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Homeless female veterans—silent epidemic
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Homeless female veterans—silent epidemic
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Content
Homeless Female Veterans- -Silent Epidemic
by
Michelle A. Weiss, DSW, LMSW
A Doctoral Capstone Project
Presented to the Faculty of the
SUZANNE DWORAK-PECK SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree
DOCTOR OF SOCIAL WORK
May 2020
II
© 2020
Michelle A. Weiss
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
III
I. Executive Summary
The American Society of Social Work & Social Welfare created the 12 Grand Challenges
of Social Work. The Grand Challenges represent the opportunity to embark on macro changes
for the betterment of families, individuals, and society. One of the challenges, End Homelessness
reports over a million Americans will experience at a minimum an overnight of homelessness.
An episode or more of homelessness can be lifelong and detrimental to the whole person. This
approach utilizes effective global methods to develop new service innovations and technologies
and implement policies for economically housing the homeless populations (Henwood et al.,
2015).
The number of homeless female veterans is steadily increasing among the overall
homeless population of Central Texas is such an area. Homelessness among female veterans
subject to mental health challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or co-occurring
disorders, which lead to difficulties in maintaining productive employment, housing stability,
and family contact.
Female Veterans Alliance (FVA) was established in 2012 to assist female veterans in
healing their invisible wounds of military service and leading independent lives. This
organization is the only female veteran organization designed to serve female veterans on the
ground and Capitol Hill. Through this Capstone project, Female Veterans Alliance purpose is to
mitigate and prevent homelessness among female veterans and their children by ensuring that
they secure shelter while addressing the challenges of unemployment, challenges affecting the
family unit, and ensure enhanced mental health status. When achieving the identified purpose
within the theory of change conceptual framework, FVA will adopt an innovative Logic Model
IV
and is part of the greater homeless veterans’ rehabilitation program aimed at addressing unmet
needs for female veterans and their children. The project issue of sheltering homeless female
veterans is also one of the policies of the Department of Veteran Affairs-Housing and Urban
Development program for supportive housing (HUD-VASH). Guided by the innovative Logic
Model, the Capstone will identify and house homeless female veterans. The veterans and their
children will then be provided the intensive care aimed at addressing the effects of PTSD,
Military Sexual Trauma (MST), and other related mental health issues, barriers to employment,
and the unmet promises of postwar government benefits among homeless female veterans.
Once the project is implemented, it is expected that the female veterans who participated
in the project will become independent and stable and will be able to find a permanent house.
They will also be able to attain proof of income, employment, and educational enrollment. The
project implementation also aims at creating a safe and stable environment for the family unit.
This will be achieved by running a pilot extension over ten single homes where only female
veterans with not more than two children under the age of 18 years old will be rehabilitated.
Within the Village, the veterans and their children will be offered intensive case management
services, supportive counseling services, financial training, and life skills training by various
partners for two years.
The proposed project implementation is limited by resources such as finances, which
makes it unable to accommodate more deserving female veterans. Future work should, therefore,
focus on enhancing the capacity of similar projects to enroll more homeless female veterans. The
focus should be on bringing on board more stakeholders who are willing to finance the project
and by developing ways of achieving self-sufficiency.
V
The innovative collaboration and involvement of various stakeholders and care providers
in the management of the challenges faced by homeless female veterans have vital implications
in addressing homelessness and mental health issues among female veterans. Based on the
adopted innovative step, it is evident that a social problem is adequately addressed by strategies
that not only focus on the challenge alone but also on the underlying causes. Therefore, adopting
holistic approaches that aim at improving the quality of life is recommended.
VI
DEDICATION
This work is humbly dedicated to all of my cherish treasures in life: To my Husband,
Rich, For his love, sacrifices, friendship, humor, patience, and willingness to arrange many
dinners around my classes. And also to my children who may never see this, Stephanie and
Landon because of our circumstances allowed me to experience the kind of love that people
freely die for.
