Addressing Veteran Homelessness: Services and Collaborative Efforts in Charlotte-Mecklenburg

VETERAN HOMELESSNESS

According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress, 2022 Point in Time (PIT) Count data indicates that nationally, approximately 7% of people experiencing homelessness are Veterans. Locally, 9% of people experiencing homelessness who were counted during the 2022 PIT were Veterans, which means that in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the number of Veterans experiencing homelessness is slightly higher than the national average.

Veterans may have unique risk factors associated with combat-related and military sexual trauma, geographic displacement, family and relationship conflicts, mental health and substance use disorders, incarceration, and disrupted social networks. These factors increase their likelihood of experiencing housing instability and homelessness.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg is one of the more than 100 communities working to end Veteran homelessness as part of the Built for Zero initiative. The community’s Housing Our Heroes Continuum of Care (CoC) workgroup is a partnership between the VA, the CoC, Mecklenburg County, and local non-profits that serve Veterans. Together these organizations work collaboratively to not only coordinate whole health, best-practice care for Veterans in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, but they also set goals, develop strategies, and track progress toward the community goal to prevent and end Veteran homelessness in Mecklenburg County.

ONE VETERAN’S STORY

We had the honor of connecting with a formerly homeless veteran, Ulices, to learn about how the services available in Mecklenburg County have impacted his life. Here is his story in his own words.

My name is Ulices and I’m a 29 year-old Army Veteran. My story might be slightly different from others who transition out of the military. When I left the service, I wasn’t able to access resources that Veterans typically have available to them. I had difficulty finding essential services, and after some time, I ended up in homelessness and without work or reliable transportation. For a while, I struggled, although I eventually connected with a Mecklenburg County Veterans Service Officer who helped me apply for disability benefits and pointed me towards additional resources for which I was eligible. Because of my conversations with the VSO, I received a call from a VA Medical Center HUD-VASH case worker who helped facilitate my entry into ABCCM Veterans Services of the Carolinas SSVF Program, which is where I first met my Case Manager, Stephanie Simmons. My experience with Veterans Services of the Carolinas and Stephanie, as well as the HUD-VASH staff, has been great. I’m also currently enrolled in the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, which has enabled me to find a job. Because of these relationships, I’m able to continue to be a father and provider with the help of everyone’s kindness and support.

As illustrated by Ulices’ story, an array of services and collaboration across the full continuum is needed to support veterans in our community.

The remainder of this blog highlights local organizations, their work, and key programming and services available to local Veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

HEALTH CARE FOR HOMELESS VETERANS

The Salisbury VA Health Care System’s Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program provides services and resources to eligible Veterans experiencing homelessness, including Outreach; Residential Programs; Contract Housing or Grant and Per Diem Transitional Housing; Permanent Supportive Housing: HUD-VASH; Veterans Justice Outreach; and Employment Services.

To inquire about and/or be assessed for eligible HCHV services, veterans can access a walk-in clinic in their area in-person or by phone. HCHV Clinics operate Monday-Friday; 9am – 3pm, closed on Federal Holidays.

Local HCHV Clinics include:

• Charlotte: Located at the Charlotte Health Care Center on Tyvola Road – 2nd Floor, Independence Clinic; 704-329-1300 Ext 32109
• Salisbury: Located at the Salisbury VAMC Main Campus – Building 4, 3rd Floor; 704-638-9000 Ext 13137
• Kernersville: Located at the Kernersville Health Care Center – Primary Floor, Mental Health Clinic; 336-515-5000 Ext 21155

For Veterans who aren’t connected to VA Health Care and wish to register or determine eligibility, please contact the Main Phone Line at:  704-329-1300; Press 4 for eligibility/enrollment or visit us online at https://www.va.gov/salisbury-health-care/

SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR VETERAN FAMILIES (SSVF)

The SSVF program provides supportive services to very low-income Veteran families in Mecklenburg County who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with the ultimate goal of ending homelessness among Veterans. SSVF prioritizes the delivery of rapid re-housing services to homeless Veteran households.

To be eligible for SSVF, a Veteran must have a discharge other than dishonorable, have an income that is less than 80% of the area median, and currently be homeless or residing in permanent housing and in danger of becoming homeless.

