Description:
A large number of displaced and at-risk veterans live with lingering effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and substance abuse, compounded by a lack of family and social support networks. A top priority is secure, safe, clean housing that offers support services and is drug and alcohol free. Veterans need a coordinated effort that provides housing and nutritional meals, physical health care, substance abuse treatment and mental health counseling. They need job assessment, training and placement assistance. Personal development and empowerment are essential needs.
Rock Valley Community Programs, Inc. (RVCP) has renovated 24 studio apartments (each with separate kitchenette and bathroom) to offer transitional housing and supportive services to homeless veterans. Each unit provides housing for 2 homeless veterans so we will be able to serve 48 homeless veterans at a time. RVCP works in conjunction with our supportive service providers at the Department of Veteran Affairs Madison Medical Center as well as local agencies to offer a comprehensive menu of services and supports that can readily adjusted to meet each individual’s needs and pathways.
A sober living environment will be maintained and random breathalyzer and urinalysis testing will be conducted. Veterans can stay for up to 24 months before transitioning to permanent housing. Further expansion and renovation is possible to the facility to provide permanent supportive housing services.
A “Veteran’s Community” will be our focus. Everything necessary for daily living will be available on-site to include a community room, fitness room, walking path, laundry facility, resource room (library, computers and internet access), cafeteria (3 nutritious balanced meals per day), transportation, barber services, chapel, slightly used clothing closet, computer training lab, substance abuse recovery support services, including group sessions focusing on maintaining sobriety, and life-skills classes. Blackhawk Technical College is next door to provide technical training. Money Management will be provided on a one-on-one basis to each Veteran. RVCP will encourage each veteran to set aside a percentage of their excess funds in savings to aid in the transition to permanent housing. RVCP will host events on a regular basis to encourage camaraderie.
Applications are linked to on the website: http://housing4ourvets.org