serving veterans throughout minnesota · macv locations: st. paul headquarters: 360 robert street...

SERVING VETERANS THROUGHOUT MINNESOTANathaniel Saltz – Program Director

Sara Sommarstrom – Vetlaw Director

Ending Homelessness Among Veterans

A VETERAN DEFINED…. Principled Uprightness of CharacterPrincipled Uprightness of CharacterPersonal IntegrityHonorSacrifice

MACV Mission:MACV Mission: To provide assistance throughout

Minnesota to positively motivated veterans and their

families who are homeless or experiencing other life crises.

MACV accomplishes this by providing direct services or byMACV accomplishes this by providing direct services or by

collaborating with other agencies/providers.

MACV Vision To be an enthusiastic, proactive champion and national leader creating and supporting alliances and partnerships to assist veterans who arealliances and partnerships to assist veterans who are threatened with or experiencing homelessness.

About MACV501(c)(3) Nonprofit501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Established 1990

Operates 3 Regional Offices for p gstatewide outreach: Mankato, Duluth, and the Twin Cities Metro; Headquarters in St. Paul.

Certified by Minnesota Charities Review Council & Better Business Bureau

Audited ANNUALLY and throughout the year by specific funders

MACV Locations:

St. Paul Headquarters:360 Robert Street North

MACV-Duluth5209 Ramsey Street

Suite 306St. Paul, MN 55101

Duluth, MN 55807

MACV-Metro: One Veterans Drive VAHCS Building 47Minneapolis, MN 55417

MACV-Mankato12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 1615Mankato, MN 56011

p

VA BENEFITSVA BENEFITSHealth Care Research Disabilities and Pensions Home Loan Guarantees Memorial Affairs – National CemeteryMemorial Affairs National Cemetery

VETERANS ADMINISTRATIONVHA –Veterans Health Care VBA –Veterans BenefitsVBA Veterans Benefits

MILITARY AND VETERANSMILITARY AND VETERANS

NO SAFE PLACE – NO SAFE ROLE

Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)Operation New Dawn (OND)

National Findings (OEF/OIF)Approximately 1 7 million have deployed since 2001Approximately 1.7 million have deployed since 2001

34% have deployed multiple times 28% N ti l G d R i t ( i 36 ld)28% are National Guard or Reservists (average age is 36 years old) 46% of Regular Forces are under 25 years old; for many this is the firsttime they have left home

Approximately 895,000 OEF/OIF veterans are separated from the militaryand ELIGIBLE for VA services

MILITARY AND VETERANS

Roughly one in every 5 suffer from a major depression or PTSD, estimatedat 300,000. Only half have sought treatment.

A t ibl b i i j i f l i thAs many or more report possible brain injuries from explosions or otherhead wounds. An estimated 50%–60% of spouses of TBI patients sufferdepression.

Roughly 50% have spouses and children

Reasons for not seeking help were cited as concern over side effects ofmedication, they believed family and friends would help, or they feared seekingmight damage their military careers.

MILITARY AND VETERANS National Findings (OEF/OIF) Continued…

Studies have found that veterans returning fromcombat are 63% more likely to report new-onset heavydrinking than those not deployed to combat zones;young veterans had the highest risk for developingalcohol-related problems.

Alcohol is commonly used as a coping mechanism after traumatic events.

MILITARY AND VETERANS National Findings (OEF/OIF) Continued…

Women in the Military An estimated 180,000 OEF/OIF veterans are women

According to the DoD in 2010, more than 30,000 single mothers have deployed to Iraq & Afghanistansingle mothers have deployed to Iraq & Afghanistan.

Women now make up:

15% of active duty military 17% of National Guard/Reserves 20% of New Recruits

MILITARY AND VETERANS

390,000 Veterans Live in Minnesota MN is 21st in population; 5th in size of National Guard

MN Army Air National Guard has been in over 33 countriesyin the last 5 years

MILITARY AND VETERANS National Findings (OEF/OIF) Continued…

974 Water Towers in Minnesota……974 Water Towers in Minnesota……585 have deployed service

personnel in OEF/OIF

NATIONAL GUARD LOCATIONS 

25 & DOWN25 & DOWN

26‐75 PAX

76 & UP

20–25% of the veterans recently backfrom tours of duty are UNEMPLOYED.Of those employed since leaving theOf those employed since leaving themilitary, 25% earn less than $21,840year.

