HELP USA serves homeless veterans at each of its 28 sites across the country. In addition to offering HELP USA’s nationally-recognized comprehensive package of social, psychological, educational, and medical services, our dedicated veterans’ housing features daily one-on-one visits from VA staff members and a “buddy system” to ensure that each veteran has a friend to check on him or her daily. Over the past several years, HELP USA has worked in partnership with the VA's Homeless Veterans Treatment Programs in NYC to provide employment services to homeless veterans from throughout the metropolitan area. HELP has placed over 200 homeless veterans into unsubsidized employment and has provided them with the support services they need to maintain their employment.
HELP Supportive Employment Center, New York City
Darryl E. served in the U.S. Army from 1978 to 1980 and received an honorable discharge. After returning to civilian life, he began to experience mental health issues and went through a long-term battle with alcoholism and a long period of homelessness. When he entered HELP’s Supportive Employment Center Рa transitional housing facility that helps homeless adults gain employment and permanent housing РDarryl had some difficulty adjusting to the demands of his new surroundings. His case manager and other HELP staff worked with him very intensively, and he began to get his life back on track. Mr. E was enrolled in a group therapy program conducted by the Brooklyn VA Hospital, and a HELP USA Job Developer secured him employment with the NYC Transit Authority. He is now working and living in an apartment in New York City.
HELP Las Vegas Veterans Apartments, Las Vegas, Nevada
George M. is a disabled veteran who served in the armed forces in World War II. As a result of his service, he sustained multiple injuries and has been unable to work. When George moved into HELP Las Vegas Veterans Apartments Рa transitional housing program for homeless veterans Рhe had been homeless for several years because he could not afford to pay market rent for an apartment. HELP’s social service staff worked with the VA hospital to resolve George’s medical issues and to help him gain his full Veterans Disability Pension. After successfully enduring several surgeries, George was able to use his full pension to move on from HELP Las Vegas, purchase a condo, and buy a car. He is now living happily, and independently, in his own home.
HELP HomeBase Homelessness Prevention Program, New York City
Lee W. is a 49-year-old veteran and single father who has sole responsibility for the care of his 18-year-old disabled son. Mr. W. also suffers from emphysema. Mr. W. and his son applied for shelter in New York City’s homeless service system because they were being evicted from their apartment as a result of the landlord selling the building. The family was referred to HomeBase, HELP’s homeless prevention program. HELP staff secured temporary housing for Mr. W. and his son, and then helped them secure a new apartment. As a result, Lee was able to maintain his employment, and he and his son did not have to enter a homeless shelter.
HELP Works, New York City
Carlos D, a veteran in his 40’s, was referred to HELP Works, HELP USA’s employment services program, by the Bronx VA Hospital. Mr. D was homeless and unemployed, and had served time in prison. After completing HELP’s job readiness course, Carlos began working with HELP’s job developer to find a living-wage job. It took several interviews, but based on the strength of the BA in Human Services Carlos had earned while in prison, HELP’s job developer was finally able to secure him a full-time position as a case manager for a non-profit organization in the City.
HELP Las Vegas Genesis Apartments, Las Vegas, Nevada
Marvin A. is a disabled veteran who moved into HELP’s Genesis Apartments in 2006. At the time he moved into this supportive housing facility, he was chronically homeless because he was only receiving a 29% VA pension. He also suffers from dementia due to head injuries he sustained while serving in Vietnam. HELP’s case managers scheduled him for a full re-evaluation by the VA, and as a result Marvin was re-classified as 100% disabled. HELP staff then assisted Mr. A. in his housing search, and in 2007 he purchased a home and moved on from Genesis Apartments to permanent housing in the community.
