Assistance Council <strong>for</strong> <strong>Veterans</strong> provides a structured program that<br />

gives the homeless veteran the support to again become a productive member of<br />

the community, the knowledge that the community cares, and the confidence to<br />

build relationships. It is intended to give back to veterans the way of life she or he<br />

fought to preserve. e Life in the SIL houses is NOT a preparation—it at t is an experience<br />

e of life as it really is. Life requires a balancing of rights and responsibilities. Life is<br />

interplay of work and reward. Life is the price and product of freedom.<br />

Transitional <strong>Housing</strong>: Temporary housing combined with supportive services to<br />

assist veterans overcome the problems and conditions that resulted in their having<br />

become homeless-can be up to 24 months


MINNEAPOLIS SIL HOUSE<br />

MINNEAPOLIS SIL HOUSE<br />

MINNEAPOLIS SIL HOUSE


MINNEAPOLIS SIL HOUSE<br />

MINNEAPOLIS SIL HOUSE


MINNEAPOLIS SIL HOUSE


RICHFIELD SIL HOUSE


RICHFIELD SIL HOUSE


ST. CLOUD SIL HOUSE


HVRP Homeless <strong>Veterans</strong> Reintegration<br />

Program – DOL Vets (Metro Region)<br />

4 years (July 2012–June 2016)<br />

Annual re–certification<br />

Funds Employment Case Management<br />

Employment Development Plan<br />

All Metro MACV Participants are assessed to identify employability barriers<br />

From this an employment plan is designed if enrolled into HVRP<br />

121 veterans were placed into permanent employment from July 1 thru<br />

June 30, representing annual gross wages of $3,200,000.<br />

000<br />

Metro Continued…<br />

MACV PROGRAMS


1. Accelerated learning curve.<br />

<strong>Veterans</strong> have the proven ability to learn new skills and concepts. In addition, they can enter your<br />

work<strong>for</strong>ce with identifiable and transferable skills, proven in real-world situations. This background can<br />

enhance your organization's productivity.<br />

2. Leadership.<br />

The military trains people to lead by example as well as through direction, delegation, motivation, and<br />

inspiration. <strong>Veterans</strong> understand the practical ways to manage behaviors <strong>for</strong> results, even in the most<br />

trying circumstances. They also know the dynamics of leadership as part of both hierarchical and peer<br />

structures.<br />

3. Teamwork.<br />

<strong>Veterans</strong> understand how genuine teamwork grows out of a responsibility to one's colleagues. Military<br />

duties involve a blend of individual and group productivity. They also necessitate a perception p of how<br />

groups of all sizes relate to each other and an overarching objective.<br />

4. Diversity and inclusion in action.<br />

<strong>Veterans</strong> have learned to work side by side with individuals regardless of diverse race, gender,<br />

geographic origin, ethnic background, religion, and economic status as well as mental, physical, and<br />

attitudinal capabilities. They have the sensitivity to cooperate with many different types of individuals.<br />

id 5. Efficient per<strong>for</strong>mance under pressure.<br />

<strong>Veterans</strong> understand the rigors of tight schedules and limited resources. They have developed the<br />

capacity to know how to accomplish priorities on time, in spite of tremendous stress. They know the<br />

critical importance of staying with a task until it is done right.


6. Respect <strong>for</strong> procedures.<br />

<strong>Veterans</strong> have gained a unique perspective on the value of accountability. They can grasp their place<br />

within an organizational framework, becoming responsible <strong>for</strong> subordinates' actions to higher supervisory<br />

levels. They know how policies and procedures enable an organization to exist.<br />

