Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutProject definitionCOMPREHENSIVE VETERANS SAFE HAVEN FAMILY RETREAT AND HOMELESS OUTREACH CENTERS NETWORK PROJECT ARKANSAS FUND FOR VETERANS* 600 West Fourth North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114 Business Phone 1-501-372-3131 Fax Phone 1-501-372-3825 24-hour Crisis Phone 1-800-897-4959 AND ARKANSAS STATE COUNCIL VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA* *Nonprofit organizations TO iamKTmm Te Sr_'�i.au�saan 8 CRISIS/ HELP/ INFORMATION CENTERS Ln7LE ROCK COMPREHENSIVE HOMELESS CENTER EXHIBIT # I f VETERANS LOCAL VETERANS PETE BANS VAUES VETERANS CTRDRER OUTREACH HETWORA LOCAL VETHAM VETERANS OF AWAH CA CHAPTERS II VSO RUN STATE MADE CII WHELPI INFORMATION CENTERS COMPUTER FAX 1-M 24 RLWAL CRISIS PHONE i DIDS TO PROVOE TEMPORARY EMER ccNGY SHELTER FOR HOMELESS TRANSPORTAn011 TO ASSIST VETERANS ANO FAMILY OUTING A CRISIS SUCH AS VETERAN MATH PTSD EMERGENCY FOOD CLOTTING SHOWER AND LAMM AS RESOURCES PERMIT NFOLiMATION SOURCE LOCAL COUNTY STATE FWERAL AS AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES PERMIT COMPRET mmE SAff TIAV6R RETREAT CBHTEi C -um miLinmFoRMAmoi CENTER 14w2AwcR= PROVIMM Sfm"Tnuc7uRm ERi1RibO~NT GFlIERAL REHABILITATIVE NDEPEIEANi NCENTCYE THERAP CONUMMATEDVYORN TF6lAPY ALCAIO]L A ORAIG CO NCA ING SUPPORT GRA TIOIIAL R!<RL40UTAT1OlT GO OKERS HOUSENEEPING FOODSERVICE EBIRCA FTOMAL iws n uTES "ARTirFNT VETERANS +Agg VOLUHTEMYVA COOK FARl31 CAAffit TRiAUN G- I"ATIE OUT- TRANSIONTA1q HM COMPENSATIll NNCENTIVE THERAPY COUTAKANG EDUCATION cUwpcAL .1 newHERAVY SERVICES PATIEHHT ITATIV! EfUUMffAVE TRAWNG RTT Soaft SCREE?WWMEDICAL IIICiJfITTVE THEfTAPY AFAIRS AAMIC AeVAMC By GOVER"R w REN ABLITATIVE VOLUNTEER WA ENFORCEMENT VETERAN PSVCOLOGICAL AGENCIES TRAINING SHELTER IF FUND® coil [u1M OF CARE CONTTWW OF ITTFORMATION CD4rRNWM OF SERVICE ii )NTRMRIM OF COOPERATION STATE STATE FEDERAL CITY 1 FEDMAL STATE "ARTirFNT DEPAATME4T HUD COUNTY [�ARTUDIT I"ATIE OUT- COUNTY of PUBLIC OF HUMAN IVORE STATE OF YETfRAhS SERVICES PATIEHHT CrTy SERVICE SERVICES PFMW"FNT LAW AFAIRS AAMIC AeVAMC N CMD CARDGMVERS B1I6ARiEMLlI HOUSING ENFORCEMENT VETERAN REGAL OFfiCE NEOICA PSYCH USEiAI S RVOCESTTs SHELTER HOUSE LOSS OUTREACH VETERANS C Co1HNMIC ATE LSCExSE FOR HELP FOR �VENTION PROTECTION RDS c000nmATE YELP COOPERATION DDREC OUTREACH vffe VETERANS CHLJ)REN EXHIBIT 2 COMPREHENSIVE VETERANS HOMELESS OUTREACH CENTERS PROJECT DEFINED 1. History The Arkansas State Council of Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) originated this project in 1990_ Washington was persuaded to initiate funding for homeless projects in 1992. Statistics show that Arkansans are traveling to Little Rock for medical care, where better technology and hospitals offer them improved services. This is why the Arkansas Fund for Veterans is pursuing this project. Its goal is to incorporate volunteers in the VVA chapters into an integrated Computer/Fax 1-800 Network to serve veterans and families' socioeconomic needs at the outreach centers; and then transport those who want help to the Comprehensive Veterans Safe Haven Center in the greater Little Rock metroplex, where federal, state, and local facilities are located. In addition to the safe haven. the Center will offer a family retreat for veterans and family members who travel long distances from rural Arkansas or are referred from one of the six surrounding states. This need for temporary shelter is accentuated by the VA Medical Centers' shift to outpatient "ambulatory" care for many previously treated as inpatients. These patients include, in part, Detoxification, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Cancer, and Clinical. The VA is improving the efficiency of the Evaluation Clinic, thus accommodating more veterans. 