VII
Table of Contents
I. Executive Summary ................................................................................................................ III
II. Conceptual Framework ........................................................................................................... 1
Problem statement .................................................................................................................... 1
Theoretical conceptualization .................................................................................................. 5
Definition of the long-term goals ............................................................................................ 6
Definition of the interim outcomes ......................................................................................... 8
Definition of the preconditions ............................................................................................... 8
III. Problems of Practice and Solution(s)/Innovation(s) ........................................................... 9
Description of the proposed solution and innovation ............................................................ 9
Contribution of the innovation towards social improvements ........................................... 10
Examine your problem from multiple stakeholder perspectives. ...................................... 11
Literature review .................................................................................................................... 12
History of Female Veterans’ Exposure to Homelessness ..................................................... 15
Preconditions Leading to Chronic Homelessness among Female Veterans ......................... 16
Military Policy on the Duration of Deployment and Veteran Homelessness ....................... 17
Redeployment and Recruitment Standards ........................................................................... 17
Consideration for the existing opportunities for innovation............................................... 18
How the proposed innovation/solution aligns with the logic model. .................................. 19
Project’s overall likelihood of success ................................................................................... 20
IV. Project Structure, Methodology, and Action Components .............................................. 21
Prototype .................................................................................................................................. 21
Analysis of the market for the proposed project/innovation relative to alternative options
................................................................................................................................................... 21
Project’s methods for project implementation..................................................................... 22
Potential Barriers .................................................................................................................. 22
FVA as the Best Alternative ................................................................................................. 23
Implementation Strategy ....................................................................................................... 23
Project’s financial plans and implementation strategy ....................................................... 24
Project’s methods for assessment of impact ......................................................................... 25
Project’s plan for relevant stakeholder involvement ........................................................... 25
Project’s communications products and strategies that are likely to have a strong
positive impact on relevant audiences ................................................................................... 25
How the capstone components address the stated problem(s) of practice ........................ 26
Ethical concerns and possible negative consequences ......................................................... 26
V. Conclusions, Actions, and Implications ............................................................................... 28
Explain how the project aims to inform potential future decisions and actions. .............. 28
Contextualize project conclusions within a field of practice ............................................... 28
Describe the implications of the project innovation for practice and further action. ...... 28
Acknowledge any the limitations and recommendations for future work. ....................... 29
Approach for sharing the prototype with relevant practitioners and/or external
constituencies. .......................................................................................................................... 30
Plan for advancing the next steps. ......................................................................................... 30
VIII
Reference ..................................................................................................................................... 31
Appendix I: The logic model ...................................................................................................... 41
Appendix II: Implementation framework ................................................................................ 43
Appendix III: Budget………………………………………………………………………….. 44
Appendix IV: Prototypes……………………………………………………………………… 46
Running head: HOMELESS FEMALE VETERANS 1
II. Conceptual Framework
Problem statement
The homelessness problem among veteran women has become the most significant to
consider and solve based on research indicating that women are the fastest-growing cohort in the
veteran community (Aponte, Balfour, Garin, Glasgow, & Lee, 2017). Female veterans form a
significant group that is contributing to the ever-up surging population of the homeless
population in this Country. This trend indicates that the number is growing at a faster rate than
ever before in US history. The current estimated homeless among veterans is about 40,056
(Cerise, Wisdom & Saint, 2019). A recent Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) annual homeless assessment report presented to Congress indicated that the number of
homeless veterans had hit an all-time high. Between 2016 and 2017, the number of homeless
female veterans increased by seven percent, compared to a 1 percent increase among their male
counterparts. Homeless women veterans represent 9 percent of the total number of homeless ex-
military men and women (Brignone, Fargon & Culhane, 2018). The percentage is considered too
low by experts based on the population of women that serve in the US military, and they feel its
more like 9 percent of the total female population of almost 2 million (Byrne, Montgomery, &
Fargo, 2015).
The Military Times states multidisciplinary efforts such as HUD and Veterans Affairs
(VA) led to the reduction of homelessness among female veterans by five percent (Shane, 2018).
Through collaboration with the department of housing and urban development, there has been a
decline in the number of sheltered and unsheltered veterans. Precisely, 64 local communities and
2
three states had ended the homelessness problem among veterans conclusively as of November
2018 (Shane, 2018). Such developments show a hopeful situation in comparison with to the past,
where departments were more focused on the plight and issue related to veterans from a
perspective of male needs. There is a consensus that while the current state of affairs concerning
female veterans and housing is not ideal, the government and relevant agencies have made a
considerable effort in ensuring the comfortable transition into civilian life (Aponte et al., 2017;
Shane, 2018; Schulker & Matthews, 2018). However, researchers also agree that the expected
future changes mean that the current housing plans and systems are subject to revision to account
for the projected increase in the number of women joining the military.
