Family Support Training Paul Pedersen

Community Outreach Coordinator

A Veteran Defined….

CharacterPersonal Integrity

HonorSacrifice

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 by collaborating with other agencies/providers.

MACV

• 501c3 Nonprofit• Established 1992• Operates 3 Regional offices for statewide outreach: Mankato, Duluth, Twin

Cities• Certified by MN Charities Review Council• Audited ANNUALLY by Larsen Allen and throughout the year by specific funders• Total Assets $3,578,507.00

Minnesota Locations

St. Paul Headquarters: MACV-Metro: 360 Robert Street North One Veterans DriveSuite 306 VAMC Building 47St. Paul, MN 55101 Minneapolis, MN 55417651-291-8756 612-726-1327

MACV-Duluth: MACV-Mankato101 West 2nd Street 12 Civic Center Plaza

Duluth, MN 55802 Suite 2090 218-722-8763 Mankato, MN 56011

507-345-8258

VA Programs

There Are over 24.5 million veterans in the U.S. today, representing 1.5% of the

total population

Veteran Statistics

Military and VeteransOEF/OIF National Findings

• Approximately 1.7 million have deployed since 2001• 34% have deployed multiple times• 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 first time they have left home.• Approximately 895,000 OEF/OIF veterans are

separated from the military and ELIGIBLE for VA services.

Military and VeteransOEF/OIF National Findings

Women in the Military

• An estimated 180,000 OEF/OIF veterans are women

• Women now make up 15% of active duty military

• 17% of National Guard/Reserves• 20% of New Recruits

Military and VeteransOEF/OIF National Findings

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

• As many or more report possible brain injuries from explosions or other head wounds. An estimated 50%-60% of spouses of TBI patients suffer depression.

• Roughly 50% have spouses and children• Reasons for not seeking help were cited as concern

over side effects of medication, they believed family and friends would help, or they feared seeking care might damage their military careers.

Military and VeteransOEF/OIF National Findings

• Studies have found that veterans returning from combat are 63% more likely to report new-onset heavy drinking than those not deployed to combat zones; young veterans had the highest risk for developing alcohol-related problems.

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

Minnesota Military and VeteransOIF/OEF Comments

20% of the veterans recently back from tours of duty are UNEMPLOYED. Of those employed since leaving the military, 25% earn less than $21,840/year.

Source: Department of Veterans Affairs survey of 1941 veterans

Minnesota Military and VeteransOIF/OEF Comments

Leading Cause of death of returned veterans:

MOTORCYCLES

HOMELESSNESS

Homelessness Among Veterans

National Statistics

Estimated more than 154,000 Homeless Veterans on any given night (NCHV)VA estimates it can meet 20% of the needThe other 80% is up to community based organizations.

23% of all homeless are veterans 33% of all homeless men are veterans

Homelessness Among Veterans

Minnesota Statistics *

• Approximately 410,000 veterans in MN (23,000 female); approx. 100,000 are getting VA Health Care, but another 70,000 are eligible (for female veterans only 1500 are connected to the VA)

• Estimated that over 4000 are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless at some point in the year

• 624 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)• 32% of homeless veterans have served in a combat zone

* Wilder Research 2006 Statewide Survey of Homeless Veterans in Minnesota

Homelessness Among Veterans

Minnesota Statistics *

• Veterans were older than non-veteran homeless men• 92% of homeless veterans had a high school degree• 1/3 reported alcohol/drug abuse• 60% reported a serious mental illness• 52% had a chronic health condition

* Wilder Research 2006 Statewide Survey of Homeless Veterans in Minnesota

Homelessness Among Veterans

Minnesota Statistics - Employment

• Veterans are more likely to be employed (24%). Barriers to employment are physical health and mental health, lack of transportation, age, criminal background, lack of housing.

• Unemployment rates as of May 2009:- Duluth – close to 10%- Minneapolis/St. Paul – 9%- St. Cloud – 9.8%- Rochester - 7.3%

Homeless Veterans Need….

A coordinated effort that provides secure housing, food, essential 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, the 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-free environment with

fellow veterans.

MACV

Continuum of Care

Prevention:

Assisting veterans and their families who are about to lose their residences or are

at risk of becoming homeless.

Outreach:

Veterans and their families who are experiencing homelessness.