2. Purpose The general purpose of the Center is to provide a collecting place so the veterans and family members who transport them may stay a longer period of time near the VA Medical Center while being processed. The VA Medical Center has stated it is expanding its outpatient Ambulatory Care. It is also moving toward outpatient Detoxification. We can only assume a move to outpatient care for veterans who can't pay and inpatient care for those who can. The plan to have the VA Medical Center operate on a stand-alone basis means they will likely fill beds with paying customers. The homeless, by nature, cannot afford insurance. We the veterans hope to offer assistance to veterans who are the hard cases that "fall through the cracks" in the system. We are veterans who ourselves have been denied services because of the inconvenience or lack of transient low-cost shelter near a VA Medical Center. By observing Exhibit #1, you can see how the socioeconomic outreach is structured. Exhibit #2 shows how the continuum of care works. 3. The Project The project for the Arkansas State Council of Vietnam Veterans of America, as suggested at the National Summit on Homelessness Among Veterans in 1992, is designed to virtually end homelessness among veterans in Arkansas. The project includes a Comprehensive Veterans Safe Haven Family Retreat and Homeless Outreach Center, along with an integrated Computer/Fax Outreach Network of Crisis Centers run by veterans. These volunteers will be part of a Veterans Service Organization. Vietnam veterans comprise the largest percentage of PTSD patients, which is a reason to start the network with VVA members. The concept includes training volunteers at each center as Veteran Service Officers (VSO) so they can assist in the paperwork involved in VA services. A veteran who is qualified as a VSO can fax any required form at the VA Regional Office to any of our centers, eliminating the need for storage. This is quite a reduction in paper and postage, as well as time. The faxed forms will be stored electronically at the satellite centers. The computer/fax with its printer, along with a desk and chair, then become a complete office system. A 600 -square foot dormitory with bath, and storage for food and clothes, is needed for the Center in Little Rock. A microwave and freezer/refrigerator are a must. A building downtown is ideal. The crisis 1-800 number can be monitored by any veteran at the office or by cellular phone, thus even a rolling Hot Line. 4. Need There is presently a six-month waiting list for the PTSD Ward at the UA Medical Center in Little Rock after qualifying for the program. Services at the Detox Unit have been cut back to two visits a year to free up beds. There is a need to house veterans qualified for services while they wait for care. Homeless veterans suffering from PTSD often have a chemical dependency in an attempt to cope. Local shelters will not house these veterans. These are veterans who have qualified for treatment or are being processed for treatment at the VA Medical Center. We need the Center, with the ability to house homeless veterans in the greater Little Rock metroplex. S. Volunteers Doctors, lawyers, dentists, preachers, real estate brokers, barbers, economists, teachers, professors, administrators, nurses, planners, schedulers, and work study professionals, to name a few, are veterans. Many have their hands tied within the system. As VSO volunteers, they are free to help in the project. 6_ How the System Works A homeless veteran appears at a Crisis Center l6cated downtown, but near an interstate or on an artery leading to community kitchens and shelters. Again, PTSD homeless veterans seldom qualify for community shelters due to their condition and the problems that chemical dependency presents. At this point, a Center volunteer interviews the homeless veteran to ascertain basic information. This includes the obvious needs which are most essential to survival, the expensive "quick fix" items. The veteran can be transported to the Center in Little Rock. We offer, at this point, the opportunity for the veteran to receive help in the form of continuum of care --information, services, and cooperation. We intend to make every effort to assist the homeless veteran who recognizes the opportunity offered through the network of "veterans helping veterans." For the veteran who chooses to go on, we offer a meal, shower, and shelter to help him on his way. Communities have law enforcement to screen out the undesirables. The homeless veteran is vulnerable to the same social pressures of any homeless