The lack of a clear understanding of the cause is one of the main reasons why little is
being done to help these female veterans. An idea that is cited commonly is that female homeless
veterans are not willing to seek assistance from the VA (Veterans Affairs) or social service
organizations. Many of them suffer from Military Sexual Trauma (MST), and they are less
willing to seek much-needed assistance because they do not want to identify themselves as
veterans (Byrne, Montgomery, & Dichter, 2013). The homeless female veteran does not fit the
typical stereotype of homeless people because most of them have many other responsibilities,
primarily children, to take care of. Yet they are not willing to pursue assistance. Some strategies
were created to facilitate a successful transition from the military to civilian life through
transitional housing, although you already have to be considered homeless to use these services.
Cities in Texas have been shown to suffer from acute veteran unemployment, which results in
high cases of homelessness. It is estimated that about 178,000 female veterans are found in
Texas, which accounts for 11 percent of all homeless veterans in the United States (Women
Veterans Program, 2018). It is projected that the number of homeless veterans will increase to
about 2.4 percent of the total national population by the year 2020 (Women Veterans Program,
3
2018). Only 18 percent to 20 percent of the homeless veterans in Texas receive housing
assistance, which suggest the acute need for housing solutions for the homeless veterans in these
areas (Cunningham et al., 2015).
The lack of necessary social services has contributed to the increase of homelessness
among female veterans. Most of the current programs fail to provide the services for female
veterans. They feel that they need to avail of the critical services that can aid a successful
transition from military to civilian life underserve them. The number of females in the service
has been on the rise, and in a few decades to come, women will form more than twenty percent
of the military population (Perl, 2008). The increase in the number of female soldiers implies
that the population of female veterans will also increase. However, the current facilities and
programs will not be sufficient to address the various needs of these veterans. The most
fundamental services include mental health and medical services. There are several cases where
female veterans are denied services in some VA’s due to the absence of female-specific services.
In most cases, the services offered to men are replicated to female veterans without
considering the fact that the two groups develop different challenges, once they come back from
the battlefields (Byrne, Montgomery, & Fargo, 2015). Despite an array of services offered by the
federal government to assist female veterans with adjustment and transition after military
service, there are still significant gaps evident for women in all aspects of current federal
programs. Key areas that ought to be improved include access to VA care, women veteran-
centered care, and other services that assist in their most basic needs.
Mental health issues are listed among the major contributors to the high rate of
homelessness among women veterans. The majority of the veterans suffer from a wide range of
mental health disorders, and other conditions related to substance abuse. The national center for
post-traumatic stress disorders, one in every five female veterans suffers from a specific mental
4
health condition. New information has revealed that more than 20 percent of the female soldiers
that served in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars developed mental health issues (Brenner, 2011).
These illnesses affect the capacity of most female veterans to find lasting alternatives regarding
their housing situation. Some studies have also indicated that most females do not have
knowledge about the available support programs and where to get the services. The lack of
knowledge has continued to expose the veterans to social challenges instead of seeking necessary
assistance (Perl, 2008).
When soldiers return home with mental health issues, most of them are isolated from
their family members. The family support is usually a significant pillar in helping the veterans
recover and go back to their normal lives. Most female veterans are denied support by their
husbands who end up divorcing them. These veterans often end up homeless because they have
no one to provide support and assistance. The lack of veteran benefits and legal troubles have
subjected female veterans to homelessness.
A close analysis of the challenges facing female veterans indicates that their problems are
not only limited to homelessness (Rossiter & Chandler, 2013; Fischer et al., 2015). Despite the
many services and programs that have been put in place by the federal government as well as the
state governments, some problems besides homelessness might not disappear any time soon
(Cerise et al., 2019). The difficulties facing female veterans are more than just homelessness.
Delving deep into the issue of homelessness among female veterans suggests that homelessness
is just a symptom of one of many intractable problems facing the veterans. The mental illness
turned out to be a stubborn problem among these veterans, and its effects are more severe than
the homeless status of many veterans (Cheney et al., 2018). The situation of being homeless is
made worse by the development of mental illnesses that surface after their wartime experiences
(Brenner, 2011; Cheney et al., 2018).
