The Salvation Army
Homeless Services Department
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Background The roots of The Salvation Army Borden Avenue
Veterans Residence can be traced to a report released by the City of New
York Comptroller's Office in 1982 entitled, "Soldiers of
Misfortune". This
report attempted to focus attention on the high percentage of veterans
that made up the growing population of homeless persons in New York
City. It stressed the critical need for the Federal Government,
specifically the Veterans Administration (now, US Department of Veteran
Affairs), to develop an outreach and information program to these men
and women. It was hoped
that the proposed outreach and educational program would allow many
of these men and women to escape the streets and restore a sense of
normalcy to their lives. The report was championed by many Veterans
Service Organizations (VSOs) found throughout the five boroughs of New
York City. For many, the idea of helping homeless veterans seemed
logical and right; but when the VSOs put forward the idea of specialized
services and a dedicated shelter for homeless veterans, opposition came
hard and strong. Initially,
City leaders did not agree that there was a need for specialized services
for veterans, that veterans were just another "group" among
the growing homeless population and no one knew exactly how many were
in the population. Everyone recognized the importance of helping the
homeless, but the cry of the citizens throughout the city was, "Not
in my backyard!” "Not in my neighborhood!"
But slowly the strength of the VSOs and their cause prevailed.
First, specialized services for veterans were introduced
on-site at the shelters and after several years of successful services
and political struggles, a dedicated shelter for veterans was approved
and opened. Thus, on Veterans
Day, November 11, 1987, the conclusion of the long, hard campaign was
heralded as The Salvation Army Borden Avenue Residence celebrated its
opening. Services v
Comprehensive
Social Service Case Management v
Pre-employment,
Employment, and Post-employment Services v
Clean
& Sober Club v
Financial
Management v
Housing
Referral, Relocation Assistance and Housing Specialist v
Individual
Counseling v
Recreational
Activities v
Sobriety
Support Services (AA/NA Meetings) v
Chaplain
Services Non-Profit, Government and Corporate
Agencies The on-site services provided at BAVR are enhanced
by the involvement of other agencies that offer their services to the
BAVR residents. Some are
under contract with BAVR, others contract with NYC, and still others
provide their services as a means of outreach and support v
Alcohol/Substance
Abuse Services v
Dental Care v
Employment Referral
United States Department of Labor
New York State Department
of Labor v
Medical Clinic Services
NY Hospital Medical Center of
Queens v
Veteran’s Outreach
Torch Brooklyn Vet Centerv Counseling Background
In many cases, these casualties of society need assistance to return home where there is better support. That is where The Salvation Army’s Homeward Bound Relocation Assistance Program steps in. Homeward Bound provides transportation assistance to men, women and children to help relocate home, to a friend outside of New York City. And not all clients have come to New York City to find a home and employment. Homeward Bound has assisted visitors who have been robbed and left without any means to return home. The program has also assisted long-term residents of New York City who have been unable to put aside a retirement nest egg and who find they must relocate to a different part of the country. Homeward Bound
recently expanded services to include victims of domestic violence.
Women fleeing their abusers can be relocated to a safe and confidential
location whether with friends, family or shelter. Means
of Assistance Homeward Bound works with the client to personally assess his or her situation, provide the financial assistance that will enable qualified persons and families to return home, connect clients with social service support opportunities at their new locations, and offer continued support through periodic, personal follow-up. How
It Works * Individuals not receiving Public Assistance, who have never used the program in the past are referred to a Homeward Bound social worker in one of the five boroughs. * The social worker completes an assessment, which includes a check of SSI benefits and child-protection issues. Any immediate services will be provided before the client is assisted in relocating. Client should bring all possible identification/ documents. * Relocation information is confirmed and relocation-based social services are established. * Administrative paperwork and applications are completed, tickets are purchased and a departure schedule is coordinated with the client. * The Homeward Bound staff provides any final necessities and escorts the client to the departure location. * The Homeward Bound staff follow-up with client immediately upon their arrival at the new location and then at periodic intervals thereafter. The
Salvation Army Connection The
Homeward Bound Relocation Assistance Program relies on the hard work
of the thousands of Corps Community Centers located throughout the United
States and Puerto Rico to ensure clients are appropriately connected
to caring resources upon their arrival in their new community. The
Homeward Bound Program Director establishes contact with the local Corps
in order to inform the attending officer about the new client about to
arrive in town. The client
in given the name and address of their local Salvation Army Corps, and
are encouraged to visit the site upon their arrival. The
Corps are a useful resource for many reasons.
First, the Corps have numerous services on-hand at the site such
as food pantry, clothing, and various social service and municipal referrals
throughout their local community.
Second,
as another component of The Salvation Army social services network, the
Corps bring a familiar name and continuity to the individual relocating
to what may be a new and strange community.
Third,
The Salvation Army Corps are available seven days a week for children
and adults, for education and spirituality.
The newly relocated client will not be alone. Background
SANVR is a
transitional housing facility for homeless men and women veterans,
located on the campus of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in
Northport, Long Island. The
length of stay provided by the agreement with each county is 30 days for
each veteran being served at a per diem rate of $40. An extended length
of stay is requested at times based upon need and approval by the county
housing office. SANVR
has a highly involved and pro-active community advisory council.
SANVR is currently organizing a Speakers Bureau to facilitate
outreach and community education. We
are also organizing a series of open house get-togethers with prominent
citizens and community groups to raise awareness to homeless veterans in
Long Island. Home
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