7. Technology and globalization.<br />

Because of their experiences in the service, veterans are usually aware of international and technical<br />

trends pertinent to business and industry. They can bring the kind of global outlook and technological<br />

savvy that all enterprises of any size need to succeed.<br />

8. Integrity.<br />

<strong>Veterans</strong> know what it means to do "an honest day's work." Prospective employers can take advantage<br />

of a track record of integrity, often including security clearances. This integrity translates into qualities of<br />

sincerity and trustworthiness.<br />

9. Conscious of health and safety standards.<br />

Thanks to extensive training, veterans are aware of health and safety protocols both <strong>for</strong> themselves and<br />

the welfare of others. Individually, they represent a drug-free work<strong>for</strong>ce that is cognizant of maintaining<br />

personal health and fitness. On a company level, their awareness and conscientiousness translate into<br />

protection of employees, property, and materials.<br />

10. Triumph over adversity.<br />

In addition to dealing positively with the typical issues of personal maturity, veterans have frequently<br />

triumphed over great adversity. They likely have proven their mettle in mission critical situations<br />

demanding endurance, stamina, and flexibility. They may have overcome personal disabilities through<br />

strength and determination.<br />

http://hirevetsfirst.dol.gov/10reasons.asp


MACV – DULUTH<br />

Steve Saari Regional Director: 218.722.8763<br />

Paul Pedersen Outreach Manager<br />

Cliff Gawne-Mark<br />

Program Manager<br />

Cynthia Finley Program Coordinator<br />

Leslie Perrett Employment Coordinator<br />

Jon Livingstoni Case Manager<br />

Derek Uttley Case Manager<br />

Kayla Simon Case Manager<br />

Scott Grother Case Manager<br />

MACV PROGRAMS


Duluth Regional Programs<br />

HUD NE Minnesota Counties – 6 Disabled <strong>Veterans</strong> & their Families<br />

HUD St. Louis County – <strong>Supportive</strong> Services<br />

Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program (HVRP) –<br />

Employment Services<br />

36 county Outreach Program<br />

Duluth SIL – 5 bedrooms<br />

Duluth <strong>Veterans</strong>’ Place – Transitional & Permanent <strong>Housing</strong><br />

MACV PROGRAMS


DULUTH ‐ SIL


Duluth <strong>Veterans</strong>’ Place<br />

Ramsey Neighborhood – West Duluth<br />

Partnership with Roof Community <strong>Housing</strong> (Developer)<br />

Project is a priority within ‘Heading Home St. Louis County’ Plan to End<br />

<strong>Homelessness</strong>.<br />

5 Units of Transitional <strong>Housing</strong><br />

11 Units of Permanent <strong>Housing</strong> with <strong>Supportive</strong> Services<br />

<strong>for</strong> <strong>Veterans</strong><br />

Duluth Office Co-located<br />

MACV PROGRAMS


DULUTH VETERANS’ PLACE (BEFORE)


ARCHITECT’S RENDITION


MACV – MANKATO<br />

Susan Worlds, Regional Director: 507.345.8258<br />

Cheryl Klinkner Program Assistant/Case Mngr.<br />

Luke Weinandt Case Manager<br />

MACV PROGRAMS


Mankato Area Emergency Food &<br />

Shelter Program (EFSP) Funds<br />

Rental Assistance to prevent eviction or <strong>for</strong> 1st months rent…no<br />

damage deposits<br />

Funds not used <strong>for</strong> this at the end of the year are turned into food<br />

purchases which are distributed to the CVSO from the county where<br />

the funding originated<br />

By County<br />

Blue Earth Martin MN Valley Multi-County<br />

MACV PROGRAMS


Mankato <strong>Housing</strong><br />

Paul & Dorothy Radichel Town Homes<br />

11 Units Permanent <strong>Housing</strong><br />

<strong>Supportive</strong> Services <strong>for</strong> Disabled <strong>Veterans</strong><br />