Source: Department of Veterans Affairs survey of 1941 veterans

Leading Cause of death of O O C C Sreturned veterans: MOTORCYCLES

In the Headlines“Long Iraq Tours Make Home a TryingFront”

“B ttl W ”“Battle Worn”

“When Troops Bring the War Home”

“H d d f I V t H l ”“Hundreds of Iraq Vets are Homeless”

“Treating War’s Toll on the Mind”

“F T St Li i H d”“For Troops, Stress a Lingering Hazard”

Unique injuries and mental h l h i ihealth issues among veterans returning 

from Iraq and Afghanistan

• TBI - increasing evidence that combat-related TBI are a frequent occurrence. One half of all injuries are TBI due to explosion (mostly mild). Most common physical injuryphysical injury.

• PTSD - the VA defined PTSD as a type of anxiety that affects people who’ve experienced a particular traumatic event that creates intense fear, h l l h 20% ( f fi ) f I t ( ki h l ) hhelplessness or horror. 20% (one of five) of Iraq veterans (seeking help) have PTSD with women suffering more pronounced and debilitating forms of PTSD.

• SUD – includes both abuse and dependence of alcohol and drugs. SUD can create or exacerbate problems for homeless veterans looking for work or starting new jobs. On the other hand, employment can provide a powerful motivator for people to re-examine their behaviors related to substances.

HOMELESSNESS

Homelessness Among VeteransNational Statistics

Estimated more than 67,000 homeless veterans on anyi i h (NCHV) VA i i l 20% fgiven night (NCHV) VA estimates it can only meet 20% of

the need. The other 80% is up to community basedorganizationsorganizations.

23% of all homeless are veterans 33% f ll h l t33% of all homeless men are veterans

Statistics Provide Typical Profile of a Homeless Veteran

• Typical homeless Veteran is male, single, most come from poor, disadvantaged

iti 45% ff f t l illcommunities, 45% suffer from mental illness, and 50% have substance abuse problems. More than 67% served our country for at yleast three years.

// / /• http://www1.va.gov/homeless/

An estimated 6500 female veterans are currently homelessAn estimated 6500 female veterans are currently homelessIn this country and the number is expected to continue torise (5% of total homeless veteran population)rise (5% of total homeless veteran population)

A female veteran is four times more likely to be homelessythan a female civilian

One out of 10 homeless veterans under the age of 45 isnow a woman

HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANSNational Statistics Continued….…

Female VeteransFemale VeteransUnlike their male counterparts, many have the addedburden of being single parentsg g p

Although 15% of the military is female, only 8 of 260i th N ti l C liti f H l V tprograms in the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans

network offer services specifically for women

VA recently authorized new funding to target elderly,female, and mentally-disabled veterans

HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANSNational Statistics Continued….…

“Th $15 000 th t f A“The $15,000 that former ArmyPrivate Margaret O. had in the bankg

when she left Iraq is long gone,t l h l d i ”spent on alcohol and cocaine.”

HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANSNational Statistics Continued…

Approximately 390,000 veterans in MN (23,000 female); approx. 100,000 arepp y , ( , ); pp ,getting VA Health Care, but another 70,000 are eligible (for female veteransonly 1500 are connected to the VA)

Estimated that over 4000 are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless at some point in the year 669 veterans are homeless on any given night; (250 in the Metro area)669 veterans are homeless on any given night; (250 in the Metro area) 1 in 4 homeless men are veterans

Veterans represent approx. 13% of the total homeless population (1 in 8)Veterans represent approx. 13% of the total homeless population (1 in 8) 32% of homeless veterans have served in a combat zone

Source: Wilder Research 2009 Statewide Survey of Homeless Veterans in Minnesota

HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANSMinnesota Statistics Continued….…

13% of homeless adults are veterans • 24% of homeless men are veterans89% received an honorable dischargeg95% completed HS/GED compared to 74% of general homeless pop. 60% serious mental illness70% suffer from substance abuse problems70% suffer from substance abuse problems 46% are age 45 or older 31% dual diagnosis 52% chronic health condition 27% (47% of combat Veterans) have PTSD

HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANSMinnesota Statistics Continued….…

Homeless Veterans by County/RegionHomeless Veterans by County/Region13% of Homeless Adults are Veterans Statewide

Metro Area: Greater Minnesota:Metro Area: 2% Anoka 7% Dakota

13% Hennepin*

Greater Minnesota: 24% Central 13% Northeast 8% Northwest13% Hennepin

14% Ramsey 3% Scott/Carver 2% Washington

8% Northwest 10% Southeast 10% Southwest 14% St. Louis County g y17% West Central

*Minneapolis –250 homeless veterans on any given night

HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANSMinnesota Statistics Continued….…

MN Veteran Homelessness Statistics Veterans were older than non veteran homeless menVeterans were older than non-veteran homeless men95% of homeless veterans had a high school degree 1/3 reported alcohol/drug abuse1/3 reported alcohol/drug abuse 60% reported a serious mental illness 52% had a chronic health condition

Source: Wilder Research 2009 Statewide Survey of Homeless Veterans in Minnesota

HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANSMinnesota Statistics Continued….…

Affordable Housing National Statistics HUD released a report to Congress in 2010 that stated households with ‘worst p gcase’ housing needs increased 6% between 2009- 2010. ‘Worst case’ is defined as using more than 50% of their monthly income for rent or living in substandard housing (severely cost-burdened households).

In 2010, there were 6.2 million households with ‘worst case’ needs.

O l 77 t f 100 l i it il bl d l 40 t f 100Only 77 out of 100 very low income units were available and only 40 out of 100 extremely low income units were available.

HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANS

A single parent with one child in Hennepin County wouldA single parent with one child in Hennepin County would need $19.57/hour to cover monthly expenses

If they make $12.95 they would not be eligible for MFIP, Food Stamps, free/reduced lunch, Child Care Assistance, or WICor WIC.

SO… if they earn between $12.95 and $19.57, they are not eligible for services/programs AND they are not making a living wageservices/programs AND they are not making a living wage.

Source: All expense data from JOBS NOW Coalition 2009

Minnesota Affordable Housing Statistics Continued….…

HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANS

Homeless Veterans Need…A coordinated effort that provides secure housing, food,

ti l h i l h lth b t b ftessential physical health care, substance abuse aftercare, mental health counseling, and employment assistance.

employment = housing = empowerment

HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGY

Homeless Veterans Need…According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans,According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, cost effective programs are community-based, nonprofit, ‘veterans helping veterans’ groups.

Programs that seem to work feature transitional housing settings that offer living in a structured, substance-freesettings that offer living in a structured, substance free environment with fellow veterans.

HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANS

Homeless Veterans Need… C it b d h l t i idCommunity based homeless veteran service providers are most successful when they work in collaboration with federal, state, and local government agencies and veteran service organizations.

hwww.nchv.org

HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANS

MACV PROGRAMS

MACV 2011 STATISTICS

Close to 25,000 contacts annually In 2011, we assisted over 967 veterans and their familieswith direct services; a 58% increase over 2007. Female Veterans: 7% and rising Veterans with a Disability: 65% OIF/OEF Veterans: 27% and rising

MACV PROGRAMS

Services: Intensive case management, and otherti i h t i i d ti tsupportive services such as training, education, etc.

Assistance: Direct assistance including short-term rentAssistance: Direct assistance including short-term rentassistance, security deposits, mortgage assistance, utilityassistance, transportation assistance, food vouchers, etc., p , ,

MACV PROGRAMS

MDVA & CVSO PARTNERSHIPSIn our attempt to not duplicate any service already availableto a veteran, we make sure a referral is made to the CVSO(County Veterans Service Officer) in order that the veterancan be assessed for eligibility in county/state programssuch as:

State Soldiers Assistance Program, Special Needs, Dentaland Eye Care, Education Benefits

MACV Funding Sources Program Fees from the Veteran Participants Federal VA Grant & Per Diem – Building 47 State Grants MN Dept of Veteran Affairs Office of Economic OpportunityState Grants MN Dept of Veteran Affairs, Office of Economic Opportunity Federal Grants DOL HVRP, HUD, SSVF, EFSP, ESG/CDBGDonations (Unrestricted & Restricted) – Foundations, Corporate Giving, IndividualsFundraising Events and Campaigns

MACV PROGRAMS

Eligibility for Services

Veteran status verified – DD214 -181 days Active Duty Service Homeless Status (some programs) Prevention (some programs)Financial need and meet specific program guidelines Mi t R id t 30 d ( t )Minnesota Resident 30 days (most programs) Must be positively motivated to make a change

MACV PROGRAMS

What We Assess with the Veteran Housing Status gHealth Status, mental & chemical Medical Problems Employment & Income StatusEmployment & Income Status Appropriate Housing Living Skills E & D t l CEye & Dental Care Legal Issues

MACV PROGRAMS

What We Provide…Transitional & Permanent Housing with Supportive Services Eviction PreventionEviction Prevention Mortgage Foreclosures Utility Payments Transportation Bus passes Gas CardsTransportation Bus passes Gas Cards Food Vouchers Clothing Vouchers Employment AssistanceEmployment Assistance Tax & Legal Referrals Case Management Network of Providers for ReferralsNetwork of Providers for Referrals

MACV PROGRAMS

Desired Outcomes Placement in appropriate housingPlacement in appropriate housing Increased level of life/living skills Increased level of income Increased level of financial responsibility Increased level of health (mental & physical) Increased level of responsibility and connection to the communityIncreased level of responsibility and connection to the community Increased ability to interact in relationships

MACV PROGRAMS

MACV HQMACV – HQKathleen Vitalis – President/CEO: 651.291.8756

Cari Canning Chief Operating OfficerNathaniel Saltz Program DirectorSara Sommarstrom Vetlaw DirectorRebecca Geragi Operations Administrator

MACV PROGRAMS

MACV METROMACV – METROJimmy Collier, Regional Director: 612.726.1327

Sean Patterson Outreach ManagerCindy Larson Program ManagerEdwin Williams SIL Housing Case ManagerDoran Hocker Case ManagerMichele Hickman Case ManagerMichele Hickman Case ManagerKevin Tendall Employment Coordinator

MACV PROGRAMS

Transitional Housing MetroMetro

Building 47 13 Veterans gMinneapolis SIL(s) 20 VeteransSt. Cloud SIL 3 VeteransMaplewood SIL 7 Veterans *St. Paul SIL Women

MACV PROGRAMSMetro Continued…

VA GRANT & PER DIEMVeterans must be found eligible by the VA Health Care for Homeless Veterans Outreach Team to be funded by this grantOutreach Team to be funded by this grant -13 Beds-Can be up to 2 years -VA & MACV co-case manage each veteranVA & MACV co case manage each veteran-Reimbursed only for total expenditures at $38.90/day

To compare, the state funded MSOP (MN Sex Offender Program), which provides p , ( g ), pguidelines governing appropriate referrals and placements for sex offenders identified as high risk and likely to be forwarded to the county attorney for civil commitment consideration as sexual psychopathic personalities/sexually dangerous persons at $328/per day per diem$ p y p

MACV PROGRAMSMetro Continued…

Mental Health Homeless Program (MHHP)

VA th t h t t h l t h hVA program that reaches out to homeless veterans who have mental, chemical, and/or physical health needs.

