Photo by SSVF Coordinator Thomas Ramey while taking
part in the "Point in Time" count. The bridge
located in Lincoln County - home to someone in need
A WV veteran's service is reaching out to state veterans who need a helping hand.
Southwestern Community Action Council, Inc. operates Supportive Services for Veteran Families in 8 West Virginia counties.
Their program focuses two areas of need - Rapid Rehouse, and Prevention of Homelessness.
Rapid Rehouse is designed to assist those that are truly homeless to transition into permanent housing.
Southwestern CAC is able, through the SSVF coordinators, pay for essential services and items. Those areas of help include utility deposits, up to two months of utility assistance beyond the deposits, security deposits, up to five months of rental assistance, beds for household members, kitchen items such as pots, pans, dishes, silverware, etc., emergency groceries, car repair, bus passes for those that live within city limits, and child care.
Coordinators work with clients to develop an individual case plan to help the client stay focused, and strive towards retaining permanent housing.
Prevention is designed for veterans that are already in permanent houses, yet are facing immanent homelessness.
When an eviction notice is given to a client, SSVF can pay up to 3 months of arrears if necessary. Also SSVF can assist with utility termination notices. Under some circumstances car repairs can be paid under the prevention program.
How does a veteran know if they qualify?
If you are a veteran and have a copy of your DD214, and are discharged of anything other than dishonorable, you are eligible.
You need a photo identification and a social security card.
You must be considered low income making 50% of median income for your county. For example, a single person living in Wirt and Wood counties must make at or below $1,566 a month. A household with two must make at or below $1791 per month.
Currently Southwestern has three SSVF coordinators working in their coverage areas, but they can assist veterans in other
jurisdictions.
Roberta Shoaff covers Wirt and Wood counties 304-942-6925
Thomas Ramey covers Cabell, Lincoln and Wayne counties 304-525-5151.
Bill Haynes covers Jackson, Mason and Putnam counties 304-390-0087.
SSVF Supervisor is Rebecca Chambers 304-525-5151.
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