The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program provides temporary financial and supportive services to help veterans and their families find and maintain housing. The program operates through partnerships between the VA and non-profit organizations, including community-based organizations and consumer cooperatives.
Here's how the SSVF program typically works:
Eligibility - veterans and their families who are at-risk of homelessness or are already homeless are eligible for the SSVF program. To participate, veterans must have served at least one day during an active wartime period and meet certain income requirements.
Application - veterans and their families can apply for the SSVF program through a participating non-profit organization. The organization will assess the family's needs and determine if they are eligible for the program.
Services provided - participating non-profit organizations provide a range of services to eligible veterans and their families, including:
Temporary financial assistance to help with housing expenses
Case management services to help veterans and their families access other resources and services, such as medical care, employment assistance, and legal services
Help with finding and maintaining housing, including rental assistance and security deposit support
Program duration - the SSVF program provides services for up to 12 months, and may provide additional services on a case-by-case basis if needed.
The goal of the SSVF program is to help veterans and their families quickly return to stable housing and prevent homelessness from reoccurring. The SSVF program is a critical resource for veterans and their families who are facing housing insecurity or homelessness. Here are a few more details about the program:
Funding: The SSVF program is funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs and administered through local non-profit organizations.
Partner Organizations: The program partners with non-profit organizations that have a track record of serving veterans and their families, and have the capacity to provide the services required by the program.
Coordination with other programs: The SSVF program works closely with other VA programs and services, such as the Veterans Affairs Health Care for Homeless Veterans program, to ensure that veterans receive comprehensive support and services. The program also coordinates with state and local homeless programs, and with other non-profit organizations that serve veterans and their families.
Outcomes: The SSVF program has been successful in reducing veteran homelessness and helping veterans and their families maintain stable housing. Participating veterans and their families have reported improved housing stability, increased income, and improved health and well-being.
Overall, the SSVF program provides a vital lifeline for veterans and their families who are facing housing insecurity or homelessness. By providing temporary financial assistance, case management, and support in finding and maintaining housing, the program helps veterans and their families quickly return to stable, secure housing and prevent homelessness from reoccurring.
If you’re a veteran and would like more information about this program or if you have any questions regarding veteran housing and homelessness, please call our housing case manager at 575-613-6472.