Sharing Our Successes
Swords to Plowshares Shares Keys to Success in Stabilizing Income for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness
How Housing Matters interviewed our friends at
Swords to Plowshares in California along with representatives from the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and the Urban Institute about rapid re-housing support services. During the interview,
Jacob Donnelly, Director of Support Services as Swords to Plowshares, discussed strategies to stabilize income for Veterans who have experienced homelessness and gave a shout out to SOAR!
"How Housing Matters: Once Veterans receive housing services, maintaining housing stability is key. The threat of eviction is a concern for those living on the cusp of homelessness. In what ways can Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) be a response mechanism for eviction prevention and offer long-term stability?
Donnelly: At Swords to Plowshares, we provide additional supports through SSVF to help Veterans maintain their housing and increase their quality of life while housed for the long term. For instance, our
SOAR and money management programs help Veterans increase and then stabilize their income and spending. We have 102 Veterans enrolled in money management, many of whom were served with SSVF housing assistance. Our homelessness prevention services have prevented eviction because nonpayment of rent for hundreds of Veterans in San Francisco and Alameda County in the last few years—163 were served in the most recent contract year."
Visiting Nurse Association in Norristown, Pennsylvania Helps Family SOAR
Katie Lundy from the
Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) Community Services in Norristown, Pennsylvania wrote in to share this incredible SOAR success story!
"SOAR began as a pilot program in our community but has grown over the past 3 years into a well-respected program sought after to help those experiencing homelessness apply for disability benefits. The VNA SOAR program has been successful in connecting clients to disability benefits in an average of 37 days. Recently, our agency received a referral for the SOAR program from a local domestic violence shelter. Through the SOAR model, we were able to help her obtain SSDI within 28 days. She was able to use her new income to secure an apartment for her and her two children. Additionally, since the mother was approved for SSDI, we facilitated dependent benefits for her two children in order to provide additional income. She was very anxious and overwhelmed about applying for disability benefits; however, through SOAR, we took the pressure of the application process off her. She was extremely appreciative of the SOAR program and we were more than happy to have been able to help during such a sensitive time."
What an incredible Success Story, Katie! When asked about a piece of advice Katie would give to case managers beginning to implement SOAR Katie shared, "[Do] not be afraid to reach out to those familiar with the process. When I first started, I frequently reached out to the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center and our local lead to ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask about Social Security forms, the process, or general questions. The SAMHSA SOAR TA Center staff is more than understanding, they've been there and done applications themselves, [and are a] great and friendly resource. Also, practice makes perfect, especially with the Medical Summary Reports. The SAMHSA SOAR TA Center will even review yours and give tips on how to make them stronger for your case."
