Program Description
The VA Special Needs Program is a collaboration between the VA and Operation Dignity designed to address the needs of homeless chronically mentally ill veterans. This program provides the following services:
- Transitional housing at House of Dignity at 585 – 8 th St . , Oakland for a period of approximately nine months.
- On-site services from a Housing Specialist and Peer Educator.
- Case management services from a VA team which consists of a Social Worker and Nurse Practitioner.
- Ongoing support with the goal of permanent housing and lasting support systems.
Eligibility Criteria
Veterans who enroll in this program must meet the following criteria:
- Be homeless;
- Have a documented Axis I major mental health diagnosis (other than or in addition to substance abuse) which causes serious symptoms and psychosocial impairment;
- Be willing to work with case managers and reside at House of Dignity.
Program Capacity
The VA Special Needs Program is designed to serve 20 veterans in residence at House of Dignity as well as post-discharge community follow-up for a period of 12-16 months.
Program Evaluation
This program is an evaluation project that will be monitored by the VA Northeast Evaluation Program Evaluation Center (NEPEC).
For referrals or more information, please call:
Tracy Cascio, LCSW, (510) 587-3405
Lori Bowley, MSW, (510) 587-3449 |