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Engaging Veterans in Services Effective Program Strategies for Homeless Veterans. Utica Public Housing AmeriCorps Project Collaboration between the Municipal Housing Authority of the City of Utica, New York & Central New York Veterans’ Outreach Center. Presentation Overview. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Engaging Veterans in Services
Effective Program Strategies for Homeless Veterans
Utica Public Housing AmeriCorps Project
Collaboration between the Municipal Housing Authority of the City of Utica, New York
& Central New York Veterans’ Outreach Center
Presentation Overview
Utica AmeriCorps Program Overview CNY Veterans Outreach Center Mission/Programs Needs of Homeless Veterans Rural Characteristics Rural Challenges Rural Homelessness Service Strategies Outreach Strategies Service Methodologies Role of AmeriCorps Members Strengths of Program Model Success of Program Model
Presentation Overview
We would like to thank our funders:
Utica Public Housing AmeriCorps Project - Overview
Funded by the U.S. Corp. for National Service, NYS Commission on National and Community Service, & Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties.
12 FT AmeriCorps members 10 Assigned to Housing Authority for Financial
Literacy, Employment Readiness, Self-Sufficiency Programs, Housing Information & Referral Center.
2 Members Placed at CNY Veterans Outreach Center.
Services coordinated among components and sites.
CNY Veterans Outreach Center
Founded in 2007 by Veteran with Housing Background.
Operates a community-based outreach/supportive services center for veterans
One of five HUD Veterans Homelessness Prevention Demonstration Pilot grantees in U.S.
Received funding from the VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families
AmeriCorps members assist with linking veterans with supportive services and outreach.
Serves 6 counties: Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Oneida, Herkimer, Madison
Targets homeless veterans and their families
Needs of homeless veterans
Growing number of veterans needing services. Since May 2011, 260 homeless/at-risk veterans
served. 25% increase in referrals between 2011 and 2012. Data analysis shows that 4,338 veterans in service
area are homeless or at risk of losing their housing. Area is primarily rural with small urban centers. Service region has high saturation levels of
veterans
Rural Characteristics
Geography 1/3 of OEF/OIF Veterans return to rural areas Major needs
Transportation Availability of services Domestic Violence Nutrition & food resources
Cultural & Social Importance of family and immediate/local community
Self-reliance, independence and PRIDE Ok to trade, borrow money, borrow cars, rely on others for childcare, etc. NOT ok for able-bodied adults to rely on Social Services Belief that government is bad, wasteful, does not understand rural
populations Distrust of “outsiders”
Drugs & Alcohol Drinking & functional alcoholism is ok Meth and marijuana are ok – not “city” drugs
Rural Challenges
Importance of community stakeholders Clergy, veteran organizations, criminal justice personnel, etc.
Rural individuals tend to be less educated and poorer and are less likely to have employer-based health insurance
Services & Supports Fewer resources Transportation Lack of emergency shelters/housing
Population Dispersed Lack of available housing Negative attitude of some social service providers toward clients
Rural Homelessness
Street homeless Couch surfing Overcrowding
Family Friends
Conditions not meant for human habitation Neighbors can be few & far between, which means
that people may not know how bad your living situation really is…
Service Strategies
Hub and Spoke model. Community-based centers with strong outreach
Outreach is critical. Mobile van, home visits, community outreach
locations, marketing/advertising Collaborations with local service/housing providers
Housing first model. Focus on homelessness prevention/rapid rehousing
Outreach Strategies
Relationships VA, HUD, DOL, Vocational Rehabilitation, Legal Aid
services, TANF, schools Local military bases, National Guard and Reserves
Collaboration with community partners National Grid (other utility providers) VFWs & Legions Hospitals/criminal justice/courts Grassroots organizations Religious organizations
Outreach Strategies
Advertising Libraries, schools, stores, gas stations…
Mobile Outreach Transportation Meeting people where they are
Word of mouth DAV partnerships Connection to Indian/Tribal Nations Use technology - Lap top (with wireless), iPad, cell
phone, GPS, portable scanner, portable printer
Service Methodologies
Center-Based and Mobile Platforms for Providing Services
Intake, Screening, Supportive Services Plan Pocket Guide for Services Rapid Housing Assistance Supportive Services Coordination Assistance in obtaining VA and other benefits Temporary Financial Assistance Community Linkages
Role of AmeriCorps Members
Two AmeriCorps members assigned. One is a member of the Naval Reserve and pursuing MSW. Members provide outreach, direct assistance to homeless
veterans in receiving services and benefits. As of August 1, 2013, 36 homeless veterans provided
placement/supportive services. Services include job search, food assistance, benefits,
transportation, referrals to legal aid, eviction prevention, utility assistance, furniture, job/career development.
Strengths of Program Model
Holistic service coordinationCenter-based and strong outreach componentCommunity CollaborationsLinkages with existing housing/human service
programsClient-centered modelPeer supportHousing First ModelClient follow-up assistance
Success of Program Model
Placement in safe, affordable, quality housing Help in accessing benefits Improved health care/nutrition Connect services to local services/community Reduce isolation of veterans Assistance in obtaining jobs/economic self-
sufficiency