MACV PROGRAMS

MACV 2009 STATISTICS

• Close to 12,000 contacts annually• In 2009, we assisted over 840 veterans and their

families with direct services; a 58% increase over 2007.• Female Veterans: 10% and rising• Veterans with a Disability: 65%• OIF/OEF Veterans: 21% and rising

Services: Intensive case management, and other

supportive services such as training, education, etc.

Assistance: Direct assistance including short-term rent

assistance, security deposits, mortgage assistance, utility assistance, transportation assistance, food vouchers, etc.

MACV PROGRAMS

In our attempt to not duplicate any service already available to a veteran, we make sure a referral is made to the CVSO (County Veterans Service Officer) in order that the veteran can be assessed for eligibility in county/state programs such as:

• State Soldiers Assistance Program

• Special Needs

• Dental and Eye Care

• Education Benefits

MDVA PROGRAMS

MACV Funding Sources

• Program Fees from the Veteran Participants• Federal VA Grant & Per Diem – Building 47• State Grants from MN Department of Veteran Affairs,

Office of Economic Opportunity• Federal Grants: DOL HVRP, HUD, EFSP, ESG

– ARRA HPRP Stimulus Funds in Specific Regions

• Donations (Unrestricted and Restricted)– Foundations, Corporate Giving, Individuals

• Fundraising Events/Campaigns

Eligibility for Services

• Veteran status verified – DD214 - 181 days Active Duty Service

• Homeless Status (some programs)• Prevention (some programs); must

demonstrate financial need and meet program guidelines

• Minnesota Resident (30 days most programs)

Must be Positively Motivated to Make a Change

What we Assess with the Veteran

• Housing Status• Health Status,

mental & chemical• Medical Problems• Employment &

Income Status

• Appropriate Housing• Living Skills• Eye & Dental Care• Legal Issues

What we Provide……

• Transitional & Permanent Housing with Supportive Services

• Eviction Prevention• Mortgage Foreclosures• Utility Payments• Transportation

Bus passesGas Cards

• Food Vouchers• Clothing Vouchers• Employment

Assistance• Tax & Legal Referrals• Case Management• Network of Providers for

Referrals

Desired Outcomes

• Placement 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 community• Increased ability to interact in relationships

MACV - HQ

Kathleen Vitalis – Executive Director651-222-0613

kvitalis@mac-v.org

Cari Jaksha– Operations Administrator 651-291-8756

360 Robert St. N.Suite 306

St. Paul, MN 55101

MACV – METRO REGION

Jimmy Collier – Regional Director

612-726-1327

Kimoja Emeka – Outreach Case ManagerNathaniel Saltz – Program Manager – Bldg. 47Edwin Williams – SIL Housing Case ManagerDoran Hocker – Case ManagerBrian Madson – Community Outreach &

Employment Coordinator

MACV METRO

Transitional Housing Minneapolis

Building 47 - 13 Veterans

SIL Houses - 24 Veterans

VA GRANT & PER DIEM

• Must be found eligible by the VA Health Care for Homeless Veterans Outreach Team to be funded by this grant

• 13 Beds• Can be up to 2 years• VA & MACV co-case manage each veteran• Reimbursed only for total expenditures @

$34.40/day*

Structured Independent LivingSIL Housing

• 8 SIL houses with supportive services- 6 Minneapolis, 1 Richfield, 1 St. Cloud

• 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

MACV - DULUTH

Durbin M. Keeney – Regional Director101 West 2nd Street

Duluth, MN 55802

1-218-722-8763

• Cliff Gawne-Mark – Program Manager• Steve Saari – Program Manager• Paul Pedersen – Community Outreach

Coordinator• Michael Dickinson – PT Discharge Planner

DULUTH – Major Programs

• HUD NE Minnesota Counties - 6 Disabled Veterans & their Families

• HUD – St. Louis County – Supportive Services

• Discharge Planning Pilot – St. Louis County• 38 County Outreach Program

DULUTH VETERANS’ PLACE

• Ramsey Neighborhood – West Duluth• In partnership with Northern Communities Land Trust (Developer) – Project is a Priority within ‘Heading Home St. Louis County’ Plan to End Homelessness.• 5 Units of Transitional Housing• 11 Units of Permanent Housing with Supportive