VAHCS MHHP Team refers into Building 47VAHCS MHHP Team refers into Building 47

Outreach to Community Shelters

VA grant per diem (GPD) takes 30,000 homeless veterans off the street each year

MACV PROGRAMSMetro Continued…

MACV SIL HOUSESMACV SIL HOUSESSTRUCTURED INDEPENDENT LIVINGSTRUCTURED INDEPENDENT LIVINGMinnesota Assistance Council for Veterans provides a structured program that

i th h l t th t t i b d ti b fgives the homeless veteran the support to again become a productive member of the community, the knowledge that the community cares, and the confidence to build relationships. It is intended to give back to veterans the way of life she or he fought to preserve. Life in the SIL houses is NOT a preparation—it is an experience oug t to p ese e e t e S ouses s O a p epa at o t s a e pe e ceof life as it really is. Life requires a balancing of rights and responsibilities. Life is interplay of work and reward. Life is the price and product of freedom. Transitional Housing: Temporary housing combined with supportive services to assist veterans overcome the problems and conditions that resulted in their having become homeless-can be up to 24 months

MINNEAPOLIS SIL HOUSE

MINNEAPOLIS SIL HOUSE

MINNEAPOLIS SIL HOUSE

MINNEAPOLIS SIL HOUSE

MINNEAPOLIS SIL HOUSE

MINNEAPOLIS SIL HOUSE

RICHFIELD SIL HOUSE

RICHFIELD SIL HOUSE

ST. CLOUD SIL HOUSE

HVRP Homeless Veterans ReintegrationHVRP Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program – DOL Vets (Metro Region)4 years (July 2012–June 2016)

Annual re–certification

Funds Employment Case Management

Employment Development Plan All Metro MACV Participants are assessed to identify employability barriers

From this an employment plan is designed if enrolled into HVRP

121 veterans were placed into permanent employment from July 1 thru

June 30 representing annual gross wages of $3 200 000June 30, representing annual gross wages of $3,200,000.

MACV PROGRAMSMetro Continued…

1. Accelerated learning curve.Veterans have the proven ability to learn new skills and concepts. In addition, they can enter your workforce with identifiable and transferable skills, proven in real-world situations. This background can enhance your organization's productivityenhance your organization s productivity.

2. Leadership.The military trains people to lead by example as well as through direction, delegation, motivation, and inspiration. Veterans understand the practical ways to manage behaviors for results, even in the most trying circumstances They also know the dynamics of leadership as part of both hierarchical and peertrying circumstances. They also know the dynamics of leadership as part of both hierarchical and peer structures.

3. Teamwork.Veterans understand how genuine teamwork grows out of a responsibility to one's colleagues. Military duties involve a blend of individual and group productivity. They also necessitate a perception of how g p p y y p pgroups of all sizes relate to each other and an overarching objective.

4. Diversity and inclusion in action.Veterans have learned to work side by side with individuals regardless of diverse race, gender, geographic origin, ethnic background, religion, and economic status as well as mental, physical, and

ttit di l biliti Th h th iti it t t ith diff t t f i di id lattitudinal capabilities. They have the sensitivity to cooperate with many different types of individuals.

5. Efficient performance under pressure.Veterans understand the rigors of tight schedules and limited resources. They have developed the capacity to know how to accomplish priorities on time, in spite of tremendous stress. They know the critical importance of staying with a task until it is done rightcritical importance of staying with a task until it is done right.

6. Respect for procedures.Veterans have gained a unique perspective on the value of accountability. They can grasp their place within an organizational framework, becoming responsible for subordinates' actions to higher supervisory levels. They know how policies and procedures enable an organization to exist.

7. Technology and globalization.Because of their experiences in the service, veterans are usually aware of international and technical trends pertinent to business and industry. They can bring the kind of global outlook and technological savvy that all enterprises of any size need to succeed.

8. Integrity.Veterans know what it means to do "an honest day's work." Prospective employers can take advantage of a track record of integrity, often including security clearances. This integrity translates into qualities of sincerity and trustworthiness.

9. Conscious of health and safety standards.Thanks to extensive training, veterans are aware of health and safety protocols both for themselves and the welfare of others. Individually, they represent a drug-free workforce that is cognizant of maintaining personal health and fitness. On a company level, their awareness and conscientiousness translate into protection of employees, property, and materials.

