1. How long is the process? The process time varies depending on the unique circumstances of your family. The SSVF staff can’t provide services without proper documentation and services can be on hold until proper documentation is received the SSVF staff. It typically takes approximately 1 week to 1 ½ weeks to be screened for services and notified of eligibility.

2. What are my chances of receiving assistance? Eligibility for SSVF services is based upon numerous factors (i.e. characterization of discharge, annual income, homelessness status/risk, household characteristics, and funding availability to name a few). Due to the number of veterans requesting services, AWS is not able to assist every family that is in need. Despite this fact, AWS strives to provide all eligible veterans with services to increase their housing stability.

3. How much does the SSVF program assist with? The VA has placed restrictions on the number of months of services for utilities and rent that can be provided to any veteran family within specific time frames. With this being said, funds provided are based upon the VA SSVF guidelines and funding availability at AWS.

4. How do I find affordable housing in my area? You can visit the following websites and input your zip codes to find affordable housing www.schousingsearch.com and www.gosection8.com.

5. I am homeless, what do I do? SSVF doesn’t offer any emergency shelter or transitional housing services. If you need an immediate place to stay, contact your local VA medical center and ask to speak to a representative of the Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Program. You can also visit the Emergency Room of your local VA medical center and speak to a social worker regarding your homelessness. If you have temporary housing and are seeking permanent housing, you can call  SSVF line at 864-345-1299 or 803-799-8464. If no one answers, please leave a detailed message including your name and contact phone number and an SSVF case manager will give you a call back shortly.

6. I have received a Magistrate’s eviction notice, what do I do? If you are a participant in the HUD/VASH program, notify your case manager immediately and have the case manager complete an SSVF Referral Form. If you are not a participant in the HUD/VASH program, you can call the SSVF line at 864-345-1299 or 803-799-8464. If no one answers, please leave a detailed message including your name and contact phone number and an SSVF case manager will give you a call back shortly.

7. I do not have a DD214, what can I do? SSVF does require proof of your veteran status. SSVF requires either a DD214 or VA medical card and Statement of Service in order to determine eligibility. SSVF can assist Veterans in obtaining those forms, if needed.

8. My deceased spouse was a veteran, am I eligible? Unfortunately, a veteran has to be in the household in order for the family to receive any services.

9. My estranged spouse is a veteran, am I eligible? Unfortunately, a veteran has to be in the household in order for the family to receive any services.

10. My home is at risk of foreclosure, am I eligible for services? Unfortunately, the SSVF program can’t provide any services to a veteran family that owns their home.

Success Story 1: In March 2013, Charles Mission, wife Susan, and their two young children were staying at Inntown Suites with the assistance of the Salvation Army. Mr. Mission was working part time at a dry cleaner and had never gone to the Veterans Administration to apply for benefits or even get his DD214. After speaking to the veteran’s wife during the intake appointment, the SSVF case manager was able to assist the veteran with obtaining his DD214. Mr. Mission went to the Department of Veteran Affairs and applied for Veteran’s benefits, applied for a copy of his DD214, and received a VA medical card so that he can access health care services. The family also began to search for housing and was able to have the home inspected and received assistance with first month’s rent and security deposit. They were also able to receive assistance with an old light bill and utility deposit. On last discussion with clients, they were doing well and even attended a job fair to search for further employment for Mr. Mission and new employment for his wife.

Success Story 2: In February 2013, Mr. Thomas was referred for SSVF services by a VA case manager. Mr. Thomas is a Veteran of the Iraqi/Afghan conflict whose only income is a service-connected pension. Mr. Thomas, his pregnant fiancée, and their 2-year-old daughter were at risk of being homeless due to their rental and utility arrears. Although client’s initial screening determined the family ineligible for services, the birth of the newest family member would make the family eligible. 3 days after the initial screening, Mr. Thomas notified case manager of the baby’s arrival, and an intake assessment was scheduled. AWS SSVF was able to provide utility assistance to prevent the client’s home from being without electricity during the cold, winter nights. Case manager continues to work with Mr. Thomas to ensure that he and his family maintain their housing.