Services for veterans• Duluth Office Co-located

DULUTH VETERANS’ PLACE

• Estimated Completion - FALL 2010

• Construction Began FEB.15th

• WALL BREAKING CEREMONY

DULUTH VETERANS’ PLACE

DULUTH VETERANS’ PLACE

DULUTH VETERANS’ PLACE

MACV - MANKATO

Sue Sorenson – Regional Director

Gretchen Blais – Case Manager

12 Civic Center Plaza

Suite 2090

Mankato, MN 56001

1-507-345-8258

MANKATO HOUSING

Paul & Dorothy Radichel Town Homes

11 Units Permanent Housing with Supportive Services for Disabled Veterans

Opened Fall 2006

RADICHEL TOWN HOMES

VETLAW

• Veterans Employed Through Legal Advocacy Work

• Removes legal barriers to employment or housing

• Must be a MACV participant enrolled in one of our programs

• No criminal/defense cases

StandDowns 2010• Minneapolis - May 25th and 26th

2009: 411 Veterans served – 50 Service Providers – 150

Volunteers

• International Falls – TBD2009: 80 Veterans served – 40 Service Providers – 45 Volunteers

• Bemidji – TBD2009: 60 Veterans served – 40 Service Providers – 25 Volunteers

• Duluth - August 29th2009: 150 Veterans served – 40 Service Providers – 30 Volunteers

• Mankato - November 9th2009: 277 Veterans served – 35 Service Providers

• Rochester - New for 2010 - TBD

WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR US

• Provide 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

income off 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

been applied for, experience a time lag from application to actual benefit received of 1-4 months.

AND IN THE MEANTIME, WHILE THEY WAIT………….

KEYS TO OUR SUCCESS

STATEWIDENon-Duplicated ServicesLeveraged Sources of FundingPartners & CollaboratorsCase ManagementBridge the Gap – Be The Safety Net

Veterans’ Offices and ResourcesMinnesota Assistance Council for Veterans:

Provides assistance throughout Minnesota to positively motivated veterans and their families who are homeless or experiencing other life crises. www.mac-v.org

County Veteran Service Officers:

First point of contact to assist Veterans.

Directory: A listing of all the County Veteran Service Officers (CVSO) in each county. The listing is available in both on-line and PDF versions.http://www.macvso.org/cvso.html

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

VETERAN RESOURCESVeterans Linkage Line 1-888-LINKVET (546-5838) 

• For active duty military members to retirees to veterans and all concerned family 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 days a week

coverage (including holidays) for immediate crisis intervention and psychological counseling. 

VETERAN RESOURCES

WEBSITES• www.mac-v.org• www.nchv.org• www.va.gov

• www.mdva.state.mn.us • http://www.macvso.org/cvso.html• www.minnesotanationalguard.org • www.militaryonesource.com

“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 twin girls and 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…………….”

An 89 year old decorated Army AF Fighter Pilot WWII (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 is going through several surgeries that are service related and in and out of work; he is supposed to have 100% rating but has not yet been received (7 weeks)

Homeless, Married, disabled Army veteran with 2 minor children; connected to HUD VASH, but needed first month rent.

Collaboration with Family Assistance Center and County VSO; veteran laid off and unable to pay rent; FAC helping with food; MACV paying one month rent to prevent eviction

Collaboration with County VSO for disabled veteran with multiple health issues; VSO is in process of submitting VA claims to increase income; MACV providing mortgage assistance to prevent foreclosure.

30 year old OIF Veteran with a spouse and 3 children in need of rental assistance; collaboration with VSO and FAC.

56 year old homeless veteran in need of first month’s rent; collaboration with Workforce Center.

Female Marine Veteran with 2 children needs to move out of extremely overcrowded trailer; 20% service connected disability; we will provide ongoing case management and first month rent; veteran has applied for Voc Rehab with CVSO and plans to attend local CC using GI Bill.

Thank you for having us

……Questions?

Minnesota Locations

St. Paul Headquarters: MACV-Metro: 360 Robert Street North One Veterans DriveSuite 306 VAMC Building 47St. Paul, MN 55101 Minneapolis, MN 55417651-291-8756 612-726-1327

MACV-Duluth: MACV-Mankato101 West 2nd Street 12 Civic Center Plaza

Duluth, MN 55802 Suite 2090 218-722-8763 Mankato, MN 56011

507-345-8258