SERVING VETERANS TODAY:
Catholic Charities is proud to serve nearly 600 veterans every year by providing services with dignified shelter and housing. Our facilities provide both the stability of a safe place to sleep at night and services designed to meet the specific needs of veterans. Through partnerships with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, Hospital to Home and others, Catholic Charities connects veterans to mental health, housing and legal services.
This work is done collaboratively with statewide government, nonprofit and community partners all working together to end veteran homelessness. Through this unprecedented coordination of providers, services and evidence-based practices, Minnesota has seen a 56 percent reduction in veteran homelessness since 2010. With five of Minnesota’s Continuum of Care regions already eradicating veteran homelessness, the state is on track to become the fourth state in the country to eliminate veteran homelessness. Together, we can provide stability for the veterans who have given so much to protect our freedoms.
HOW IT CAN BE DONE:
While services are critical to support veterans experiencing homelessness, the unavoidable fact is that we need more space that better meets the needs of those who have served. We can end veteran homelessness. We know what to do and how to do it, but we cannot do it alone.
Governor Tim Walz, a 24-year veteran of the Army National Guard, has committed to eradicating veteran homelessness during his time in office. Catholic Charities plans to serve as an important ally in reaching this historic milestone, leading the way for our partners to fulfill this paramount commitment to our state’s veterans.
PARTNERING TO END VETERAN HOMELESSNESS
• VA Health Care System social workers and staff visit Catholic Charities sites once a week to connect veterans with housing, benefits and mental health services.
• Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans visit Catholic Charities sites once a week to provide legal services, confirm veteran status and make connections to veterans housing
voucher programs.
• Higher Ground Saint Paul has 183 housing units providing preference to veterans.
Read stories about vets’ experiences with homelessness
Homeless vet turns to Dorothy Day Center
Vet finds sanctuary in Minneapolis
Vet Works On Dream at Higher Ground
Working together to help homeless vets
I drive the development of Catholic Charities’ key stakeholder outreach strategy, manage oversight of public messaging, media relations, external web and social media development and content, and agency-wide materials.