person. Law enforcement officials' ,job is to make sure these individuals move on so as not to burden the welfare system in that local area. The shelters in the network can see to it that the veteran gets moved to the Center in Little Rock, where there is a semi -structured environment. While being processed into the VA medical Center or awaiting treatment, the veteran can become involved in work therapy. He may only need time to save money to buy a car, make a deposit on an apartment, or to learn money management. Each government program assumes you have a domicile.. We intend to offer what it takes to get the veteran on his feet, with a place to stay, food, shower, and laundry. We might have to drive him to get an ID or driver's license, the basic requirement to cash a check. We intend to "Be There." The quality feature is that the homeless veteran is transformed into a member of the team, capable of seeking out other homeless veterans and guiding them through the system. Who knows the process better than one who has recently graduated from the system? The whole concept of "walk-in" is well meant, but lacks the foresight to realize a homeless veteran cannot walk on an interstate, can't afford bus fare, doesn't necessarily own a car, and often lacks identification. For example, where does a homeless veteran on foot eat when he arrives at Fort Roots? Which building does he walk to for information? Are the offices open after 4=30 p.m.? Where does the homeless veteran arriving in Little Rock on Saturday sleep until the offices reopen Monday morning? How does he get to the soup kitchens downtown without getting picked up by local police? Where does he wait until his DD214 arrives, or until he is admitted? Where does he go while his claim is in a priority adjudication backlog? We, as members of the veterans community, are asking for the opportunity to construct a continuum of care network so as many homeless veterans as possible can be served. THINGS WE KNOW I. According to the 1990 U.S. Census, there were at least 500,000 homeless persons in America. II. Research on the national front dealing directly with the homeless indicates the following: A. The number of homeless persons in America is somewhere between 650,000 and 3 million. B. Thirty percent of the homeless are veterans. Of that number, 40-60% are Vietnam era veterans and 20-40% are post -Vietnam era veterans. C. Ten percent of veterans are homeless with their families. D_ Only one-half (1/2) of homeless veterans suffer from substance abuse, which means that one-half (1/2) are homeless for reasons other than losing employment due to drunkenness or use of drugs. E_ The fastest growing segment of homeless veterans are the Persian Gulf veterans, due to: 1. Being dismissed from the service due to a Reduction in Force, with lack of training for civilian employment. 2. Expiration of unemployment benefits. 3_ Lack of affordable housing. 4. Lack of community-based mental health services targeted directly toward veteran -based problems. F. There is a six to nine-month waiting list for admission into treatment programs in the VA system in Arkansas. This is a regional hospital system, serving a seven -state area. 1_ Sixty percent of those veterans receiving treatment do not complete the programs. 2. There is another downsizing targeted for the VA hospitals in the 1994-95 year. III. The number of homeless veterans in Arkansas (recent studies): A_ Two thousand (2,000), according to a Department of Human Services study B_ Six to eight thousand (6,000-8,000), according to the VA. IV. Hourly wages required in order to afford a two-bedroom rental and pay utilities: A. San Francisco: $17.67 per hour B. Chicago: $12.21 per hour C. Dallas: $10.17 per hour GOALS I. Establishment of a state-wide crisis network A. Satellite crisis centers in rural areas of Arkansas, run by local Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) chapters B. State center in Pulaski County to house veterans transferred from satellite centers, as well as housing chronically homeless veterans in Pulaski County, and family members who bring veterans to the Little Rock Veterans Administration (VA) system for treatment (family