Veterans Community Project

PROJECT PURPOSE

Mission Statement: ?Veterans Community Project (VCP) is dedicated to supporting every man and woman who took the oath for our country. We are determined to make a difference in the lives of homeless Veterans, a task accomplished by the community for the community?. VCP utilizes an innovate and historically highly effective approach to end homelessness for Veterans within the community. Utilizing a unique transitional housing approach coupled with Veteran specific case management and programming, VCP has been able to successfully overcome barriers to housing for most Veterans. Veterans face housing stability challenges because of substantial barriers such economic recessions, mental and physical illness, addiction, social isolation, and PTSD.? VCP programming, transitional housing and outreach programming have all been created and administered with the specific needs of Veterans in-mind. VCP is distinct from other Veteran serving agencies. VCP considers anyone who took an oath to serve the country a Veteran, regardless of length in service, or discharge status. VCP provides services and support to every Veteran who walks through the door, increasing impact and reach to a population typically forgotten by other service providers.?

EVIDENCE

HUD and SAMHSA both endorse stabilized and transitional housing as a means of achieving permanent housing and long term self sufficiency for Veterans. Housing coupled with in-depth, Veteran specific case management and collaboration with community partners who understand the specific challenges Veterans face. Evidence based treatment programs for Veterans utilize increased engagement, include treatment for co-occurring disorders, wrap around and networks of care providers to ensure success for clients.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The COVID-19 Pandemic had a significant impact on the homeless population.??Homeless individuals were disproportionately impacted because?they are typically already at higher risk for exposure due to age, underlying and untreated medical conditions, lack of resources for medical or medication assistance.?According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), those who are experiencing homelessness are at a higher risk of becoming sick because they lack safe places to quarantine, do not have access to hygiene supplies, or even soap and shower,?masks?or other basic supplies necessary for protection.? ?? Homeless Veterans?face additional challenges?since most?are not able to utilize traditional shelters,?resources, or assistance?because of underlying conditions and/or PTSD. For many PTSD makes it difficult to effectively?utilize?communal shelters, medical?facilities,?or other traditional social services delivery models, which are the primary resources being offered during the COVID pandemic.?? The need for services specifically for our community?s homeless Veterans is more apparent now than ever. This population, which makes up 1 out of 10 of the overall homeless population, is one that without our support, will not only suffer great losses but is also at risk of spreading the virus across the region.?

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

VCP uses Community Care Link for a homeless management information system. All data for services to Veterans through any and all programs is captured as well as the progress clients make through the Five Supports Case Management program utilized as a measurement tool and self-sufficiency matrix.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma