12 May Local Veteran Group Helps Homeless Vet Find Homes
On May 12, 2017, a HomeFront for homeless veterans was conducted in the Transitions Day Center, 2025 Main Street, Columbia, SC, 29201 from 10:00am to 12:00 noon. There were a total of thirteen (13) homeless veterans that were actual Transitions residents and three (3) veterans that were using Transitions available resources for that day. Small packets of health care items were handed out to the homeless veterans in attendance and a good lunch was enjoyed by all following the event.
Fourteen (14) vendors were in attendance representing the VA Hospital, SE VA Region, VA Health Care for the Homeless, Women Veterans Program, HUD/VASH, One80 Place SSVF, National Guard, SC Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW), Telemon, Fast Forward, Goodwill Community Services Employment Program, SC Thrive, Hidden Wounds, and Project Josiah. Two (2) homeless veterans were interviewed for a follow-up job through SCDEW.
A breakout session was held in Transitions’ Larger Conference Room for those homeless veterans that needed to voice their frustrations and discouragements. An MVEC panel that consisted of Dan Hennigan (Co-Chair), Colonel Ronald Taylor (Co-Chair), Sherry Martell (Dorn VA Homeless Services), Dr. Peter Warren (Dorn VA Suicide Prevention), and Colonel (Retired) Craig Currey (Transitions CEO) listened to the veterans. All Sixteen (16) homeless veterans chose to participate in the panel discussion, a first-ever panel for MVEC and Homefront. Seven (7) veterans voiced their concerns at that time. Out of the seven (7), four (4) have been housed, one (1) is awaiting housing placement, and one (1) is now being seen by the Veteran Hospital Blue Team and awaiting benefits.
The clients responded well to the MVEC and VA leaders on the panel. They felt their concerns were being addressed as the above results show. The event was part of a sustained VA and local provider partnership to address homeless veteran issues. Transitions continues to be a strong meeting place for the homeless and will be the location for the larger Stand Down event for homeless veterans in November.