5
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is common among female veterans. It is acknowledged as
a significant challenge in helping the veterans adjust to their civilian lives. Female veterans are
more exposed to the condition because of serving in high-risk military areas in addition to the
high chances of being sexually assaulted while on duty. The majority of female veterans suffer
from MST (Brenner, 2011). The diverse mental health conditions and particularly PTSD, are
significant contributors to homelessness (Cheney et al., 2018). The real problem not yet
addressed by any Government or private entity is that of prevention. There is a lack of assistance
for at-risk female soldiers before discharge (Chapman & Wu, 2014; Fischer et al., 2015). A plan
for each discharging soldier that needs it as well as aftercare is often something already used
with the civilian population within at-risk communities. It is my sincere goal to successfully
address many, if not all, the conditions that result in female veteran homelessness upon discharge
from the military.
The predominant problem regarding homeless women together with their children is the
lack of housing programs, which can address their real issues and reduce their vulnerability to
persistent homelessness. The VA offers the Grants Per Diem Program (GPD). GPD provides
housing payments to organizations that house female veterans. Nevertheless, the GPD does not,
in any way, provide any further funding for specialized support services, which is required by the
female veterans, nor does it consider allocating funds to cover for the veteran's children. A large
number of female veterans will complete their military service in the next couple of years,
several being single with children. Other programs that serve women must contribute to meeting
the needs of these veteran women and ensure that they have a shelter (Shevory, 2012).
Theoretical conceptualization
The theoretical perspective that will guide the implementation of this project is the
empowerment theory. The theory provides the basis upon which the processes and consequences
6
of efforts to exert influence over the decisions that affect one’s life are understood (Perkins &
Zimmerman, 1995). The theory defines empowerment as an intentional and continuous process
that is centered on all internal and external stakeholders and involves group participation and
critical reflection as a means of ensuring that individuals who lack equal access to valued
resources get enhanced access and control over those resources (Zimmerman, 2000). The
empowerment theory is relevant to this project since it informs the approach that should be taken
to ensure that female veterans have increased access to healthcare services, employment
opportunities, and are able to get safe and secure homes. Based on this theory, this project
considers the involvement of internal and external shareholders as critical in ensuring success in
addressing homelessness among female veterans in Central Texas. The theory argues that
effective empowerment is based on group participation. It shows the approach that is taken,
which is anchored on the collaboration between various professionals (Zimmerman, 2000). The
theory’s need to have a critical reflection in the process of empowerment also informs the steps
taken in this project to ensure regular assessments of progress and improvement of the project
based on lessons learned. The theory also informs the project's outcome. As already noted, the
goal of empowerment, according to the theory, is to increase access to valuable resources. In this
project, valued resources include safe and secure homes, employment opportunities, quality
healthcare services, and valuable social capital.
Definition of the long-term goals
The long-term goal of this program is to provide a safe and secure living environment for
homeless female veterans and their children while addressing the multifaceted challenges of the
family unit. The innovation in the identified goal is the provision of the intensive care of the
female veterans and their children, that aims at addressing the effects of PTSD, MST and other
7
related mental health issues, barriers to employment, and the unmet promises of postwar
government benefits among the homeless female veterans. The goal of this project is based on
the assumption that case management and supportive services to enhance individual and family
well-being are most effective when people are in a stable housing environment. The National
Alliance to End Homelessness contends that by providing case management and supportive
services after an individual or family is housed, communities significantly reduce the period of
homelessness and prevent further episodes of homelessness (National Alliance to End
Homelessness, 2006). The project’s long-term goal is also based on the understanding that the
provision of housing first to the homeless improves outcomes related to housing retention and
stability, reduction in service utilization and associated costs, and the quality of life for homeless
individuals and families. The assumption regarding the importance of providing a safe and
secure living environment for homeless female veterans is supported by the previous Housing
First-based projects that reported positive impacts. The potential positive impact includes an
increase in housing retention and stability (Stanhope & Dunn, 2011; Montgomery, Hill, Culhane
& Kane, 2014). The housing of homeless female veterans makes the provision of intensive care
easy to implement, which decrease their use of costly emergency care and inpatient services and
an increase in their overall quality of life. The expected reduction in hospitalization, medical
stay, and use of emergency rooms as a result of the attainment of the project's goal as expected
has been observed in the previous Housing First initiatives (Perlman & Parvensky, 2006;
Stanhope & Dunn, 2011; United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2014).
The project is also based on the assumption that homeless female veterans and their children
would attain and maintain housing stability then, over time, be encouraged to participate in the
intensive case management services offered by FVA and partner institutions, it would thereby
8
address the co-occurring challenges such as war-related PTSD, MST, and feelings of betrayal
due to the unmet promises of postwar benefits for them and their children.
