The goal is not to create new programs. Rather, the goal is to enable the integration of military and veterans services into existing programs to increase impact.
On any given night, there might be more than 38,000 homeless veterans in the U.S. – or just under nine percent of all homeless adults. Approximately 1.4 million veterans are at risk for homelessness due to poverty, lack of support networks, and dismal living conditions in overcrowded or substandard housing.
In early April, the Dixon Center hosted a visit with the U.S. Army’s Soldier For Life program to Soldier On, a national leader in combating veteran homelessness, that is based in western Massachusetts. The Center recognized an opportunity for two of its partners to forge a closer relationship to support veterans, especially at-risk veterans.
These are not easy problems to solve but Soldier On is tackling them head-on:
Connecting with veterans at-risk or already homeless
Immediately providing transitional housing
Addressing underlying issues such as substance abuse, physical and mental health needs
Putting veterans on a pathway to permanent housing
Restoring their dignity and sense of purpose
Throughout our visit, veterans came up to us and, unsolicited, told stories that were both sobering and inspiring. The Soldier On outreach programs are life-changing, going beyond providing a home.
With a reach that extends across the country, the organization has created a pathway where at-risk veterans become homeowners within a community of veterans, surrounded by the services they need, and with access to support from other veterans.Now, as a result of this visit that the Center coordinated, Soldier On and Soldier for Life have established a relationship that will result in more at-risk veterans connecting with the services they need to live a life of dignity and purpose.
Interested in joining our team of corporate and non-profit partners to make an impact through opportunities in meaningful employment, education, housing, and wellness? Contact us at info@dixoncenter.org.