members for short term, veterans for up to six months) C_ Working with VA hospitals for support and per diem payments ($30/day per person); total of 66 beds will allow independent functioning by the fourth year D. Transportation --a total of four 8 -passenger vans, one in each section of the state and one in Pulaski County, for transport of veterans to the main center II. Resource and Information A. Computer/fax network to store and fax information for veterans coming into Arkansas from another state, or veterans in need from Arkansas; preparing portfolio and setting up appointments through the VA for care and treatment B_ Working hand in hand with the VA Medical Hospitals and VA Regional Office to coordinate and ease the system. bridging the gap between the streets and obtaining care for veterans III. Housing the veteran while he or she is in outreach programs (60% are not completing programs) IV. Getting veterans off the streets and into a situation where they can feel comfortable with other veterans V. Working with government agencies and civic organizations to help the veteran become a part of the community again and support his family A. Employment Security Division B. Small Business Administration C. Outreach programs to be added as program gets underway SUPPORT OF THIS PROJECT I. Arkansas' United States Congressional delegation 2. Arkansas' State Congressional delegation 3. Arkansas Veterans Coalition 4_ Veterans Administration Hospital Director and Chiefs, Little Rock 5. Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Arkansas, Women's Auxiliary 6. American Legion, Department of Arkansas, Women's Auxiliary 7. Housing and Urban Development 8_ Arkansas Department of Human Services OUR NEEDS 1. Cash: $460,000.00 for grant match 2. Community fund-raising efforts 3_ Contributions 4. Office equipment S. A list of volunteers JUL 19 994 15:27 TO 15©1.3 23825 FROM AR OFFIC=E OF GOV. STATE OF ARKANSAS OF'FIC'E; OF' 111 GOVERNOR same. Capitol July 14, 1794 Jesse Drown. Secretary of Veterans Affairs U.S. Departmeot of Veterans Affairs VA Central, Off_ici! 810 Vermont Avenue, NW WasYj_1-lgl_or1, ]).C, 20420 uea,: SF<creta.r.y Brown: T-513 P.02 .11111 Uu}' 'I'Uc'ker (;or+rrnnr I am writing i.ri regard to the application submitted by l-Iie VietnaItl Veterans of America, Arkansas State Council, for Department of Veterans Affairs Granit Funds. They plali t_ o establish a program dealing with homeless veterans and t-hei,.r family members in need of hospice setting, 8. The Vietnam Veterans of America. Ai kansa9 State Counc!iJ , i.s very attuned to the needs of Arkansas' Veteran Communi_'_.y. This group of dedicated .Wren and women are cottunitted t_ca developing the best possible programs to meet the va.ri.ous physical, physiological and social needs of Arkansas' homeless veterans. I appreciate your consideration of this application. Thank, yat.L for your attention to this matter. Since e1y, i.m Gu.y 'T'uCk7r pa j cc: The honorable Dale 33umpexq The Honorable David Pryor_ Arkansas State Council, Vier__nam tlr =terans of America STATE OF ARKANSAS OFFICE OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ,r� y; Stats Capitata Suits 270 �41;•;ly iia ' Little Yxk AR 72201 1 501-682-2144 501-682-2894 (FAX) June 30, 1994 To Whom It May Concern: Mike Huckabee Lieutenant Governor Citizens of our nation enjoy freedom because of the sacrifices made by those who were willing to put on the uniform of their country and fight for its honor and the principals upon which it was founded. There is no group of Americans to whom we owe more than our Veterans. They did not turn their backs on us, and we cannot turn our backs on them when they need us. Many Veterans today, particularly from the Vietnam era, have found it difficult to cope with the haunting memories from which they cannot escape. One of the greatest tragedies of our century, many of these very men, who voluntarily left their homes to go to Southeast Asia, find themselves homeless on the streets of our own country. The efforts of Paul Howell and the Vietnam Veterans Association to help develop domiciles for homeless Veterans is not only commendable but is essential. It is my hope that Arkansans will open