10. Triumph over adversity.In addition to dealing positively with the typical issues of personal maturity, veterans have frequently triumphed over great adversity. They likely have proven their mettle in mission critical situations demanding endurance, stamina, and flexibility. They may have overcome personal disabilities through strength and determinationstrength and determination.

http://hirevetsfirst.dol.gov/10reasons.asp

MACV – DULUTHSteve Saari Regional Director: 218.722.8763g

Paul Pedersen Outreach ManagerCliff Gawne Mark Program ManagerCliff Gawne-Mark Program Manager

Cynthia Finley Program Coordinator Leslie Perrett Employment Coordinator

J Li i t C MJon Livingston Case ManagerDerek Uttley Case ManagerKayla Simon Case ManagerScott Grother Case Manager

MACV PROGRAMS

Duluth Regional ProgramsHUD NE Minnesota Counties – 6 Disabled Veterans & their Families

HUD St. Louis County – Supportive Services

Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program (HVRP) –Employment Services

36 county Outreach Program

Duluth SIL – 5 bedrooms

Duluth Veterans’ Place – Transitional & Permanent Housing

MACV PROGRAMS

DULUTH SILDULUTH ‐ SIL

Duluth Veterans’ PlaceDuluth Veterans’ PlaceRamsey Neighborhood – West DuluthPartnership with Roof Community Housing (Developer) Project is a priority within ‘Heading Home St. Louis County’ Plan to End Homelessness.

5 Units of Transitional Housing 11 U it f P t H i ith S ti S i11 Units of Permanent Housing with Supportive Services for VeteransDuluth Office Co-located

MACV PROGRAMS

DULUTH VETERANS’ PLACE (BEFORE)

ARCHITECT’S RENDITION

MACV – MANKATOSusan Worlds, Regional Director: 507.345.8258

Cher l Klinkner Program Assistant/Case MngrCheryl Klinkner Program Assistant/Case Mngr.

Luke Weinandt Case Manager

MACV PROGRAMS

Mankato Area Emergency Food &Mankato Area Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP) Funds Rental Assistance to prevent eviction or for 1st months rent…no damage deposits

Funds not used for this at the end of the year are turned into food purchases which are distributed to the CVSO from the county where the funding originated

By County

Blue Earth Martin MN Valley Multi-CountyBlue Earth Martin MN Valley Multi CountyMACV PROGRAMS

M k t H iMankato HousingPaul & Dorothy Radichel Town HomesPaul & Dorothy Radichel Town Homes 11 Units Permanent HousingSupportive Services for Disabled VeteransOpened Fall 2006

MACV PROGRAMS

RADICHEL TOWN HOMESRADICHEL TOWN HOMES

Supportive Services P id f d di tProvide for and coordinate:chemical dependency treatmentmental health treatment

Transportationmoney management training and/or

day-carelife skills trainingeducational services

counselingre-establishment of socialization skillstraining to increase basic livingeducational services

family supportgambling addiction treatment

training to increase basic living skills and/or income to prepare for obtaining and retaining permanent housing.

MACV PROGRAMS

Permanent Supportive Housing: Provides and coordinates services that are needed to assist a veteran and his family in acquiring and retaining permanent housing.

Permanent Housing: The veteran and his family, are fully integrated into the community.

MACV PROGRAMS

VETLAW Identify and address legal issues that present barriers to y g phousing stability and employmentProvide direct legal services through clinics, referrals, and representationrepresentation

Legal ClinicsAttorney Referral Network

StandDown Court

MACV PROGRAMS

StandDown Court

Legal Barriers as Identified by VeteransLegal Barriers as Identified by Veterans

• Criminal charges and “Overall, family and legalCriminal charges and convictions

• Family Law

Overall, family and legal concerns rank as the four highest ranked y

– Child Support

– Divorce

unmet needs, ahead of permanent, transitional, d• Restricted drivers 

license

and emergency housing”

• Re‐entry services for incarcerated veterans CHALENG report 2010

Source: 2010 CHALENG report

Two Service Models for Addressing l dUnmet Veterans Legal Needs

Child Support Initiative Veterans treatment courtsChild Support Initiative

• Collaboration between VA, ABA, and OCSE

Veterans treatment courts& StandDown courts

• VTCs open to all veterans, diff i b• 11 pilot sites nationwide

• Local models differ based h ld d

differ in scope by jurisdiction

• StandDown Courts are on child support system and available resources

• Mixture of pro bono/staff

Sta d o Cou ts a eHomeless Courts aimed at Veterans

R l i b iMixture of pro bono/staff

• National network to resolve interstate issues

• Resolving barriers to stability while identifying available VA services

Need for Veterans Child Support Assistance

Vietnam Era Veterans OIF/OEF VeteransVietnam Era Veterans

• High instance of unmodified orders, many covering decades in 

OIF/OEF Veterans

• Experiencing high rates of divorce and family law involvement, y g

which the vet was disabled or otherwise unable to work.

