As the nation works to end veteran homelessness, Southwest Solutions is receiving significant federal funding to continue its program that has proven effective in preventing homelessness among veterans and their families in the Detroit area.
Since its start in late 2012, Southwest Solutions’ Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF) program has helped more than 2,200 veterans and their families find or retain housing and obtain support services to improve their lives. As a result of the program’s success, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded another competitive three-year grant to Southwest Solutions, renewing the previous three-year grant awarded in 2012. The first year’s funding of the new grant totals $1.5 million and will go toward assisting 450 families in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. The amount of the next two annual allocations will be determined by the Congressional Budget.
The funding is tied to President Barack Obama’s Opening Doors initiative, which is the nation’s first comprehensive federal strategy to prevent and end homelessness The initiative began five years ago, and one of its ambitious goals is to eliminate veteran homelessness before the end of this year.
“Here in Detroit, we are about 90-percent to the goal of reducing veteran homelessness to a functional zero,” said Jamie Ebaugh, Director of the Southwest Solutions Housing Resource Center. “The federal strategy recommends a systematic approach to provide immediate support services and permanent housing for all veterans at risk of being homeless. Southwest Solutions’ SSVF program is nationally recognized as a model of best practices in assisting low-income veterans and their families so that they maintain housing and increase their economic prospects.”
The SSVF program provides eligible veterans a combination of short-term rental assistance and outreach and case management services. It also helps veterans obtain their VA and public benefits, and connects veterans and their families with other resources they need. Through a partnership with Community Housing Network of Oakland County, Southwest Solutions has expanded the program into Oakland and Macomb counties.
For information on receiving assistance from Southwest Solutions’ Supportive Services for Veterans Families, call: 313.481.7900.
About Southwest Solutions
For more than 40 years, Southwest Solutions has pursued its mission to help build a stronger and healthier community in southwest Detroit and beyond. The nonprofit organization provides more than 50 programs and partnerships in the areas of human development, economic development and resident engagement. These three areas together form a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization strategic effort that helps more than 25,000 a year. For more information, visit www.swsol.org.
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