Opened Fall 2006<br />

MACV PROGRAMS


RADICHEL TOWN HOMES


<strong>Supportive</strong> Services<br />

Provide <strong>for</strong> and coordinate:<br />

chemical dependency treatment<br />

mental health treatment<br />

day-care<br />

life skills training<br />

educational services<br />

family support<br />

gambling addiction treatment<br />

Transportation<br />

money management training and/or<br />

counseling<br />

re-establishment of socialization<br />

skills<br />

training to increase basic living<br />

skills and/or income to prepare <strong>for</strong><br />

obtaining and retaining permanent<br />

housing.<br />

MACV PROGRAMS


Permanent <strong>Supportive</strong> <strong>Housing</strong>:<br />

Provides and coordinates services that are needed<br />

to assist a veteran and his family in acquiring and<br />

retaining permanent housing.<br />

Permanent <strong>Housing</strong>:<br />

The veteran and his family, are fully integrated into<br />

the community.<br />

MACV PROGRAMS


VETLAW<br />

Identify and address legal issues that present barriers to<br />

housing stability and employment<br />

Provide direct legal services through clinics, referrals, and<br />

representation<br />

Legal Clinics<br />

Attorney Referral Network<br />

StandDown Court<br />

MACV PROGRAMS


Legal Barriers as Identified by <strong>Veterans</strong><br />

• Criminal charges and<br />

convictions<br />

• Family Law<br />

– Child Support<br />

– Divorce<br />

• Restricted drivers<br />

license<br />

“Overall, family and legal<br />

concerns rank as the<br />

four highest ranked<br />

unmet needs, ahead of<br />

permanent, transitional,<br />

and emergency<br />

housing”<br />

• Re‐entry services <strong>for</strong><br />

incarcerated veterans CHALENG report 2010<br />

Source: 2010 CHALENG report


Two Service Models <strong>for</strong> Addressing<br />

Unmet <strong>Veterans</strong> Legal Needs<br />

Child Support Initiative<br />

• Collaboration between VA,<br />

ABA, and OCSE<br />

• 11 pilot sites nationwide<br />

• Local models differ based<br />

on child hldsupport system and<br />

available resources<br />

• Mixture of pro bono/staff<br />

• National network to resolve<br />

interstate issues<br />

<strong>Veterans</strong> treatment courts<br />

& StandDown courts<br />

• VTCs open to all veterans,<br />

differ in scope by<br />

jurisdiction<br />

• StandDown Courts are ae<br />

Homeless Courts aimed at<br />

<strong>Veterans</strong><br />

• Resolving barriers to<br />

stability while identifying<br />

available VA services


Need <strong>for</strong> <strong>Veterans</strong> Child Support<br />

Assistance<br />

Vietnam Era <strong>Veterans</strong><br />

• High instance of unmodified<br />

orders, many covering decades in<br />

which the vet was disabled or<br />

otherwise unable to work.<br />

• Unlikely to contact child support<br />

or case management systems <strong>for</strong><br />

assistance.<br />

• Many have arrears only<br />

OIF/OEF <strong>Veterans</strong><br />

• Experiencing high rates of divorce<br />

and family law involvement.<br />

• Education and assistance can<br />

prevent them from owing tens of<br />

thousands in the future.