their hearts and pockets to building regional shelters for those who cannot afford to be forgotten and have already paid their price. Sincerely yours, G� Mike Huckabee MDH:krw Ya:R DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital 4300 West 7th Street Little Rock AR 72205 JUL 1 3 1994 In Reply Refer To: 598/122H Paul W. Howell, President Arkansas State Council Vietnam Veterans of America 10308 Jana Dr. Little Rock, Arkansas 72209 Dear Mr. Howell: This is to express the support of this medical center for the efforts put forth by your organization in developing and implementing programs to address the needs of homeless veterans in Arkansas. As you are aware, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Jesse Brown, has placed top priority on addressing the needs of homeless veterans. It is expected that this new effort by the Department of Veterans Affairs, to provide grants to public or nonprofit private entities, will contribute positively to closing gaps in existing services for homeless veterans. If additional information is needed, please contact Estella Morris, LCSW, Chief, Homeless Programs Section, Social Work Service at 688-1645. Sincerely yours, GEORGE GRAY, JR. Medical Center Director Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Economic and Medical Services Donaghey Plaza South P.O. Box 1437 Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-1437 July 15, 1994 Mr. Paul W. Howell, State President Arkansas State Council Vietnam Veterans of America Post Office Box 5712 North Little Rock, Arkansas 72119 Dear Mr. Howell: I support the concept of a Comprehensive Homeless Veterans Center Project presently being pursued by the Arkansas State Council of Vietnam Veterans of America. I look forward to being involved in implementing this project. This office is committed to serving low-income persons and providing shelter for those in need. There is a need for shelters that serve homeless veterans in Arkansas. The Office of Community Services, Emergency Shelter Program, estimates that there are approximatly 2,000 homeless veterans in Arkansas. Sincerely, Thomas E. Green, Assistant Director Office of Community Services TEG:mel cc: Troy Branscum Caring People... Quality Services "The Arkansas Department of Human Services is in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act and is operated. managed and delivers services without regard to age, religion, disability, political affiliation, veteran status, sex, race, color or national origin." 1� AM' S� lre�ff�iel�d Nelson .°.ca.emor July 1, 1994 Mr. Paul W. Howell, President Arkansas Fund for Veterans 600 West Fourth Street North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114 Dear Paul: Please consider this letter as my total endorsement of your proposal to establish a program dealing with homeless veterans and their families in need of hospice settings. I will assist you in any way possible in securing the grant funds necessary to complete this project from the Department of Veterans Affairs. These facilities are badly needed for the State of Arkansas, and I hope you are able to secure the funds needed to construct them. Again, I am totally supportive of your efforts. Sincerely, Sheffiel elson SN/at 1023 W. Capitol Little Rack Arkansas 12201-3000 501-312-1995 1-800-511-1995 fax 501-314-4313 Paid for by the Sheffield Nelson for Governor Camooign Ted Skokos Finance Chairm.ar DALE BUMPERS ARKANSAS �. nitcd $tate, senate WASHINGTON, DC 20510-0401 June 29, 1994 Honorable Hershel W. Gober Deputy Secretary Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue, NW. Washington, D.C. 20420 Re: Vietnam Veterans of America Grant Application Dear Hershel: COMMITTEES: APPROPRIATIONS ENERGY AND NATURALRESOURCES SMALL BUSINESS We are writing in regard to the application submitted by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Arkansas State Council, for Department of Veterans Affairs grant funds to establish a program dealing with homeless veterans and veterans and their families in need of hospice settings. We know that the Vietnam Veterans of America, Arkansas State Council, is deeply committed to finding and creating programs to ensure that our veterans receive