Definition of the interim outcomes
The first interim outcome is to decrease the number of homeless female veterans in
Central Texas. The second interim outcome is to decrease in the number of barriers to finding
housing stability. The third interim outcome is to increase mental health stability among resident
female veterans. The fourth interim outcome is to increase the veterans' ability to obtain stable
income and increase educational opportunities. The fifth interim outcome is to increase the
veteran’s financial knowledge.
Definition of the preconditions
FVA would have sufficient capacity to provide housing and the required services.
Concerning the ability to develop the required houses, FVA has a proven history of providing
quality supportive services and successful outcomes, which sustains the positive quality of life
needed. FVA is also in a position to acquire funds required to successfully house homeless
female veterans. The agency, through its vast network of community-based Advisory Board
members, has an elaborate means of financing. Some sources of financing include grants,
foundations, private donations, and in-kind support that will further its mission to empower
women and their children from homelessness towards self-sufficiency. The funds obtained from
such initiative is used in the financing of the agency's projects. Therefore, the agency has the
required capability to implement and sustain the Housing First approach for female veterans and
their children.
9
FVA is in the position to provide the intensive care and support that is aimed at
addressing the effects of PTSD, MST, and other related mental health issues, barriers to
employment among the resident female veterans. The agency is able to meet the precondition
relating to the capacity to offer the intensive case management services on-site and by
collaborating with various organizations. FVA has developed a partnership with veteran
organizations such as the Department of Veterans Administration- Medical Center (VAMC),
Department of Veterans Administration- Regional Office (VARO), and Veteran Centers of
Central Texas. These facilities can offer medical care specialties for homeless women veterans.
The Central Texas Veteran Services Coalition provide a range of referrals services, substance
abuse counseling, and individual, family, and group counseling services to assist veterans in
adjusting to civilian life after serving in the military.
III. Problems of Practice and Solution(s)/Innovation(s)
Description of the proposed solution and innovation
Located in the heart of Texas, the proposed solution is the Female Veterans Alliance
program founded based on the premise of innovative Logic Model (Appendix I). It is part of the
greater homeless veterans’ rehabilitation program aimed at addressing unmet needs for female
veterans and their children. The program aims at running a pilot extension over ten single homes
where only female veterans with not more than two children aged less than 18 years old will be
rehabilitated. The FVA program will be considered the first Female only Veterans Village in the
country that includes on-site supportive services. The program aims to facilitate a safe, secure,
and sustainable environment for living, particularly for female veterans without homes across
Central Texas. Expectations are that by the end of the program, the admitted women and their
children will not only be able to have stable and quality homes, but also empowered to make
10
their futures productive and purposeful. The cost of this proposed innovation is estimated at
approximately $525,120. This will come from a combination of Section 8 rent, in-kind
donations, and grants.
Contribution of the innovation towards social improvements
While responding to the increasing challenges that female veterans face on active duty,
the VA launched new incentives to better both access and quality of healthcare for women
veterans. The VA noted that of all the veterans suffering from mental illness that women were
the majority, and a staggering 6 percent of them were willing to enroll with the VA for help
(Kimerling et al., 2015). Another 30 percent opted for private mental health care while the
remaining majority chose no treatment. Kimerling et al. (2015) reports, approximately half of
veteran women enrolled under the mental health program report a successful or complete mental
health care program.
Mental health challenges are a significant social problem among female veterans. This
study addresses mental health issues among veterans by focusing on their homelessness. (Pluck
et al., 2013). The proposed method sought to not only voice or increase veteran women's
representation, but also recommend a framework for adoption in providing improved mental care
for female veterans (Koblinsky et al., 2014). According to Gabrielian et al. (2014), substandard
conditions or homelessness among the female veteran population is highly associated to poor
health conditions characterized with limited psychiatric problems, chronic illnesses, and limited
primary and preventive care; thus, it is significant as a social problem.
Mental health problems among female veterans negatively affects their relationship with
their families. Residents of Central Texas view homeless veterans not only as a safety risk but
also a challenge to the overall well-being of the society (Ramos, 2013; Schiefelbein, Olson, &
Moxham, 2014; Eaton, 2015). Therefore, by addressing homelessness among female veterans,
11
this project contributes towards the well-being of the veteran's family and the community as a
whole. By providing financial training and economic empowerment, this project also enables the
veterans to have sustainable families, which positively influence community building.
