By Robert Stone
Our SSVF program successfully housed 85% of veterans, 93% of whom still resided there six months later.
As a recap, we’ve looked at outreach and the tireless effort it takes to uncover homeless veterans. We then shared our Housing First model which seeks to immediately and permanently house a veteran so they can turn the proper attention towards life’s other obstacles. In last month’s edition, we addressed the third step – sustainability. This ensures the veteran knows the resources at his disposal and has obtained and maintained steady employment.
The final step in this process is referred to as follow-through or aftercare.
In this step, a veteran navigates life on his own as he is no longer accompanied by a case manager and is required to implement the knowledge departed in the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program.
However, even at this stage, our Veteran Services team is not operating under a “sink or swim” mentality. They stand ready with other wrap-around services such as AmeriCorps, which often picks up where SSVF left off. For example, a veteran needing medical supplies or financial support to maintain independence can access these through this program. In addition, there are two check-ups in this final stage – at 30 days and at six-months. This allows the case manager to assess if there are any remaining gaps in the veteran’s life which might be filled with other Catholic Charities services or by programs offered through our extensive partner network.
While a 30-day and six-month check-up are set times for the case manager to re-connect with the veteran, they are not the only time the two would speak. Case managers and veterans often form deep bonds. The veteran develops a trust that overcomes his resistance to ask for help. The relationship leads to powerful results with 85% of veterans being housed through our SSVF program and 93% still residing in their homes six months later. While transitioning from military to civilian life can be fraught with dangers, our Veteran Services team continues to walk alongside our veterans, living by the motto, “No Veteran Left Behind.”
For more information, contact Robert at rstone@ccharities.com.