the best possible care and attention. The Department of Veterans Affairs Assistance grants would enable the Vietnam Veterans of America, Arkansas State Council, to offer and develop practical solutions to the myriad of issues confronting Arkansas, homeless and ill veterans. We will appreciate all consideration that can be given to this application. Kindest Regards. Sincerely, Dale Bumpers David Pryor cc: Arkansas State Council Vietnam Veterans of America Post Office Box 446 Little Rock, Arkansas 72203 PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER :on TIM Hu rCHINSUN 30 DI6TRICT, ARRAN1 Am COMMITTU& FUGLIC VVORKS AND rMANSPORTATION FUKOMrnrrin: ECUNRI.IIC DFV�iiORµl Nr SUPIPAtj TRANOOATATION IVATRR K460L1RCLli AEID IFavrRON67INr VOTERANO' AFFAIRS .v166A1A11xm, IOUCAVON. tRAININo. AND tMPLOYMINT 1AVIIfN9 NIU01N Cj+upo"ArIDN PIN61ON, AND INSURANCs HOSNTALO AWNIALTH CARL VA/ Conorv�o of tbt anittb otatio JOoust of Atmoentatibeg 39aobtnVOR, 30C 20315-0403 July 11., 1994 rrnon,Nb�yN �rr,�1; 111 LallowcRrrl mUnn1NG 'ASH INo raq. ❑C Toa I I Imt 321.4301 015TRICT QMCE& UNITID STATES i90FRRi SUILPING ]m EAV ARot1NYAIN FAViTTEVILLI, AN 77701 16071 442-52II UNVID aTAY1a )' 0 P.AL 8u;L6R16 tiTM Aho RCCEAS SMETs F06r CMU4 mak 1674 FART sww AR 72003 1500 703.77sy UN1TID STATES OWML$WILDING Fee wiCE Sox 671 HAARISM AR 72401 AD?)791-"00 The Hcnorabie ,Tessa Hrovaa 8ecrefaxr7 of Veterans Affair, 81.0 Vermont Ave NV Vashington, DC 20420 Dear Mr, $ecretaryi The president of the A>rkansa v state chapter of Vietxf YatrgsttR IJ1g A mierica: (WA) has beeln is touch v1th me reg&rdiug a a l b9 his organisAt.icu requesting t PP 1c9ttc* subwittied homeless vetarana. 8 graAt funds o establish a progriura_for 1prcm the Information provi-d*d to use, I uadarstand that if this grant were to ht approved, the VV'A State Council plans tIa develop &%4 Offer ' practical solutions to aha arcaJtitud■ of isg"g caasfroa tiYtli Axk�a* ! homeless and ill Ve'te>`an population in order to e�asura that t�taslr receive the best possible care sand att+�xrtion. I mould v*ry Much 4pFrec4Ate any information you mi provide as to the status Of this grant applicatiobafable to ba ia, acFvrsac+� for your cOnsidaration. �t. Thag�tght With kind regards, Sittcarely, TrH FiUrC$IN8ON Member of Congress /01A1TRD ON ■F.CYCLM na.e. 201 W. Broadway, Suite A North Little Rock, AR 72114 July 19, 1994 PAu1.W. Howell, President Arkansas State Council — Vietnam Veterans of America P.O. Box 5712 North Little Rock, Arkansas 72119 Dear Mr. Howell: This letter is written in support of the plan of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Arkansas State Council, to establish a program for homeless veterans and family members in Little Rock. From my perspective as Team Leader of the Little Flock Vet Center, this program will provide a much needed service to veterans in the State of Arkansas. Current resources are limited, particularly those offering such comprehensive services to veterans and members of their family. Such a program will offer a basis for hope that many of them have not experienced. At the Vet Center, we continue to see a significant number of homeless veterans. The Comprehensive Safe Haven Family Retreat and Homeless Outreach Center- Network will serve as an important adjunct to the readjustment counseling services we provide. Also, Vet Center staff can provide counseling and referral services to elgibl.e veterans and family members from the Retreat. The local. Chapter and State Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America have been very supportive of the Vet Center through the years. In fact, we have been able to assist many homeless veterans through funds they have donated. We look forward to continuing a strong, positive relationship with the VVA. 1, therefore, wholeheartedly endorse the plan for this worthy project. Sincerely, of ry`�leya MSW eam Leader t1US. Government Printing Offfes: 1910-711.94511292 VC -2 JUL-21-1994 07:220 FROM TO 33723825 P.01 a� y� OW a A r}y W. I "BW" Mecaea 9ECRHTART OF GTATL July 1, 1994 State of Arkansas SECRETARY OF STATE State Capitol Little Rock• Arkansas 72201.1094 Paul W. Howell President Arkansas Fund For Veterans 600 W.4th