THE NEED: Homes for American Heroes and Stand Down House recognize the need to expand its services to include, First Stop Veterans’ Resource Center, South. Specifically for veterans and their families that are homeless and/or at risk of becoming homeless or have other risk factors. The cause of homelessness among veterans are difficult to disentangle, the same things that predict homelessness among the general population-medical issues, economic hardship, lack of affordable housing , access to support networks and personal characteristics-also predict homelessness among veterans. Veterans, however face the additional challenges when trying to overcome these obstacles. Many veterans are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic-Brain Injury, physical limitations. Other obstacles identified are highly stressful training and occupational demands that can affect personality, self-esteem and ability to communicate nontransferable skills to civilian jobs and prolonged separations from traditional support systems, such as family and close friends. We recognize the need to provide a safe and supportive environment where the veteran will be provided supportive services and linkages to community partners.

WHAT IS FIRST STOP VETERANS’ RESOURCE CENTERS SOUTH? First Stop Veterans Resource Center provides tools and services necessary for the homeless to and/or risk veterans and their families the opportunity to begin the process of reaching a point when they can sustain employment and permanent housing. Through a comprehensive Individual Development Plan (IDP) the homeless and/or at risk veteran is provided with the supportive services to begin journey to self-sufficiency. Service Available through the program includes: 1. Emergency/Short Term housing with referrals for permanent housing through VA HUD/VASH program. 2. Comprehensive pre-employment program (interview techniques, enhanced computer skills, effective resume writing, vocational/educational advancement assessments). This program serves effectively in resolving long-term homelessness. First Stop Veterans Resource Center, South partner with Miami VA Medical Center, Workforce Alliance, Florida Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and both Broward and Miami-Dade College and other community providers to assist and provide these critical services. 3. Financial Literacy is a major medical component of the success of the veteran in moving forward. The veteran receives a course in Money Management, working with their own case worker the veteran creates a budget and must maintain the budget and to include a 20% savings once the veteran is employed and/or receiving benefits. 4. Counseling is provided to meet the needs of the veteran and his family and to maintain contact to ensure veteran is in compliance and task with the Individual Development Plan. PROVEN TRACK RECORD: Homes for American Heroes and Stand Down House realizes to expedite the transition of the veteran into the community and to sustain independent living along with permanent housing as well as meaningful employment , veterans must receive guidance and assistance.