Submitted by InteCare
At InteCare, our mission is to prevent Veteran homelessness and promote housing stability through a comprehensive and holistic person-centered approach that addresses the root causes of Veteran housing crises. We partner with the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs, and community organizations to provide housing and homelessness prevention for Veterans.
Our framework is based on a “housing first” philosophy that prioritizes housing as the first step to stabilization with no preconditions. We’ll guide you through a holistic approach that places you on the path to long-term housing success.
Tailored Service Plan
Once you’ve met eligibility requirements, we match you with the appropriate programs and design a personalized housing stability plan.
Hand-in-Hand Approach
You work together with your case manager to connect to community resources and achieve your housing stability goals. Our collaborative approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the many challenges Veterans may face.
End-to-End Support
We advocate for you at every stage so that you can meet your housing goals and overcome barriers to stability for a successful exit!
Eligibility Requirements for SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families) Enrollment
- Veteran status
- a) Veterans are qualified for SSVF based upon Federal Active-Duty time and the Character of Discharge. Veterans who have completed at least one day of Federal Active Duty with any discharge that is NOT Bad Conduct or Dishonorable are considered eligible based on their Veteran Status
- Sleeping Situation/Literal Homelessness
- a) A veteran’s sleeping situation is based on where the veteran slept the evening before they call us.
- b) Veterans who are experiencing literal homelessness as defined by the VA may be sleeping in any number of situations. Some examples include sleeping in a vehicle, at a shelter, on the street, at a bus or train station, or in a tent. Veterans sleeping in these situations are considered literally homeless and are eligible based on their sleeping situation.
- Income
- a) Veterans enrolled under Rapid Rehouse or Homeless Prevention category must receive an income that is less than 80 percent of the Average Median Income (AMI) for their area. Example: Marion County income limits state that 80 percent AMI is around $62,000 for a one-person household.
- Location in Indiana
- a) InteCare serves 13 counties around Indiana, including Boone, Hamilton, Madison, Hancock, Shelby, Johnson, Marion, Sullivan, Clay, Vigo, Putnam, and Vermillion. Veterans residing in any of the counties listed above at the time of their referral are eligible based on their location in Indiana.
Enrollment Categories are as follows:
Rapid Rehouse (RRH)
Veterans are considered eligible for the Rapid Rehouse category if they are currently sleeping in a literally homeless situation. See Section 2(b) above. Sleeping Situation/ Literal Homelessness for more details on literally homeless sleeping situation examples. Veterans who spend one night in literal homelessness are considered qualified based on their sleeping situation. Unfortunately, veterans staying with friends, family, or in hotels paid out-of-pocket are not considered literally homeless as InteCare follows the Federal Guidelines and the VA’s definition of Literal Homelessness.
Homeless Prevention (HP)
Veterans are considered eligible for the Homeless Prevention category if they are currently at eminent risk of homelessness with documentation of the risk. Veterans with eviction notices that state they must vacate the premises within 14 days of receiving the notice would qualify as their documentation states that they are at eminent risk of homelessness. Other eligible forms of documentation include a court date on the calendar within 14 days of the referral.
Timeline of Services
InteCare’s SSVF program provides veterans with temporary financial and housing assistance over the course of 90 days. Our goal is to identify and obtain permanent housing for veterans within the first 30 days of enrollment. In addition to identifying housing for veterans, Case Mangers will also evaluate the client’s financial situation to determine if they need to be connected to additional financial services. During the process in which our service providers are identifying housing opportunities, Veterans are encouraged to take diversionary housing measures such as staying in a shelter or with family or friends.
InteCare accepts our referrals through our toll-free hotline, (855) 896-4345. When a veteran calls the hotline, they are able to discuss with the Program Specialist the details of their situation. The Program Specialist will then determine if they are eligible and screen them if so. If veterans are not eligible or not interested in receiving our SSVF Services, the Program Specialist is then able to provide resources outside of SSVF assistance that may still aid the veteran in their situation. Veterans who are referred to InteCare’s SSVF program via the hotline will receive a phone call from the Intake Coordinator to set up an appointment over the phone. This Intake Call will finalize the veteran’s enrollment, allow the Intake Coordinator to collect any necessary documentation (Photo ID, DD214 or VA ID, income verification), and have the veteran sign any documents regarding enrollment. Veterans will agree to sign a Program Agreement, Grievance Procedure, Rights and Responsibilities, and a Release of Information upon enrollment into InteCare’s SSVF program. These documents outline the expectations that veterans will actively participate in the program and will consistently maintain contact with their Case Manager.
Following the Intake Call, veterans will be matched with a case manager and will begin receiving Supportive Services. Dependent on each case, veterans may be eligible for a recertification on their time in the program if their case manager sees it fit.
Click here to donate. You can learn more about InteCare at InteCarevets.org or email ssvf@intecare.org.