Street North Little Ruck, AR 72114 Dear Paul: You have my total support for your proposal to establish a program providing hospice settings for homeless and ill veterans and their families. Considering the large number of veterans in Arkansas and the many sacrifices they have made on behalf of our nation this program is long overdue. I will assist you in any way possible to secure grant money from the Department of Veterans Affairs to fund this most worthy project. Again, you have my total support. Sincerely, C 4 >:�ONI "Wi W.J."Bill" McCuen BRING HOPE TO HOMELESS VETS! ARKANSAS FUND FOR VETERANS CAPITAL CAMPAIGN IN ARKANSAS Operation Santa Claus... advocating for homeless veterans before city councils... Emergency Needs Fund ... Ft. Steer—These are just some of the activities in which the Arkansas State Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America, the lead organization in the Arkansas Fund for Veterans, has been involved. Now, the Arkansas Fund for Veterans is launching an aggressive campaign on behalf of homeless veterans in Arkansas, a comprehensive shelter which is without precedent in the nation, and we need your help! We want to raise $450,000 in 1994 to purchase property, renovate it, and use it for shelters for homeless veterans. This property will serve as emergency shelter as we seek services through the VA and other social service providers for these veterans' needs. The Arkansas Fund for Veterans, upon acquiring this property, will contract with the VA for services such as: * counseling for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder * substance abuse treatment * job training * occupational and physical therapy * rehabilitative training * incentive therapy * benefits such as disability The residents of our shelter will be expected to assist with the operations such as yard work, kitchen work, and maintenance. The staff and volunteers will work in the home in the following roles: * peer motivators * provide referrals * provide transportation to appointments Some of the staff will be trained as Veteran Services Officers, enabling them to complete and process VA paperwork for our clients, thus expediting their receiving needed services. Put into one word, what we really want to provide for the homeless veterans in our state is "HOPE." There are many veterans organizations and other agencies in our area that have programs for homeless veterans and are doing a great job, but they all say that we need more housing and supportive services for these deserving individuals. We are now in the process of negotiatinq and comparing several pieces of property for our shelter. we intend to purchase property that will house as many as sixty-six veterans. Vietnam Veterans of America, the lead agency in this fund, was chartered by Congress in 1986, It currently has 600 chapters in all 50 states. It has been on the cutting edge of all federal and state legislative and health programs that impact Vietnam -era and more recent veterans. Vietnam Veterans of America provides funds for homeless shelters, education/training, and treatment programs. It also participates in many projects to help in local communities. And with this most ambitious project to date, the Arkansas Fund for Veterans hopes to virtually end homelessness among our veterans in this state, and serve as a model shelter for other states! Why are we asking you to be involved in a campaign for homeless veterans? Because they are your sons, your husbands, your brothers, and your neighbors! They suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, substance abuse, and disabilities. The incidence of divorce and unemployment due to economic dis- placement is high in their ranks. Why are we so concerned about homeless veterans? Because the VA estimates that 1/3 of the homeless in our country are veterans! Here in our state alone, there are approximately 7,000 to 10,000 homeless veterans. They deserve better! By helping us to empower homeless veterans in our communities, you will benefit all of us! And you will feel good for it. Tha you ARKANSAS FUND FOR VETERANS 600 West 4th North Little Rock, AR 72114 Phone 372-3131 Fax 372-3825 24 -Hour Crisis Phone 1-800-897-4959