• Unlikely to contact child support or case management systems for

and family law involvement.

• Education and assistance can prevent them from owing tens of thousands in the futureor case management systems for 

assistance.• Many have arrears only

thousands in the future.

Challenges to Self‐RepresentationChallenges to Self Representation

• Mental and Physical Health IssuesIssues Distrust of the system andb ibureaucracies Lack of legal knowledge I t bilit Instability “Deadbeat Dad” stigma

Unmodified Child Support Orders as b lBarrier to Stability

Child t i th d t it d• Child support is the second most cited 

problem faced by homeless veterans.

• Enforcement tools include garnishment, 

license suspension, and contempt 

proceedingsproceedings.

• Effect on psyche and relationships

Minnesota Legal Clinicsg

GPD / Transitional HousingGPD / Transitional Housing HVRP / Employment Assistance

HVRP / Employment AssistanceAssistanceAssistance

Case M t /

Case M t /Management / 

OutreachManagement / 

Outreach

Statewide 501c3 nonprofit established in 1990

Rental AssistanceRental Assistance Legal Clinics / StandDownsLegal Clinics / StandDowns

in 1990

Minnesota Legal ClinicsMinnesota Legal Clinics

•Minnesota Assistance Council for     Benefits

Collaboration

Veterans•Volunteer Attorneys•Volunteer Law Students Legal 

Pro Bono

Child Support

Benefits Assistance

Volunteer Law Students•County Veteran Service Officers•County Child Support Workers•Health Care for Homeless Veterans

ClinicsCase Mgmt

•Health Care for Homeless Veterans(Case Managers through VA Hospitals)

Vetlaw Legal Clinics

Have assisted over 1,000 veterans at free legal clinics throughout Minnesota in first 2 yearsthroughout Minnesota in first 2 years

MACV holds bi-monthly clinics at the Minneapolis VAHCS as well as at outstate StandDown sites

Partners with volunteer and legal services attorneys, child support, CVSO’s, law students, and VJO’s to provide service

Brief services include pro se family law filings, criminal expungement requests, simple wills, consumer law, benefits, and other civil legal matters appropriate for self representation

Vetlaw Referral Network

Developing statewide referral network to legal p g gservices, pro bono, and low cost representation for homeless and in-crisis veterans low income

MACV partners with public and private attorneys to leverage existing legal resources

O 30 t i 2011 h i d f ll Over 30 veterans in 2011 have received full representation services through Vetlaw

Marketing and Outreach

StandDown Court

Over 150 veterans have resolved outstanding criminal charges, tickets, and warrants at MACV StandDown throughout Minnesota

Community Service conducted onsiteCommunity Service conducted onsite Statewide jurisdictional statement obtained from

Minnesota Chief Justice P i f h d i ti t i Primary focus on charges and convictions stemming

from homelessness

StandDowns 2012StandDowns 2012• Minneapolis - August 1st and 2ndMinneapolis - August 1st and 2nd

2011: 855 Veterans served – 66 Service Providers – 250 Volunteers

• Duluth - August 24th2011: 250 Veterans served – 45 Service Providers – 30 Volunteers

B idji S t b 26th• Bemidji – September 26th2011: 162 Veterans served – 40 Service Providers – 25 Volunteers

• Grand Rapids – September 27th2011: 90 Veterans served – 40 Service Providers – 30 Volunteers

• International Falls – August 29th• Rochester - October 9th

2011: 99 Veterans served – 30 Service Providers – 15 Volunteers

• Mankato - November 14th2011: 319 Veterans served – 43 Service Providers – 25 Volunteers

MACV 2011 STATISTICS

Close to 25,000 contacts annually

967 veterans were assisted with direct i t t id i 72 tiservices statewide in 72 counties.

