Program helps homeless vets secure housing

As we recognize veterans on Nov. 11, Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) is reminding the public that help is available for those veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

In 2019, 37,085 homeless veterans throughout the nation were counted during the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Point-in-Time Count, which tallies unsheltered and sheltered homeless individuals during a one-night count in January. Although the figure is staggering, the number of homeless veterans has been on a steady decline since 2011, in large part due to housing initiatives such as GLCAP’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program.

That same year, GLCAP SSVF assisted 323 homeless or at-risk veterans and their families by helping them secure stable housing in the program’s 10-county service region. Along with offering housing assistance, SSVF can also assist with security deposits, utility assistance, budgeting and other needs.

“There is no shame in asking for help when you need it, and we want all veterans who are facing a housing crisis to know that we are here to help them get back on their feet,” GLCAP Support Services Coordinator Susan Wren said.

SSVF is available to assist veterans and families in Erie, Hancock, Huron, Lorain, Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, Wood and Wyandot County.

For more information, visit www.glcap.org/veterans or call 1-800-775-9767.