Ventura County nonprofit’s United to End Homelessness VC Initiative provides veteran support
Todd G. Courtesy photos.
VENTURA — As we look ahead toward honoring Veterans Day, United Way of Ventura County continues to prioritize providing critical support to veterans in the Ventura County community through its Landlord Engagement Program (LEP) and rapid response efforts throughout the pandemic and beyond.
When COVID-19 first impacted the Ventura community in 2020, United Way of Ventura County mobilized immediately to secure temporary shelter and daily meals for local veterans and have helped a total of 48 veterans and 26 family members. Additionally, the nonprofit provided more than 3,000 Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits, which were distributed by the Ventura County Healthcare for the Homeless Backpack Medicine Team.
“Finally, I was able to get into a clean, decent and quiet apartment. I’m grateful for the assistance provided by United Way,” said Todd G., a local veteran.
In addition to United Way of Ventura County’s COVID-19 response, its LEP program has placed 34 veterans and their family members with permanent housing. Of these 34 veterans, 20 are seniors and 20 VASH vouchers were utilized. In total, the LEP has permanently housed 123 individuals.
“If I did not get help from all of these wonderful people, I would not be here today,” said Rose B., a local veteran’s widow. “They have a heart of gold, not just for me, but for everyone.”
“Our team has worked tirelessly to provide permanent housing for veterans who have served our country and we have made significant progress to achieve our goal to end veteran homelessness,” said Eric Harrison, the nonprofit’s president. “Our goal is to be able to reach each homeless veteran in our community to provide permanent housing, and we couldn’t do it without the wonderful support from our partners and the community.”
To continue the conversation and identify housing solutions for the county’s unhoused veterans and community members, United Way of Ventura County has its second United to End Homelessness Virtual Symposium scheduled for Feb. 4, 2022, with keynote speaker, Jessica Bruder, author of the critically acclaimed “Nomadland.”
Landlords interested in becoming a member of the LEP, please email Amy.Duganne@vcunitedway.org. To learn more about United to End Homelessness Ventura County, visit https://unitedtoendhomelessnessvc.org. For more information about United Way of Ventura County, go to https://vcunitedway.org.
About United Way of Ventura County — Since 1945, United Way of Ventura County has advanced the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. United Way identifies the root causes of poverty and works strategically to solve them by building alliances across all sectors, funding targeted programs and advocating for change. When we work together in common purpose, we LIVE UNITED. For more information about United Way of Ventura County, visit www.vcunitedway.org.