By Miriam Starrett
Mid-Columbia Community Action Council
This is the third in a series of press releases from Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC). In this release, we highlight our Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program — a federally funded initiative dedicated to preventing and ending veteran homelessness in Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman counties.
The men and women who have served our country deserve stable housing and a strong foundation when they return home. MCCAC’s SSVF program exists to make that a reality for veterans and their families in our region.
What is the SSVF program?
MCCAC administers SSVF through funding from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The program provides supportive services to low- or no-income veteran households that are at risk of homelessness or are currently experiencing homelessness. The goal is straightforward: to increase housing stability for veteran families so they can remain safely housed or obtain permanent housing.
A veteran family, as defined by the program, may consist of a single individual or multiple persons. The head of household or another adult household member must have eligible veteran status.
What services does SSVF provide?
The SSVF Program takes a holistic, case management-based approach to supporting veteran families. Once enrolled, participants work alongside a dedicated case manager to develop a personalized housing plan.
SSVF services include:
• Temporary financial assistance to prevent eviction or secure housing
• Help with rental applications and landlord engagement
• Connection to VA healthcare and benefits
• Referrals to community resources
• Ongoing support to promote long-term housing stability
SSVF serves two primary populations: veterans who are at imminent risk of losing their housing, and veterans who are currently experiencing homelessness and need support transitioning into permanent housing. The program is free for eligible veterans and their families.
Veterans and their families interested in accessing SSVF services can contact MCCAC directly. MCCAC staff are available to walk applicants through the process and connect them with additional resources as needed. MCCAC also operates The Hamilton, a 9-unit affordable housing facility in The Dalles for formerly homeless veterans.
To learn more or apply, visit The Gloria Center (2505 W 7th St, The Dalles), www.mccac.com/veterans or call (541) 298-5131.
Voices from the SSVF Team
“It’s amazing to have the resources in our work to support veterans with things like move-in fees, unexpected eviction, or utility deposits. It’s an honor and a privilege to support community members who served this country and to provide some relief from the hardships they face.”
— Jessica Newsom, SSVF program staff, MCCAC
“I absolutely love this work. I’m so inspired by our Veteran clients and to see how hard they work to overcome challenges and barriers. I recently worked with one client moving from complete houselessness with a severe and life-threatening disability who worked so hard to find housing. It meant so much to be a support in that journey.”
— Leticia Carabantes, SSVF program staff, MCCAC
Our commitment to veterans
MCCAC has been a part of the community since 1965, and our commitment to serving those who have served our country is longstanding. If you know a veteran who may need housing support, please encourage them to reach out. No one should face homelessness alone, and help is available.
For more information about MCCAC’s SSVF Program, visit www.mccac.com/veterans. For general information about MCCAC and its programs, visit www.mccac.com or follow MCCAC on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mccactd.
Upcoming press releases in this series will highlight the Mid-Columbia Houseless Collaborative and its multi-agency Roots and Reach Alliance.
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Una versión en español de esta historia está en línea en www.columbiagorgenews.com/enespanol.
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