Now that that’s dead, the agency plans to go about systematically cutting up to 17 percent of its service hours over the next two years. Just think about that. It is, quite plainly, insane.
Section 8 voucher program has been around for nearly 40 years
“These kinds of cuts are really unprecedented,” Rice told me. “The Section 8 voucher program has been around for nearly 40 years—it was created during the Nixon Administration and has had strong, bipartisan support for its entire history. Part of that support has consisted of Congress providing adequate money to ensure that the vouchers currently used by families are renewed from year to year.”
What Does Poverty Mean to Children?
Child poverty has reached record levels with over 16 million children affected. One in 13 Americans are jobless, and many children are growing up with little hope for their future.
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
Many thousands more are living in deep poverty and paying more than they can afford for rent, leaving them extremely vulnerable to homelessness.
Ending Family Homelessness
The House Operating Budget fully funds all these programs and adds a new program called “Ending Family Homelessness” which aims to end homelessness for households with children who are unsheltered or living in shelters and motels.
veterans first take a 10-week class on aspects of agriculture and small-scale farming
The veterans first take a 10-week class on aspects of agriculture and small-scale farming, such as soil management, planting techniques, irrigation and how to deal with insects and mildew. Then they work together to seed, plant, weed, till and harvest vegetables that go to the Clark County Food Bank.
The 2016 CHALENG Survey
2016 CHALENG survey on Veterans Homelessness is open. Veterans, Community, Partners, VA Staff
homeless inpatient care
The annual cost for homeless inpatient care in the region is $70 million, according to the county Department of Health Services.
HOW TO START A HOMELESS VETERAN PROGRAM
Start a Vet Program
HOW TO START A HOMELESS VETERAN PROGRAM
Determine Need
Learn About Nonprofit Organization Management
Additional Resources
DETERMINE NEED
Gather data from
Homeless Coordinator at VA Medical Center nearest you
Your city, county or state’s Homeless Coalition (click here for the most recent CHALENG report)
Local service providers
Police
Formerly homeless veterans
Your state’s homeless coordinator (usually appointed by Governor)
Answer questions
How many homeless are there?
How many of those are veterans?
What services are currently available?
What services are missing in order to break the cycle of homelessness?
What are the short-, medium- and long-range needs?
What resources are available?
What additional resources are needed?
Who is involved now?
Who could/should be involved?
Most of this information can be found in the CHALENG report.
Visit or talk to other homeless veteran programs
NCHV has a list of providers throughout the nation that can be used as contacts. Click here to locate community-based service providers in your area.
Involve Others
Select an organizing committee of individuals that might be interested in attacking this issue. At this stage, it’s wise to select individuals that can see the big picture and the long road. Individuals that are doers have a hard time during the development stage sitting around talking and planning. They want to be doing, not talking! Click here for our fact sheet on collaboration.
Develop
Mission
Goals and objectives
Business plan
Resource plan – e.g. people, things, money that you will need
Budget
Bylaws
Program guidelines
Test
Is there enough commitment to make the plan work?
Is there enough access to resources to make plan work?
Is your plan meeting the needs of homeless veterans within your community?
LEARN ABOUT NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION MANAGEMENT
Management
Starting a Homeless Veteran Program
Organizational Planning
Effective Board Development
Board of Directors
Risks, responsibilities, recruitment, demographics and client representation
Committee structure
Tenure
Executive committee
Financial Management
Tips for Grantseeking
Restricted funds versus unrestricted funds
IRS 990 filing requirements
Charitable solicitation requirements
Director and officer liability insurance
Annual Reports
Creating an Annual Report
Why and how?
Apply for 501(c)(3) IRS tax-exempt status
Obtaining a 501(c)(3) status gives the organization access to grants from federal and state governments, as well as private and corporate foundations.
The process takes 2-6 months, from filling out an application to receiving ruling from the IRS. The complete process is described here.
It will be necessary to have a mission, business plan, budget, bylaws and a board of directors before applying.
Each state has different requirements to become a nonprofit organization. Check these requirements prior to completing IRS application.
Participate in Local Homeless Coalitions
HUD Continuum of Care
Develop partnerships that will assist in meeting the needs of homeless veterans.
Often local coalitions assign or influence the priorities for government funds. If you are not at the table, you will be less likely to receive a share.
Develop a Public Education and Marketing Campaign
Brochures or one-piece information “fact sheets” are helpful to educate or request investments from the community. Make sure yours look professional and answer the basic who, what, where, when, why and how questions.
Prepare several individuals to be speakers for the organization. Educating the community often happens at organization meetings, and you need a representative that can face an audience and gain their support.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Fact Sheets
Homeless Veterans Fact Sheet
How to Advocate for Homeless Veterans
Nonprofit Resources
BoardSource builds exceptional nonprofit boards and inspires board service. Call 877-892-6273 or visit their website for more information.
National Council for Nonprofit Associations: Most states have a nonprofit association that provides technical assistance to other nonprofits. Click here to find the association nearest you.
Jossey-Bass Publishers have a wide variety of topics for nonprofits. Call 415-433-1767 for a catalog or visit their website.
Fieldstone Alliance has a wide variety of topics for nonprofits. Call 1-800-274-6024 for a catalog or visit their website.
Start a Vet Program
cuts in HUD programs
Due to cuts in other HUD programs, there will be reduced efforts to minimize children’s exposure to lead in older units, and decreased production of new affordable housing for low-income seniors and people with disabilities.
Association Against Homelessness in America 