Housing Services Mid Michigan Remembering Our Homeless Veterans
CHARLOTTE MI, November 2, 2016 – November 12th through November 20th has been designated as National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week by the National Coalition for the Homeless. Housing Services Mid Michigan works very hard to serve the homeless population in Eaton and Clinton Counties. Services include homeless services leading to housing, prevention, permanent supportive housing, classes on home buyer education, foreclosure counseling and Section 8 mainstream vouchers. Additionally, HSMM works equally hard to serve our homeless Veterans population in Barry, Eaton and Clinton counties through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program. This program is a federally funded program with the goal of eliminating Veteran homelessness.
While we do not often think about our Veterans as being homeless, it is more prevalent than you may think. Veterans are a proud group and are often hesitant to use services like the SSVF program. We often think of homelessness as the person standing on the corner with the cardboard sign, but the reality is that it is often the person sleeping at friend’s house or the family that has lost a substantial portion of their income and is in danger of losing their housing through eviction.
The SSVF program is designed to assist low income Veteran families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The case manager assesses the Veteran’s situation and develops an action plan that will connect them with resources to find safe and affordable housing. Housing Services will continue to reach out to our communities for information about Veterans that need assistance.
While the National Coalition for the Homeless brings awareness to the continuing problem of hunger and homelessness around the country during the week of November 12th, let us not forget those that have giving so much to our country and are struggling with issues of homelessness. If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran that may be experiencing housing issues, call us we may be able to help. For more information about the SSVF program contact Housing Services Mid Michigan at 517-541-1180 or go on line at www.hsmidmichigan.org.
Housing Services Mid Michigan is a 501(3) organization dedicated to serving the homeless with programs that reach into Barry, Clinton and Eaton counties. Because of the generosity of our community, our agency was able to assist 1849 individuals, including 1110 adults with 782 children in 2015. To resolve these housing crises, the agency dispersed over $880,000 in direct financial assistance. Housing Service Mid Michigan is an Eaton County United Way partnering agency. As a non-profit, donations may be tax deductible.