G004--VCB Transitional Housing Base + 4 option years (1358) (VA-24-00001061)

Q: I am writing to request information on who will provide case workers for homeless veterans.

A: The contractor must provide case managers on staff to provide case management services to the Veterans in the program.

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Q: What organizations or entities provide case workers to work with veterans who are experiencing homelessness?

A: We don t have any local organizations that I am aware of that provide case workers The local social service agencies employ their own case managers to serve homeless Veterans (Salvation Army, Good Samaritan, Mother Theresa s, Endeavors, Nueces County Social Services are the main community agencies we collaborate with as they have Veteran focused programs/grants).

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Q: Do I have to provide the dwelling or can I subcontract a local shelter to offer the 10 beds needed and we provide the perminate housing once they are trasitioned?

A: You must provide the dwelling and the dwelling must meet the criteria specified in the Performance Work Statement. The Performance Work Statement is for transitional housing, not permanent housing that is not part of this contract. Permanent housing is provided to Veterans through VA programs like HUD-VASH where the VA collaborates with the local housing authority to issue section-8 vouchers.

 Q: I would also appreciate any information on criteria for eligibility, as well as any other information that may be available on this topic.

A: To be eligible:

 The Veteran must be eligible for VA health care (not all Veterans are eligible)

The Veteran must meet low-income criteria

The Veteran is homeless, priority given to Veterans who are chronically homeless and not living in a place meant for habitation

The Veteran will undergo a TB test for entry

The Veteran must be in need of and willing to engage in intensive case management (most will have mental health diagnoses; substance use disorders and medical difficulties)

The Veteran must be willing to remain substance free while in the program

The Veteran must be willing to work towards permanent housing as the maximum stay is 180 days. This will include applying for benefits, working, saving funds, applying for housing programs (HUD-VASH, Endeavors, etc)

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