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ARF- 2334

Regular Agenda Item 3. A.

Regular BOS Meeting

Meeting Date:	02/04/2014
Submitted For:	Mike Pastor
Submitted By:	Sherry Grice, Executive Assistant, Board of Supervisors-District 2
Department:	Board of Supervisors-District 2

Information

Request/Subject

Adoption of Resolution No. 14-02-02 Supporting National Community Health Partners' grant submission to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that would provide traditional housing for qualified veterans trhough the "Housing for Heroes" project.

Background Information

In collaboration with the state Veterans Administration (VA) and other public and private organizations, National Community Health Partners (NCHP) is working toward the state Department of Veterans Affairs’ mission to eradicate homelessness. To this end, NCHP is a 501(c)3 organization that has been providing health education and supportive services to low-income and underserved populations since its incorporation in 1984. The proposed project in Gila County, “Housing for Heroes,” will be implemented in Gila and La Paz Counties, two counties with no present representation by an organization that provides transitional housing services for veterans.

According to the authorized funding guidelines of the VA’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program participants must fit the following criteria:

A member of a Veteran family
Very low-income
Imminently at-risk of literal homelessness

a. Has moved because of economic reasons two or more times during the 60 days
immediately preceding the application for homelessness prevention assistance;
b. Is living in the home of another because of economic hardship;
c. Has been notified in writing that their right to occupy their current housing or living
   situation will be terminated within 21 days after the date of application for assistance;
d. Lives in a hotel or motel and the cost of the hotel or motel stay is not paid by charitable
   organizations or by Federal, State, or local government programs for low income
    individuals;
e. Is exiting a publically funded institution, or system of care (such as a health-care
   facility, a mental health facility, or correctional institution) without a stable housing
   plan;
f. Otherwise lives in housing that has characteristics associated with instability and an
    increased risk of homelessness, as identified in the recipient’s approved screening tool.

The VA and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development suggest veterans are more vulnerable to homelessness, in part because they often lack family support, civilian life skills, and their employment training is specific to war and not transferrable to civilian life.

According to the American Community Survey nearly 40,000 of the State’s more than 500,000 veterans were at a greater risk of experiencing homelessness. The Phoenix VA Health Care System, state Department of Veterans Services, the Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness, the city of Phoenix and nonprofit organizations led a study called H3 Vets. The survey results suggest that the percentage of veterans on the street who served in Iraq or Afghanistan had more than doubled in a year.

NCHP understands the fiscal crisis that looms over this nation. Fortunately, these funds have already been authorized by Congress and are funded through the SSVF Program. The state VA has recognized NCHP as a leader in these efforts, and provided their support for NCHP to offer these much needed services to Yuma and Pinal Counties. In fact, in 2013, NCHP was awarded $3.9 million dollars for the Housing for Heroes Project in the two counties. NCHP was fortunate to have received Resolutions from Yuma County Board of Supervisors and Pinal County Board of Supervisors. Additionally, they received letters of support from State and Federal Representatives that represent the geographical locations.

Evaluation

The Gila County Board of Supervisors is fully cognizant of the fact and recognizes the need to address the issue and play a major role in finding a solution to assist these veterans and veteran families. National Community Health Partners (NCHP) has identified a funding source that addresses homelessness with veterans and it is requested that the Board of Supervisors support NCHP's efforts to secure funding from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for this endeavor.

Conclusion

The Gila County Board of Supervisors recognizes the opportunity to support National Community Health Partners’ proposal to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Recommendation

Staff recommends that the Board of Supervisors fully support the National Community Health Partners’ submission of a grant application to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that would provide traditional housing for qualified veterans through the “Housing for Heroes” Project in order to assist homeless veterans in Gila County.

Suggested Motion

Information/Discussion/Action to adopt Resolution No. 14-02-02 supporting the National Community Health Partners' submission of a grant application to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that would provide traditional housing for qualified veterans through the "Housing for Heroes" Project. (Michael Pastor)

Attachments
Resolution No. 14-02-02