Services include:

• Case management which includes:
  • Housing search & placement
  • Eviction prevention
  • Security deposits assistance
  • Rental assistance
• Assistance with childcare expenses
• Transportation assistance
• Assistance obtaining VA and other benefits
• Outreach

In Charlotte-Mecklenburg there are two organizations that provide SSVF services: Catholic Charities and Veterans Services of the Carolinas.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

Catholic Charities administers both a traditional SSVF and a Shallow Subsidy program. Veterans seeking assistance should call Tonya Lawrence, Supportive Services Supervisor, at 704-370-3257.

In addition to SSVF, veterans can also access the Catholic Charities food pantry. The food pantry is located at 1123 S. Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203. The hours are Tuesday: 10:00am – 12:00pm    and Thursday: 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Veterans can also access food pantry services by calling 704-370-3262 or texting “FOOD” to 704-268-9821.

VETERANS SERVICES OF THE CAROLINAS

Veterans Services of the Carolinas (VSC) also administers both a traditional SSVF and a Shallow Subsidy program.

VSC is a division of Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) that supports our nation’s Veterans and their families by implementing assistance programs across North Carolina. Through Housing, Employment, Outreach, and Call Center Service Coordination, they collaborate with community partners and faith communities to engage with Veterans and meet their critical needs. It is VSC’s core belief to care for those who answered the call to serve our great nation. Our Veterans fought for our freedom; now VSC fights for theirs. Veterans Services of the Carolinas care coordination center can be reached at 855-962-8387 Monday-Friday 8:30pm – 5:00pm to connect Veterans, Military Members, their families and caregivers to resources.

VETERANS BRIDGE HOME

Veterans Bridge Home (VBH) empowers Veterans in the Carolinas to thrive in the communities they choose to live in by connecting them with the best providers within social determinants of health: housing, healthcare, employment, education, social enrichment, and benefits.

What They Do:

• Comprehensive Support: VBH takes a holistic approach, addressing the social determinants of health to ensure Veterans flourish in the communities they choose to call home.
• Employment Assistance: They help Veterans navigate the job market, offering guidance and support to kick-start their careers.
• Building Social Connections: They believe in the power of community and help Veterans create lasting bonds and connections in their local areas.
• Tailored Care: As a proud member of the NCServes network, they provide tailored, coordinated care across the Carolinas.

How to Get Help:

If you’re a Veteran or know someone who needs assistance, it’s easy to connect with VBH. Simply click the ‘Request Assistance’ button on their homepage at https://veteransbridgehome.org/ or leave a message with our Care Coordination Team at 855-425-8838. They’re committed to getting back to you within 48-72 hours.

Financial Support:

Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), funding may be available for at-risk Veterans looking to secure housing or prevent homelessness in Mecklenburg County if it’s related to the financial impact of COVID-19.

 Suicide Prevention:

VBH is honored to be a grantee for the SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Grant. This initiative is dedicated to identifying, engaging, and providing suicide prevention services to eligible individuals, especially those at high risk, who might not be receiving healthcare or other services furnished by the VA, and their families.

Veterans Bridge Home is more than just an organization; they are the bridge of support to our nation’s heroes who call the Carolinas home.

VETERANS SERVICES OFFICE

Community Support Services’ Veterans Services Division provides counseling and the development of benefit claims for veterans and their families. Veterans Services provides direct, in-depth, quality assistance to Veterans, their spouses, dependent children, and survivors, which may grant them initial – or preserve existing – benefit entitlements from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, State of North Carolina, and/or Mecklenburg County. Services include case coordination, counseling, and the development of benefit claims while assisting with access to health care, housing, education, employment, benefits, and social enrichment. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provides a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care to its customers. The goal of the Veterans Services Office is to share information about these benefits and services to make it as easy as possible for Veterans to receive the care they need.

To speak with a Veteran Service Officer, call 704-336-2102 or walk in at one of our Community Resource Center (CRC) locations (Valerie C. Woodard CRC 3205 Freedom Drive Entrance A, Charlotte, NC or Ella B. Scarborough CRC 430 Stitt Road, Charlotte, NC) between Monday – Friday 8am     to 5pm