Combining the time, talents, and resources of multiple stakeholders to end Veteran Homelessness in Pennsylvania Presented By: Missy Russell Veterans Program Coordinator Lawrence County Community Action Partnership

Regional Veteran Services WHAT: A multi-funded, comprehensive program that ensures all individuals with military experience (and their families) are afforded the opportunity to secure and retain safe, affordable permanent housing WHAT: A multi-funded, comprehensive program that ensures all individuals with military experience (and their families) are afforded the opportunity to secure and retain safe, affordable permanent housing WHERE: Currently the programs are offered primarily in Western Pennsylvania and impact efforts to end Veteran Homelessness in three Pennsylvania CoCs (601,603,&509) WHERE: Currently the programs are offered primarily in Western Pennsylvania and impact efforts to end Veteran Homelessness in three Pennsylvania CoCs (601,603,&509) WHY: No funding stream can address every concern or need; and many funding streams require matching and leveraging that are difficult to cultivate WHY: No funding stream can address every concern or need; and many funding streams require matching and leveraging that are difficult to cultivate WHEN: LCCAP has been operating regional programming for eight years. This particular effort was created in WHEN: LCCAP has been operating regional programming for eight years. This particular effort was created in HOW: LCCAP administers all programming as well as deliver services in Lawrence County. LCCAP contracts with organizations to deliver services in their local community. HOW: LCCAP administers all programming as well as deliver services in Lawrence County. LCCAP contracts with organizations to deliver services in their local community.

Regional Veteran Services Current Funding Streams (WHAT) The Regional Veteran Services program originally began in 2013 with a Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) contract that covered 7 Counties in Western Pennsylvania. The Regional Veteran Services program originally began in 2013 with a Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) contract that covered 7 Counties in Western Pennsylvania. In 2014, LCCAP applied for, and was awarded an Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) that exclusively serves Veterans in the original seven Counties served by the SSVF contract, and added six additional counties (total of 13 Counties served by ESG) In 2014, LCCAP applied for, and was awarded an Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) that exclusively serves Veterans in the original seven Counties served by the SSVF contract, and added six additional counties (total of 13 Counties served by ESG) In 2014, LCCAP applied for, and was awarded a Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Discretionary Grant to provide Paid Work and Supported Work experiences for Veterans enrolled in our Housing Programs in 8 counties. In 2014, LCCAP applied for, and was awarded a Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Discretionary Grant to provide Paid Work and Supported Work experiences for Veterans enrolled in our Housing Programs in 8 counties. In 2015, LCCAP applied for, and was awarded a CoC Permanent Supportive Housing, Rapid Rehousing Program for Veterans who reside in 13 Counties in Northwest Pennsylvania In 2015, LCCAP applied for, and was awarded a CoC Permanent Supportive Housing, Rapid Rehousing Program for Veterans who reside in 13 Counties in Northwest Pennsylvania

Regional Veterans Services Footprint in Pennsylvania (WHERE)

Regional Veteran Services The whole is greater than the sum of its parts (WHY) Each program had unique matching and/or leveraging requirements Each program had unique matching and/or leveraging requirements Local communities couldn’t access these important resources without a way to meet the matching/leveraging requirements Local communities couldn’t access these important resources without a way to meet the matching/leveraging requirements The HUD AAQ help desk, as will as PA DCED and our SSVF Regional Coordinator were instrumental in providing answers, in writing, regarding the eligibility of each program as match/leverage. The HUD AAQ help desk, as will as PA DCED and our SSVF Regional Coordinator were instrumental in providing answers, in writing, regarding the eligibility of each program as match/leverage. Match Requirement Leveraging Requirement Eligible to be used as Match Eligible to be used as Leverage SSVFN/A YES ESG100%N/ANOYES CSBGN/A YES CoC-RRH25%150%YES