Examine your problem from multiple stakeholder perspectives.
FVA’s program plans to eradicate and prevent homelessness among female veterans. It is
designed to be implemented over a span of two years. As a result, the implementation of the plan
must commence immediately and executed with urgency because the numbers of female veterans
facing homelessness are increasing. The goal of the projected program is achieved by the center
director with the help of the assistant center director and the Board of Directors. They will adopt
a simple implementation structure to provide oversight, accountability, and frameworks to
engage other multiple stakeholders, such as the VARO, VAMC-HUD-VASH.
The board of directors will serve as the main oversight committee and shall be active
throughout the implementation of the plan to ensure the projected progress goals are met. Not
only will the board of directors carry out the oversight functions, but also ensure appropriate
stakeholders from different agencies, including the organization's staff, are fully engaged in the
program implementation (Morrall & Patel, 2018). The board will also serve as the reporting body
harnessing communication within the organization and between the stakeholders and government
agencies. Periodic meetings of the board will inform the decisions made in due progress of the
project implementation.
The first agenda of the board of directors is the establishment of working groups among
workers relative to the main objectives of the program and identify the leaders of the identified
groups. The leader of every working group shall second in as chairperson and will be responsible
for the implementation of all strategies therein (Morrall & Patel, 2018). Over the period of two
years, each working group shall report, on a quarterly basis, the progress made to the board of
12
directors, which shall upon receiving the progress report, make analysis and provide guidance,
allocate resources where need be and recommend technical or professional assistance and
referrals. The board of director’s remains recognized as the main funding stream and shall decide
major funding decisions within both the project and engaging external stakeholders (Morrall &
Patel, 2018). As a way of reducing over-reliance on the shelter while expanding permanent
housing program for homeless female veterans, the board of directors will observe how
established agencies manage and fund reward programs to eliminate or reduce any risks of
failure or recidivism. Each working group will be headed by one chairperson who will assist in
various functions during the implementation of the project.
HUD-VASH are important stakeholders, since their main aim is to provide homeless
veterans sustainable and permanent housing, which is also the aim of this project. HUD-VASH
are important collaborators in this project and will help in connecting veterans with support
services such as health care mental health treatment and substance use counseling (Perl, 2015).
HUD will also help the project team securing appropriate housing by linking the project with
public housing authorities (Perl, 2015). VARO will also play an important role in identifying
veterans with mental illnesses who need care and support. VARO will also help in securing
claims for veterans who have mental illnesses.
Literature review
Most discussions on the provision of sustainable housing solutions for female veterans
revolve around the type of housing preferred by female veterans, permanently sustainable needs,
and the preceding support that vulnerable female veterans may require (Seeney, 2017).
However, there is a need to revolutionize the discussion into a program, which provides
sustainable housing to the already existing female veterans and their children other than the
preventive measure. In this view, one grand challenge that policymakers face in their quest to
13
bring to an end the task of homelessness among female veterans is the use of evidence-based
approaches in practice while defining the best programs for homeless veterans (Brignone et al.,
2016). Additionally, the strategies adopted are based on quick relocation of homeless veterans
into permanent housing that are independent before providing the support required during
enrollment into the housing scheme.
The prevailing notion in the US that they can end homelessness rather than manage it
represents a paradigm shift in the expectations of the American people over the last few decades.
Many cities in the US have thus come up with programs aimed at ending homelessness
(Tsemberis, 2010). Yet, homelessness is a pervasive issue afflicting a diverse number of people
ranging from veterans, youth, and families. In ending homelessness among these groups, it is
necessary to come up with tailored intervention mechanisms that are responsive to the specific
individual's needs. While the housing first model (HF) is well placed to end the chronic homeless
problems among female veterans, there is the need to address this grand challenge by identifying,
disseminating, and implementing effective intervention mechanisms (Henwood et al., 2015). In
all the states in the US, which have adopted the HF model, the housing first model with
supportive services has proved important in reducing the number of homeless individuals.
