Homeless Veteran Service Providers > Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs
WSDVA Sets Pace for Serving Homeless Women Veterans
The Veterans Services Division (VSD) of the State of Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) has the responsibility of helping homeless veterans in the state. In 2002, VSD noted a gap in services that were available to homeless women, who represent a much higher percentage of the state's homeless population (16.5%) than the national average (6%), and who face unique challenges.
With a budget of $3.7 million already dedicated to existing services, VSD in 2002 applied to the Department of Labor-Veterans' Employment and Training Service (DOL-VETS) for a Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) grant to help provide employment services for homeless female veterans. The agency was awarded a grant of $249,638 to launch the Homeless Women Veterans Reintegration Project (HWVRP) in July 2002. The program was renewed in 2003 for $249,595 and continues to offer supportive services for an estimated 450 homeless women veterans in Washington.
The WVRP program is designed to help employable homeless female veterans overcome obstacles to finding steady employment and gain access to supportive services that will enable them to succeed in reentering the workforce. Along with their homelessness, clients may have to deal with legal issues, mental and physical health challenges and drug addiction. Many have dependent children and are the only source of family income.
WDVA offers a wide range of services, including:
- Providing assistance with immediate needs such as food, clothing and shelter.
- Outreach to homeless providers to identify women veterans who need help.
- Employability skills assessments.
- Job readiness services – housing needs analysis, therapeutic work, resume development and employment opportunity referrals.
- Shelter placement.
- Transitional and permanent housing referrals.
- 30, 90 and 180-day follow-up services for women receiving permanent housing placement and employment.
- Health referrals – including referrals for dental, vision and mental health services.
- A limited amount of prescription assistance.
- Job-related needs, such as clothing, transportation, child care, food and other financial assistance.
- Education assistance, including remedial courses, trade certification and licensing.
- Referrals for domestic abuse, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sexual trauma treatment and supportive services.
- VA benefits and other services, such as disability claims, SSI and other income supports.
HWVRP has found a strong connection between sexual trauma and PTSD among homeless female veterans. Case studies show that due to fear, a sense of shame or not being aware help is available, many women have never received the counseling and supportive services they need to regain a sense of normalcy. The HWVRP program
enlists the assistance of a veterans' benefits specialist (VBS) who helps these women apply for VA benefits while HWVRP connects them with the health care and other services they need through the local provider network.
HVRP grantees must demonstrate a linkage to other mainstream services that will benefit homeless veterans in the community. HWVRP staff members serve on several homeless coalitions and other groups that focus on the needs of veterans and the homeless. This activity enhances public awareness of HWVRP services and maximizes institutional knowledge of community resources and potential partnerships. Organizations with which HWVRP collaborates include those providing resources such as food stamps, child care, employment, training, clothing, veteran services, medical care, housing and many others.
HWVRP implemented a unique electronic networking system that helps publicize the services it offers. By alerting every legislator, relevant nonprofit community-based organization and public agency, the program extends its outreach to all parts of the state. A widespread mailing of HWVRP brochures and flyers complements the effort. HWVRP believes this networking system has proven very effective in coordinating services and could be implemented in all parts of the country.
In addition to its innovative utilization of a veteran benefits specialist and electronic networking, HWVRP has worked with its community partners to hold a conference for female veterans and providers who assist veterans struggling with homelessness and PTSD. Those partners include VA medical centers, Women Organizing Women, local Veteran Centers, the King County Veterans Program and Veterans Independent Enterprises of Washington.
HWVRP Outcomes for July 2002-June 2003:
Goal Actual % of Goal
Program Enrollments 125 113 90%
Housing Placements 95 84 88%
Employment Placements 87 84 97%
Average wage @ placement $8.25 $9.35 113%
Placement Rate 70% 74% 106%
HWVRP set challenging goals for itself in FY 2002, enjoying considerable success in placing clients in employment that pays a living wage. The goals that were not reached were within the acceptable range and were impressive enough to earn program funding renewal in 2003. Among homeless veteran women statewide, one in four was enrolled in the program, and one in five attained housing and employment. There were many clients not counted in the HVRP report who gained access to disability and medical benefits.
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