Program areas at OSDTN
Ssvf - osdtn administers a grant through the department of veterans affairs used to prevent or relieve veteran homelessness. The supportive services for veteran families (ssvf) grant program provides financial assistance through rent, deposits, and utilities. The program offers help finding affordable housing, navigating va-healthcare, and provides access to legal services for housing-related issues. All ssvf services are at no cost to the veteran. 343 veterans were helped through the ssvf program in 2023.
Transitional housing program (thp) - in 2023, osdtn provided transitional housing for 135 men and women veterans who have experienced homelessness. Thp has seven homes, two for women (7 beds) and five for men (35 beds). Veterans in the program receive professional case management, participate in classes to help them reestablish a healthy, stable life, and learn how to create and manage an individual budget. Osdtn provides other wraparound services. 73% of veterans moves into permanent housing.
Veteran service center - in 2023, osdtn welcomed and supported 1,718 unique veterans through the veteran service center a total of 14,008 times. The service center assists veterans with personal identification needs, benefits counseling, legal issues, reliable mail service, military records retrieval, transportation, clothing, food, personal care items, and referrals to appropriate community agencies. Through the service center, 631 veterans were screened for risk and wellbeing, 157 veterans were assisted with employment, and 21 veterans were provided with legal representation and advice. 4,314 virtual hours were spent assisting veterans.
Other program service accomplishments outreach services: Operation commissary - osdtn launched Operation commissary in 2021 to address food insecurity among veterans and their families. This program incorporates the basic functions of a food bank with innovative features to break through veteran-specific barriers including service reluctance, hidden poverty, and lack of awareness. Non-perishable food can be picked up at an osdtn location or at a sattelite location like a vfw or student veteran center, or can be delivered to the veteran's residence. 3,673 food bags were provided to 544 veterans. Call sign connect - call sign connect was launched in 2020 to formalize outreach, engagement, and connection among veterans. Csc provides events, meetups, activities, online communication, and partner engagement to give veterans a chance to become a part of a stronger, supportive community of peers. 830 veterans were reached with outreach services.