Since the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights, there is the
agreement that housing is a fundamental human right which should be attainable by all people
(Henwood et al., 2015). As a result, having a place to call home for all people in the US is a
prerequisite to health, personal relationships, security, and the overall wellbeing of the individual
even though homelessness remains a pervasive issue in the contemporary society. Akin to other
systems across the country, the HF program to homelessness comes at a significant advantage to
the society as the cost of maintaining a person in homelessness is far expensive than solving the
problem. Studies conducted to highlight the housing first model along with supportive services
14
as a grand challenge initiative indicate that the continued existence of homelessness in the
society has negative ramifications on the taxpayers because of the high cost of health care,
behavioral health, and other services provided to people experiencing chronic homelessness
(Henwood et al., 2015).
Tantamount to the Home for the Brave initiative, the housing first approach can put the
disenfranchised individuals on the trajectory towards social inclusion, integration, and well-
being. Moreover, HF frees up the public resources continuously spent in managing the homeless
population for other important services, such as the provision of childhood education (Fogel,
2016). Evidently, in ending homelessness, it can act as a catalyst in solving other social
upheavals such as mass incarceration, foster care, and the failing education systems. The method
of providing a home for the veterans’ population is complicated as it requires a partnership
between the innumerable systems in place in US organizations, and individuals (Stock, 2016).
Nonetheless, there is the need of building on past experiences and successes and take advantage
of the momentum created by some successful systems, for instance, the National Alliance to End
Homelessness and the 100K Home Campaign.
The success of such initiatives across the US has been informed on consumer preference
and the various groups in the community working in partnership (Dansky, 2014). Further, the
systems have put in place innovative ideas guided by principles such as the adoption of best
practices and benchmarking. For instance, in the 100K Home Campaign, lifted more than
100,000 Americans from chronic homelessness because of collaboration between the community
and those implementing the program (Henwood et al., 2015). As a result, to ensure the success of
the HF approach, there is the need to ensure collaboration between the community and the
various groups involved in its implementation. Although in implementing the Housing First
Approach requires more innovation, the presence of the Homeless Emergency Assistance and
15
Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009 makes it possible to access resources for prevention of
homelessness and rehousing to more permanent houses (Henwood et al., 2015). Adopting the HF
model and the implementation of programs with the sole purpose of ending homeless has led to a
reduction in veteran homelessness by over 24 percent between the years 2009 to 2013 (Henwood
et al., 2015). Nevertheless, there is the need of coming up with accurate assessments of this
population, which can explore whether the HF model should be adapted for the homeless female
veterans. For a clear insight into the assessment and understanding of the connection between the
project and the current environmental context of veteran housing, the involved actual practice,
and innovation of the study topic, this part has been sectioned into; a brief history of homeless
female veterans, prior conditions contributing to chronic homelessness, military deployment
policies, and the redeployment standards.
History of Female Veterans’ Exposure to Homelessness
The history of veteran homelessness among the overall homeless population dates back to
World War I (Colombia Electronic Encyclopedia, 2013). A program to support war veterans, the
United States National Defense Act of 1916 entitled the active duty forces, organized Reserves,
and the National Guard to free training at land grant institutions. In the aftermath of World War
I, the United States Congress drafted a bill to pay veterans with cash bonuses for their
outstanding service to the nation. However, the United States economy suffered from depression,
especially after World War II, and the government began struggling to pay the bonuses.
According to the Colombia Electronic Encyclopedia (2013), a majority of the veterans felt
shortchanged by the government for not granting them their promised benefits. As a result,
veterans, most of whom were unemployed and their families, began establishing camps around
public parks around Washington D.C. (Chiodo, 2011).
16
The initial military recruitment criteria did not factor women as members of the active
staff but as members of the Accepted Voluntary Emergency Service. As a result, women were
not beneficiaries of the initial GI Bill (Falkey, 2014). The post 9/11 GI Bill provides veterans
with benefits such as educational assistance and focuses on reducing homelessness among
veterans and increasing their economic mobility (Falkey, 2014). The bill aims at reducing
homelessness by equipping veterans with marketable skills, which enable them to find reliable
employment (Falkey, 2014).
Preconditions Leading to Chronic Homelessness among Female Veterans
Although many of the causes leading female veterans into homelessness are service-
related, there are exceptional cases where homelessness is predetermined by the veteran's life
before the military. Transitioning from foster care exposes youth to life-threatening conditions
where many young Americans are expected to manage and maintain a life previously managed
wholesomely by the system (Pluck et al. 2013). The upsurge in military recruitment provided
employment opportunities for youth transitioning from foster care. The precarious conditions
that exposed such youth to homelessness are exaggerated by the military training where
individual lives are micromanaged by the system. Such veterans find it hard to manage their own
lives, particularly in the prevailing context of the years after service.
