Who are homeless veterans?
The U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) says homeless veterans are mostly male (2 percent are women). The vast majority are not married and come from poor, disadvantaged communities; 45 percent suffer from mental illness and one-half have substance abuse problems. America's homeless veterans have served in World War II, Korea, Cold War, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Lebanon, Desert Storm, the military's anti-drug cultivation efforts in South America, and during peacetime.
How many homeless veterans are there?
Although accurate numbers are impossible to come by as there are no national records on homeless veterans, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that more than 275,000 veterans are homeless on any given night, and, more than 500,000 experience homelessness over the course of a year. Conservatively, one out of every four adult homeless males who is sleeping in a doorway, alley, or box in our cities and rural communities has put on a uniform and served our country.
Why are veterans homeless?
In addition to the complex set of factors affecting the entire homeless population … job layoffs, substance abuse, an extreme shortage of affordable housing and lack of access to health care . . . a large number of displaced and at-risk veterans live with lingering effects of combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These hardships, often compounded by a loss of family and social support networks, make the issue of homelessness a difficult social challenge.
The New England Center for Homeless Veterans' proven program for homeless
and at-risk veterans has a track record of success founded on veterans
helping veterans. Our program is one of the nation's best because it
draws on veterans shared experiences with fellow veterans who are succeeding
at bettering themselves.
How does a veteran who finds him- or herself
homeless become a resident of the New England Center for Homeless Veterans?
Do I need to prove I am a veteran?
If you are a veteran who is homeless, come into 17 Court Street, any
time of the day or night, and request assistance. Veteran status will
be verified through your DD214 (discharge form). If you do not have
a DD214 readily available, NECHV staff will make an emergency request
from St Louis for the appropriate information.
 Do
I have to be a homeless veteran to participate in a program supported
by the New England Center for Homeless Veterans?
Currently, the Veterans Technical Training Institute (Veterans
Training School) is the only program available for non-residents
of the NECHV. However, any veteran who is enrolled in the VetTech program
may utilize all services offered by the NECHV.
How many residents does the New England
Center for Homeless Veterans house each night?
On average, the NECHV provides shelter for 250 residents on any given
night. We are currently experiencing a daily occupancy overflow of 70+
veterans.
What is expected of a resident during their
stay at the New England Center for Homeless Veterans?
Clients of the New England Center for Homeless Veterans are expected
to address the issues that led them to becoming homeless, i.e. socioeconomic,
substance abuse, medical, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc. Clients
are also expected to abide by the rules of no alcohol, drugs, weapons,
or fighting.
Where is the New England Center for Homeless
Veterans located?
The New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans is located at 17 Court Street in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. We are open 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for both men and women. The main phone number is 617-371-1800.
Are you just a shelter?
No. We are a full-service facility for clients. Through our continuum of care, veterans who come through our door with issues to address will work through our program and toward a goal of self-sufficiency and permanent housing.
Are you affiliated with the Veterans Administration?
Although we are an independent not-for-profit organization, the Shelter works closely with the VA Healthcare System in a number of areas. VA per diem grants support up to 30 beds in our programs for Post Detox Stabilization, Frail Elderly, and Chronically Mentally Ill homeless veterans, plus up to 16 beds in our Women’s Program. In addition, the VA supports client participation in our Day Program and coursework that eligible veterans take in our on-site Veterans Training School. Some VA clinicians work on-site at the Shelter daily, in close collaboration with our Clinical Services staff, and we refer all clients who are eligible for VA services to local VA hospitals, outpatient clinics, and veterans’ centers.
Where do most of your clients come from?
While our client base is primarily from Massachusetts, we have seen veterans from all 50 states.
Do you serve women veterans?
We help all veterans in need, although less than 3% of the veterans who come through our door each year are women veterans. We do provide a 16-bed residential dormitory to house our women veterans.
How long may a veteran stay at the shelter?
As long as is required for an individual's particular situation. Since each client has different issues and needs, provided he/she is working toward the goals of independent living, they may utilize shelter services. The average stay at the shelter is nine months to a year.
|