Regional Veteran Services LCCAP Responsibilities (HOW) –Apply for and administer all grants/contracts in compliance with applicable funding entities –RFP and award sub-contractors to capable, local service providers –Deliver services within Lawrence County, PA –Fiscal oversight of all funds –File/participant approval –Timely invoicing of funding entities and timely reimbursement to subcontractors –Monitoring and training of all partners

Regional Veteran Services Sub-Contractor Responsibilities (HOW) –Hire and train competent staff –Timely invoicing –Regular Uploads/Updates of Client Files –Participation in training/meetings as designated by LCCAP –Recruit and enroll participants –Local and regional outreach where Veterans may be engaged (VFWs, VAs, Shelters, Food Pantries, etc) –Monthly case management and periodic recertification's for eligibility

Regional Veteran Services Innovative Tools for Managing the Program (HOW) Terminal Server Terminal Server  Secured server access with user names and passwords  Platform for sharing information pertaining to meeting information, program user guides, forms, etc  Allows for real time monitoring of client files and financials by LCCAP  Allows access for desk monitoring by Regional Coordinators/Monitors

Regional Veteran Services Innovative Tools for Managing the Program (HOW) Jot Form Invoicing Jot Form Invoicing SSVF Invoices: User friendly Automatic notification via of invoicing requests from partners for Program (Personnel and labor costs) and Temporary Financial Assistance for program participants

Regional Veteran Services Innovative Tools for Managing the Program (HOW)

Bi-Monthly Go-To Meetings for Technical Assistance (recorded and archived) Bi-Monthly Go-To Meetings for Technical Assistance (recorded and archived) Electronic Communication Electronic Communication Excel Trackers Excel Trackers  Screening tab  Master Client list  Projection of Expenditures  Monthly tabs containing TFA/FRA spent  Actuals  Linked spreadsheets for overall snapshot of program expenditures

Regional Veteran Services Innovative Tools for Managing the Program (HOW)

Regional Veterans Program Value (HOW) Program Resources Supportive Services for Veteran Families (1 yr contract) $858,000 Emergency Solutions Grant (2 yr contract—1 yr value listed) $580,000 Community Services Block Grant (1 yr contract) $105,000 CoC-Rapid Rehousing $53,994 Annual Total Program Value $1,642,994 Approximate annual budget per County $165,000

Regional Veterans Program Impact 687 Individuals served (396 Veterans) since Individuals served (396 Veterans) since % served were extremely low income (under 30% AMI) 44% served were extremely low income (under 30% AMI) 51% of households served were literally homeless 51% of households served were literally homeless 96% of households exited successfully to permanent housing 96% of households exited successfully to permanent housing

Success Stories OIF homeless veteran and family displaced from Tampa, Florida living out of their van referred to our program by a local homeless agency. Immediate assistance with intensive case management was provided and the family obtained cash assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, housing search, inspection, placement, and for emergency shelter assistance, including connections to local VA benefits. Also utilized was the Homeless Initiative for school placement which included free school uniforms for their children. General Housing Stability funds provided bedding and housing items. The time from initial application for services to housing placement was 5 days. He secured a full time union job at a refractory company which matched his military skill set. A Vietnam Veteran facing eviction self-referred to our program. Our team immediately began working on eliminating barriers to homelessness. Upon assessment it was noted that he needed to gain employment to support his monthly budget. He did not have a high school diploma or GED, and lacked computer skills, a resume, as well as work history. Additionally, his general reading and comprehension skills were very limited and he also had a criminal record. The SSVF team assisted him with applying for his diploma through Operation Recognition, as well as with seeking employment and obtaining mainstream resources to support his housing stability. Over the span of two months the team assisted him with computer skills and transportation. The team also advocated for him with employers and at local establishments due to his criminal record. The Vet has obtained and maintained part time employment, received his diploma, and is on his way to recovering from his financial crisis. His success was noted in local media. Motto: You’ve served us, let us serve you!

Regional Veterans Services