P t H i S l ti f V tPermanent Housing Solutions for Veterans

Alliance Apartments (Minneapolis) Family Homeless Prevention Assistance p ( p )Al Loehr Studio Apartments (St. Cloud)Veterans and Community Housing (Minneapolis) MACV

yProgram (FHPAP)

Public Housing AuthoritiesMACV Radichel Townhomes Duluth Veterans’ PlaceHomeless Prevention Assistance

Public Housing Authorities Housing Choice Vouchers

HUD VASH Vouchers –VA Supportive Housing Program

HUD Multi-Family subsidized developments Mortgage and Rental Assistance Programs

Minneapolis St. Paul St. CloudMankatoPrograms MankatoDuluth

What YOU can do for usP id h d t il d i f ti ibl hProvide as much detailed information as possible when you make the referral

Leverage other sources of funding

Make a connection with the CVSO

PLEASE CALL WITH QUESTIONS

TO SUMMARIZE…We fill the gaps…Some programs have very strict income guidelines that even though you are unemployed, they base your incomeoff the past 3 months which disqualifies the applicant

Others have restrictions based on disabilities

Other programs, you MUST be employed

Assistance such as energy or even benefits that have beenapplied for, experience a time lag from application to actualbenefit received of 1- 4 months.

AND IN THE MEANTIME, WHILE THEY WAIT…

things get worse...things get worse.

KEYS TO OUR SUCCESS STATEWIDESTATEWIDE

Non-Duplicated Services

Leveraged Sources of Funding

Partners & Collaborators

Case Management

Bridge the Gap – Be the Safety NetBridge the Gap Be the Safety Net

Veteran Resources Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans: Provides assistance throughoutMi t t iti l ti t d t d th i f ili h h lMinnesota to positively motivated veterans and their families who are homelessor experiencing other life crises. www.mac-v.org

A li i f ll h C VCounty Veteran Service Officers Directory: A listing of all the County VeteranService Officers (CVSO) in each county. The listing is available in both on-lineand PDF versions. www.macvso.org/cvso.html

Minnesota Veteran One Stop Website: This website was developed to provideMinnesota Veterans, their families and employers a one stop location forInformation or links available for veterans. www.minnesotaveteran.org/

V t RVeteran Resources Veterans Linkage Line 1-888-LINKVET (546-5838) For active duty military members to retirees to veterans and allFor active duty military members to retirees to veterans and all

concernedFamily members

MDVA manages the LinkVet call center.

During business hours, MDVA staff provide information on veterans’benefits, healthcare, education, and reintegration.

The line will roll to Crisis Connection counselors for 24-hour, seven daysa week coverage (including holidays) for immediate crisis interventionand psychological counseling.

www mac v orgwww.mac-v.org

“ G“We are a National Guard Family. Recently my

husband lost his job due to active duty orders. This is

being investigated through federal and state

agencies, but we are about to be evicted and our

utilities shut off. We are the parents of triplet girls

and we are frantic. He has lost a lot of wages due toand we are frantic. He has lost a lot of wages due to

this ignorant employer. Do you help people like us or

do you know who can? We are desperate ”do you know who can? We are desperate…”

An 89 year old decorated Army AF Fighter Pilot WWII (1942 1945) Facing a financial setback d eWWII (1942-1945). Facing a financial setback due to some unexpected bills, he and his wife were facing a shut off notice from the gas company.

OIF Veteran isOIF Veteran is going through

several surgeries th t i

WWII Veteran recently laid off from work; needed

i t ith tilitithat are service related and in and out of work; he is Homeless Married, disabled

assistance with utilities

;supposed to have 100% rating but has not yet been

,Army veteran with 2 minor children; connected to HUD VASH but needed firsthas not yet been

received (7 weeks)VASH, but needed first month rent.

“Strange is our situation here upon earth. Each of us comes for a short visit not knowing whyof us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to divine a purpose.

From the standpoint of daily life, however, thereFrom the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know:

That man is here for the sake of other men.” -Albert Einstein