Success Story 3: Mr. Mantle came into the Alston Wilkes Society State Office after living on the streets for the past 2 years. Mr. Mantle was in need of clothing, toiletries, and housing. Mr. Mantle returned from Afghanistan in 2011 and almost immediately fell into homelessness. He stated he’d rather live on the streets over a transitional/emergency housing due to the close living quarters in a confined space. Mr. Mantle had recently completed the SATP at the VA and was seeking mental health services for PTSD. He didn’t qualify for the VA’s HUD/VASH program, but desired assistance with moving into a rental unit. At the time of his intake, Mr. Mantle received assistance with clothing and toiletries. Mr. Mantle is a very determined and self-motivated man. Mr. Mantle and his case manager worked together to identify affordable housing with his limited disability compensation. After a long and stressful journey, Mr. Mantle found a rental unit. After the unit passed inspection, Mr. Mantle moved in with the assistance of the SSVF Program. Mr. Mantle moved in his new place after 19-months of living on the streets and sleeping on concrete each night on March 14, 2013. The case manager completed a furniture request to the Salvation Army, as he had minimal furniture. SSVF helped him with a security deposit, 1st month’s rent, and utility deposit. Stable in his own place after years of homelessness, substance abuse, and PTSD, this veteran is a success, and I admire his courage and service to us always.

Success Story 4: On 02/14/2013, a veteran named Ms. Tree arrived at Alston Wilkes Society to seek help through the Supportive Services for Veterans families. An intake was completed to determine what help was needed. The client was behind in her rent and utilities. Case management began with the focuses on bringing her bills current. Several attempts were made with the landlord to try and manage these issues, but the landlord was very negative and began to force the eviction process on Ms. Tree. Ms. Tree was perpetually behind in her household expenses due to poor insulation in her mobile home causing an excessive electric bill. Ms. Tree’s landlord was unwilling to make repairs forcing Ms. Tree to look for housing in other places to prevent from becoming evicted. In May 2013, the client appeared in court and was ordered to vacate her home. The judge gave the client less than one month to find another place to live. In June 2013, Ms. Tree and her SSVF case manager continued to look for housing in the Columbia and Sumter areas. Ms. Tree’s housing search and identification was impeded by poor credit history and limited income. Despite the fact, Ms. Tree was able to identify income-based housing for seniors in Columbia. Ms. Tree is very happy about her new housing and its affordability. SSVF assisted Ms. Tree with a security deposit and first month’s rent to aid the client in her transition to stable housing.

Success Story 5: Mr. Richards was a veteran of the Vietnam era who had been living on the streets, literally homeless for 27 years. Following an outreach event conducted at SC Works in Spartanburg, Mr. Richards was identified as a homeless veteran. Mr. Richards struggled with addiction and after successful completion of rehabilitation client was referred for services to the SSVF staff in Greenville. SSVF case manager located housing and employment for Mr. Richards with the assistance of SC Works Spartanburg employees. Mr. Richards established a home in Spartanburg on 01/12/2013. He is currently sustaining his mobile home and employment to this today due to the rental assistance provided by SSVF Greenville staff.

Testimonial 1: In my opinion, the supportive services for veteran families program is a wonderful program to assist veterans who are homeless as well as veterans who are already housed who need assistance maintaining housing. It has been a privilege and an honor for me to have served in the military myself and to be able to assist other veteran. President Obama has initiated an opportunity to assist the men and women of the United States who have served who may need a helping hand.

—Joy A. Porter – Hemphill, MA

Testimonial 2: Growing up as a military brat and as a part of a large military family, I have seen firsthand how the military impacts not only the lives of the men and women who serve, but also their families. I am proud to work as a member of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program because of the positive impact that we have on the lives of veterans and their families. When I speak of my work at Alston Wilkes Society, my veteran parents are proud to know that I am helping others who have dutifully served their country as they once did.

—Tiffany Major, MSW