Honoring Veterans & Restoring Lives
Rapid Housing Solutions for Homeless Veterans
We operate under a Housing First model – the belief that permanent housing is foundational, and once achieved, can help the person overcome life’s other obstacles such as unemployment, monetary or budgeting issues, substance abuse, or mental and physical health challenges.
The Housing First model often translates into rent and utility assistance, either short or long-term.
Last year, our Veteran Services team provided over $210,000 in rent and utility assistance.
This enables veterans struggling financially to remain housed. If a veteran does end up on the streets, then the Veteran Services team works to rapidly re-house them. Last year, 85% of veterans who participated in the Catholic Charities rapid rehousing program were successfully housed at the completion of the program and 93% were still in their home six months later!
Services include:
- Housing case management
- Emergency assistance
- Health Care Navigator
- Employment services
- One-on-one counseling
- Social Security benefit assistance
- Assistance with other resources/referrals
For more information on our Veteran Services, contact us at 816-659-8263 or email veterans@ccharities.com
VETERAN SERVICES—Frequently Asked Questions
Our veterans team delivers on a Supportive Services for Veteran Families grant from the Veterans’ Administration, offering rapid-rehousing and wrap around services.
What is the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program?
The Supportive Services for Veteran Families program is a government initiative that aims to help veterans and their families securing stable housing. The goal of the SSVF Program is to promote housing stability among very low-income Veteran families who reside in or are transitioning to permanent housing.
Who is eligible to receive assistance from the SSVF program?
A member of a “Veteran family” as determined by U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs: Either (a) a Veteran; or (b) a member of a family in which the head of household, or the spouse of the head of household, is a Veteran.
What types of services are provided through the SSVF program?
One-one-one case management, short term assistance with rent and utilities, employment and budgeting education, housing assistance and health care navigation.
How can I apply for assistance through the SSVF program?
Contact Catholic Charities SSVF Main Line at (816) 659 8263 for screening and assistance. If you leave a message, please allow 24 business hours for us to return your call.
Is there a cost associated with receiving services from the SSVF program?
No. There are no costs associated with becoming a participant household in the SSVF program.
How long can I receive assistance from the SSVF program?
SSVF is a short-term program created to assist you in becoming self-sufficient and stable in the shortest time possible. For many the goals is to become truly self-sufficient within a 3–6-month timeline.
What documents do I need to provide when applying for the SSVF program?
- DD214 and/or a SQUARES printout
- Photo ID card for all members of household (driver’s license, passport, school id, work id, etc.)
- Social Security Card for all members of household
- VA Card (preferred but optional)
- Birth Certificate of all members of household (preferred but optional)
- Proof of income for all members of household (like 1 month of paycheck stubs, official letter from employer, SSDI, SSI or SS annual letter, retirement income letter, investment income, etc)
- Proof of homelessness like a letter from shelter or homeless service agency, court ordered eviction notice, etc.
Can the SSVF program provide financial assistance for rent or utilities?
Yes. For households that qualify and are active participants the SSVF program can assist with rent or utilities and even potentially back rent and utility arrears.
Can the SSVF program help with finding employment or accessing job training programs?
Yes. Catholic Charitie’ SSVF program maintains ongoing contact with various local agencies and organizations in the community to assist with navigating employment. Catholic Charities also hosts classes focused on workforce development (resume writing, interviewing basics etc.)
How long does it typically take to process an application for the SSVF program?
After completion of an initial screening potential participant households are usually notified within two business days, barring unforeseen circumstances.
Can the SSVF program help with mental health or substance abuse issues?
Yes. As a part of the supportive services, we provide we have health care navigators available to assist in connecting participant households with the resources and tools needed to assist with mental health and/or substance use issues.
Are there any income requirements to be eligible for the SSVF program?
Yes. Household eligibility is based upon earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for household size.
What should I do if my situation changes after I have been approved for assistance from the SSVF program?
As a participant household clients should establish an open line of communication with their assigned case manager to discuss any developing changes. Consistent communication between the client and case manager is the expectation.
How can I contact the SSVF program for further assistance or clarification?
You may contact Catholic Charities’ SSVF main line at (816) 659-8263 with questions.
Can the SSVF program help with legal issues or provide legal aid?
Yes. We have a partnership with legal entities to assist clients through legal referrals.
What happens if I am not eligible for the SSVF program? Are there other options available to me?
If you are not eligible for the SSVF program, we will work with you to get connected and referred to other community-based resources and agencies.
In the news
A Veteran’s Redemption Story
A Veteran’s Redemption Story By Tyler Harper, SSVF Case Manager at CCKCSJ I remember the hot moist air once our boots hit the ground command needed us moving. Our task was very important and the individuals we would be working with were highly classified. We were...
DVNF Grant And Community Partners Kept This 83 Year Old Vet Housed
When Catholic Charities of Kansas City- St. Joseph first received the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) Grant, we were pleased to be able to help many that do not qualify for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program. However, there is one...
Rhonda Gives George New Hope
Throughout George’s time in the military, he wanted to be strong. Strong for himself, strong for his wife, strong for his family, and most of all (as they are the world to George), his two dogs: Zeus and Bella. When Rhonda Gonzalez, SSVF Housing Case Manager, first...
George Finds Solace Through Catholic Charities
George has had a life unlike most. Right out of high school, George felt called to the military where he would serve 2 ½ years at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and Fort Benning, Georgia. Being one of 13 kids raised in Kansas City Missouri, he loved serving and this...
Living A Full Life In The Midst Of A Broken World – Mental Health Awareness Month 2022
Mental health can determine the course of our lives regardless of age or life circumstance. Lisa Wagner-Carollo, Deaf and Disability Ministry Coordinator at Catholic Charities Kansas City-Saint Joseph, feels strongly about mental health and how crucial it is for...
What is SSVF?
What is SSVF? The Supportive Services for Veterans and Families Program (SSVF) at Catholic Charities Kansas City- Saint Joseph exists to prevent homelessness in our local Veteran community. Out of the thousands of Missourians who have served our country, more than 500...