Friendship Place Awarded Major Grant from Department of Veterans Affairs to Help End Veteran Homelessness

WASHINGTON, July 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of a nationwide initiative to end homelessness among Veterans, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs awarded Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place a $994,702 grant to serve homeless and at-risk Veterans in DC, Maryland and Virginia.

"This funding gives us an incredible opportunity to make a lasting impact on Veteran homelessness," said Jean-Michel Giraud, Executive Director of Friendship Place. "I applaud Secretary Shinseki's leadership at the VA for partnering with community-based organizations to take on this important mission."

The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) grant was awarded to 151 community agencies in 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Friendship Place ― one of two agencies that received funds to serve the District ― will use the grant for a major expansion of its successful eight-month-old Veterans First program, which helps homeless Veterans get back into housing quickly and prevents homelessness for Veterans who are on the brink of eviction.

Program Director Jill Carmichael has big plans for this grant. "We're setting up an innovative staffing structure, with specialists to address every area of need, from housing and benefits to employment. As always, we will provide one-on-one case management with each participant to build a plan that supports them in moving toward permanent housing and complete self-sufficiency."

The Veterans Administration's focus on homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing will guide much of the work done at Veterans First. Those identified as being extremely at-risk populations, particularly families, women and Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, are top priority for staff.

"It's a privilege for our staff to do this work," Carmichael said. "Nothing feels better than helping a homeless Veteran get their life back, when we know they risked their life for our country."

Anyone interested in learning more about Veterans First should visit the Friendship Place website at www.FriendshipPlaceDC.org.

For twenty-one years, Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place has empowered men and women experiencing homelessness to rebuild their lives with the involvement of the community. Through innovative leadership and community engagement, we provide effective, customized programs for those experiencing homelessness, including street outreach, shelter, transitional and permanent supportive housing, health care, job placement, and advocacy. Learn more at www.FriendshipPlaceDC.org

Media Contact: Emily Fagerholm
202.503.2964
[email protected]

SOURCE Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place