Capital improvement projects will improve access and expand services to homeless veterans
A groundbreaking ceremony for capital improvement plans was held at Operating Base Cecilia, the headquarters for Archdiocese of Philadelphia Catholic Social Services (CSS) Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. These plans include a wheelchair lift to the first floor, sloped walkway to the ground floor, shower and laundry facilities, renovated kitchen and dining room, garden project, and an onsite furniture barn.
Operating Base Cecilia, located in the former St. Cecilia’s School in Coatesville, is a joint initiative of the Veterans Multi-Service Center (VMC) and CSS and receives funding from a grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The program reaches out to homeless Veterans, or those at imminent risk of becoming homeless, using a “housing first” model focused on getting the veterans and their families into stable permanent housing and “back on track” to a more secure future.
The SSVF program has been successful in mobilizing a host of community resources in partnership around one goal: to “serve those who served.” These local efforts are part of a nationwide initiative to end veteran homelessness by the end of 2015. In its first year of operations Operating Base Cecilia reached 237 veterans along with 113 of their spouses and children. Once homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, 85% of these former servicemen and women are now in secure stable permanent housing.
Operating Base Cecilia offers Case Managers to help veteran families to create a plan and navigate obstacles they face in achieving stable housing, Income Stabilization Specialists to work on financial management and employment opportunities, a Veteran Service Officer who assists in making and reviewing benefits claims, a staff Social Worker who specializes in helping clients to access valuable community resources, a Housing Coordinator who recruits cooperative landlords amenable to veteran tenants, and Outreach and Screening Specialists who work to establish connections and trust with clients.
Contact
Annie Korp
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747