The HVAF staff is available to provide services for homeless or near-homeless veterans. The foundation currently has 12 houses and one apartment building with a total capacity of 80 beds. To enter the HVAF Housing Program, a veteran must be homeless or near-homeless and be able to provide verification that he or she is a veteran. This verification can be completed with a copy of the veteran's DD-214. The veteran then applies for housing and meets with a Veterans Administration Medical Center Homeless Team Cast Manager. The team provides immediate housing until the veteran is ready to move into one of the HVAF homes.
Upon approval to enter one of the HVAF homes, the veteran signs a housing contract. The contract consists of a program fee that is determined by a percentage of the veteran's income, not to exceed 30 percent per month. The program fee is waived if the veteran is without income or means to work.
The length of stay in an HVAF home is determined by the needs of each individual veteran. Veterans work closely with their Case Managers in attaining their goals. They also must follow HVAF guidelines set forth in the contract as well as in the individual house.
The VISTA Center is unique in that it offers services to homeless veterans suffering from substance abuse. Typically, shelters turn away those individuals. VISTA consists of six homes which house 40 veterans.
The HVAF's REST program is the primary entry point into the HVAF continuum of care. The program began in 2001 and has produced positive results in helping homeless veterans with substance abuse, mental health issues or both to become clean and sober. It also has helped veterans secure housing and jobs. 22 homeless veterans can reside and participate in this intensive, supportive program for up to two years at not cost to them.