Challenges to Self‐Representation<br />

• Mental and Physical Health<br />

Issues<br />

• Distrust of the system and<br />

bureaucracies<br />

• Lack of legal knowledge<br />

• Instability<br />

• “Deadbeat Dad” stigma


Unmodified Child Support Orders as<br />

Barrier to Stability bl<br />

• Child support is the second most cited<br />

problem faced by homeless veterans.<br />

• En<strong>for</strong>cement tools include garnishment,<br />

license suspension, and contempt<br />

proceedings.<br />

• Effect on psyche and relationships


Minnesota Legal Clinics<br />

GPD / Transitional <strong>Housing</strong><br />

HVRP / Employment<br />

Assistance<br />

Case<br />

Management t/<br />

Outreach<br />

Statewide 501c3<br />

nonprofit established<br />

in 1990<br />

Rental Assistance<br />

Legal Clinics / StandDowns


Minnesota Legal Clinics<br />

•Minnesota Assistance Council <strong>for</strong><br />

<strong>Veterans</strong><br />

•Volunteer Attorneys<br />

Pro<br />

Bono<br />

•Volunteer Law Students<br />

•County Veteran Service Officers<br />

•County Child Support Workers<br />

•Health Care <strong>for</strong> Homeless <strong>Veterans</strong><br />

(Case Managers through VA Hospitals)<br />

Child<br />

Support<br />

Case<br />

Mgmt<br />

Collaboration<br />

Benefits<br />

Assistance<br />

Legal<br />

Clinics


Vetlaw Legal Clinics<br />

Have assisted over 1,000 veterans at free legal clinics<br />

throughout Minnesota in first 2 years<br />

MACV holds bi-monthly clinics at the Minneapolis VAHCS as<br />

well as at outstate StandDown sites<br />

Partners with volunteer and legal services attorneys, child<br />

support, CVSO’s, law students, and VJO’s to provide service<br />

Brief services include pro se family law filings, criminal<br />

expungement requests, simple wills, consumer law, benefits,<br />

and other civil legal matters appropriate <strong>for</strong> self representation


Vetlaw Referral Network<br />

Developing statewide referral network to legal<br />

services, pro bono, and low cost representation <strong>for</strong><br />

homeless and in-crisis veterans low income<br />

MACV partners with public and private attorneys to<br />

leverage existing legal resources<br />

O 30 t i 2011 h i d f ll<br />

Over 30 veterans in 2011 have received full<br />

representation services through Vetlaw


Marketing and Outreach


StandDown Court<br />

Over 150 veterans have resolved outstanding<br />

criminal charges, tickets, and warrants at MACV<br />

StandDown throughout Minnesota<br />

Community Service conducted onsite<br />

Statewide jurisdictional statement obtained from<br />

Minnesota Chief Justice<br />

Pi Primary focus on charges and convictions stemming<br />

from homelessness


StandDowns 2012<br />

• Minneapolis - August 1st and 2nd<br />

2011: 855 <strong>Veterans</strong> served – 66 Service Providers – 250 Volunteers<br />

• Duluth - August 24th<br />

2011: 250 <strong>Veterans</strong> served – 45 Service Providers – 30 Volunteers<br />

• Bemidji – September 26th<br />

2011: 162 <strong>Veterans</strong> served – 40 Service Providers – 25 Volunteers<br />

• Grand Rapids – September 27 th<br />

2011: 90 <strong>Veterans</strong> served – 40 Service Providers – 30 Volunteers<br />

• International Falls – August 29th<br />

• Rochester - October 9th<br />

2011: 99 <strong>Veterans</strong> served – 30 Service Providers – 15 Volunteers<br />

• Mankato - November 14th<br />

2011: 319 <strong>Veterans</strong> served – 43 Service Providers – 25 Volunteers


MACV 2011 STATISTICS<br />

Close to 25,000 contacts annually<br />

967 veterans were assisted with direct<br />

services statewide t in 72 counties.


Permanent <strong>Housing</strong> Solutions <strong>for</strong> <strong>Veterans</strong><br />

Alliance Apartments (Minneapolis)<br />

Al Loehr Studio Apartments (St. Cloud)<br />

<strong>Veterans</strong> and Community <strong>Housing</strong><br />

(Minneapolis)<br />

MACV<br />

Radichel Townhomes<br />

Duluth <strong>Veterans</strong>’ Place<br />

Homeless Prevention Assistance<br />

HUD Multi-Family subsidized<br />

developments<br />

Mortgage and Rental Assistance<br />

Programs<br />

Family Homeless Prevention Assistance<br />

Program (FHPAP)<br />

Public <strong>Housing</strong> Authorities<br />

<strong>Housing</strong> Choice Vouchers<br />

HUD VASH Vouchers –VA <strong>Supportive</strong><br />

<strong>Housing</strong> Program<br />

Minneapolis<br />

St. Paul<br />

St. Cloud<br />

Mankato<br />

Duluth


What YOU can do <strong>for</strong> us<br />

Provide as much detailed d in<strong>for</strong>mation as possible when<br />

you make the referral<br />

Leverage other sources of funding<br />

Make a connection with the CVSO<br />

PLEASE CALL WITH QUESTIONS


TO SUMMARIZE…We fill the gaps…<br />

Some programs have very strict income guidelines that<br />

even though you are unemployed, they base your income<br />

off the past 3 months which disqualifies the applicant<br />

Others have restrictions based on disabilities<br />

Other programs, you MUST be employed<br />

Assistance such as energy or even benefits that have been<br />

applied <strong>for</strong>, experience a time lag from application to actual<br />

benefit received of 1- 4 months.


AND IN THE MEANTIME,<br />

WHILE THEY WAIT…


...things get worse.


KEYS TO OUR SUCCESS<br />

STATEWIDE<br />

Non-Duplicated Services<br />

Leveraged Sources of Funding<br />

Partners & Collaborators<br />

Case Management<br />

Bridge the Gap – Be the Safety Net


Veteran Resources<br />

Minnesota Assistance Council <strong>for</strong> <strong>Veterans</strong>: Provides assistance throughout<br />

Minnesota to positively motivated t veterans and their families who are homeless<br />

or experiencing other life crises. www.mac-v.org<br />

County Veteran Service Officers Directory: Ali listing i of all the County Veteran<br />

Service Officers (CVSO) in each county. The listing is available in both on-line<br />

and PDF versions. www.macvso.org/cvso.html<br />

Minnesota Veteran One Stop Website: This website was developed to provide<br />

Minnesota <strong>Veterans</strong>, their families and employers a one stop location <strong>for</strong><br />

In<strong>for</strong>mation or links available <strong>for</strong> veterans. www.minnesotaveteran.org/


Veteran Resources<br />

<strong>Veterans</strong> Linkage Line 1-888-LINKVET (546-5838)<br />

For active duty military members to retirees to veterans and all<br />

concerned<br />

Family members<br />

MDVA manages the LinkVet call center.<br />

During business hours, MDVA staff provide in<strong>for</strong>mation on veterans’<br />

benefits, healthcare, education, and reintegration.<br />

The line will roll to Crisis Connection counselors <strong>for</strong> 24-hour, seven days<br />

a week coverage (including holidays) <strong>for</strong> immediate crisis intervention<br />

and psychological counseling.


www.mac-v.org


“We are a National Guard Family. Recently my<br />

husband lost his job due to active duty orders. This is<br />

being investigated through federal and state<br />

agencies, but we are about to be evicted and our<br />

utilities shut off. We are the parents of triplet girls<br />

and we are frantic. He has lost a lot of wages due to<br />

this ignorant employer. Do you help people like us or<br />

do you know who can? We are desperate…”


An 89 year old decorated Army AF Fighter Pilot<br />

WWII (1942-1945). 1945) Facing a financial setback due<br />

to some unexpected bills, he and his wife were<br />

facing a shut off notice from the gas company.<br />

OIF Veteran is<br />

going through<br />

several surgeries<br />

that t are service<br />

related and in and<br />

out of work; he is<br />

supposed to have<br />

100% rating but<br />

has not yet been<br />

received (7 weeks)<br />

WWII Veteran recently laid<br />

off from work; needed<br />

assistance with utilities<br />

Homeless Married, disabled<br />

Army veteran with 2 minor<br />

children; connected to HUD<br />

VASH, but needed first<br />

month rent.


“Strange is our situation here upon earth. Each<br />

of us comes <strong>for</strong> a short visit, not knowing why,<br />

yet sometimes seeming to divine a purpose.<br />

From the standpoint of daily life, however, there<br />

is one thing we do know:<br />

That man is here <strong>for</strong> the sake of other men.”<br />

-Albert Einstein

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