Psychiatric problems emanating from child abuse have overreaching consequences to adult
life. According to Pluck et al. (2013), with the existing social indulgence atmosphere, most
adults report personality disorders, drug and substance abuse, inhuman behaviors, and
associations, among others. Furthermore, the conditions may be long-lasting and lead to
permanent influences on individuals' lives. Social, economic implications of childhood abuse
have a direct influence on the victim's inability to manage resources in adulthood, plunging them
into homelessness (Pluck et al., 2013). Disassociation with fellow human beings because of
17
sexual abuse has been cited as a major contributor to broken marriages among homeless women
(National Center for P.T.S.D., 2016). Events following the horror ensued during sexual abuse
has a lasting effect on the victim, and many resolved to live a single life. An aspect not
recommended by most of the societies.
Military Policy on the Duration of Deployment and Veteran Homelessness
Generally, military service members swear allegiance to serve their nation irrespective of
the conditions. As a result, larger personnel of the military are deployed to challenging
environments (Bog et al., 2018). Most military personnel are deployed to theaters of insurgency
and counterinsurgency. The risk factors scenarios in such war environments are always
extremely high, and many servicemen and women end up becoming severely disabled or
experience their colleagues getting injured.
Moreover, the absence of the actual war frontline necessitates that any support troops,
including women, risk combat exposure (Texas Veterans Commission, 2018). Such experiences
describe the daily life of a veteran during the time of service where the social network bulk is
disconnected as friends and families are not within the communication channels provided. This
makes it hard for the veterans to reconnect with family and friends at the end of the deployment
operations; thus, they remain to live as homeless veterans.
Redeployment and Recruitment Standards
Military deployments are mandatory for all military personnel and are based on the
fundamentals of recruitment policies. Bog et al. (2018) note military recruitment is a voluntary
service, and those enrolling in it submit to the standing orders of the service. While highlighting
the plight of forgotten women veterans after the two major operations, that is, Enduring Freedom
and Iraq Freedom in Afghanistan and Iraq respectively, Koblinsky et al. (2014) note that the
physical body characteristics of women naturally disadvantages women over men in combat
18
duty. As a result, women face myriad challenges coping with active combat activities yet are
expected to serve and respond to situations equal to their male colleagues. Additionally, not only
do women suffer from risks orchestrated against them by the enemy or the combat duty, but also
from fellow servicemen who take advantage of women's physical vulnerabilities. Therefore, by
taking into consideration all these factors, including the extreme vulnerability of women both
while serving in the military among the combat team and when living in society as a veteran, the
project has a direct connection with the current environmental context as it aims to provide a
permanent solution to the current common social issue of homelessness among the female
veterans.
Consideration for the existing opportunities for innovation
Successful implementation of every program depends largely on the knowledge and skills
borrowed from the previously existing evidence. Female Veterans Alliance understands that
female veterans have a series of encounters that need to be met by either the government or their
families during their transition from the military service into normal civilian life. The following
categories of services should be provided by organizations in optimizing homeless female
veteran and their children's wellbeing (Koblinsky et al., 2014).
1) Self-care support and volunteerism
2) Professional peer support services
3) General family support including child-care services
4) Integrative Healthcare
5) Healing practices
6) Spiritual considerations and integrations
7) Vocational training and job placement activities
8) Entrepreneurship and onsite employment
19
9) The efficiency of transitional housing over emergency housing
10) Recreation and sports support programs
How the proposed innovation/solution aligns with the logic model.
The funding towards the sheltering of homeless individuals in the US is provided by
HUD (Perl, 2015). Shelter providers to benefit from the funds provided by HUD, it is a
requirement that they use the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) (Linnell et al.,
2014). Homeless Management Information System is a platform that is used to track and
document the data on homeless veterans. The use of HMIS by the shelter providers is impeded
by limited access to the information stored in the system. The credibility of the data stored in
HIMS has also been called into question, with some cases of incomplete data being reported in
the data such as those on chronic cases of homelessness, exit information, and the status of the
veteran (Linnell et al., 2014). Without access, the credible and complete data, shelter providers
such as the Female Veterans Alliance are less capable of identifying homeless female veterans
and addressing a myriad of challenges that they face. As a result, the proposed system or
program will utilize the point in time population counts logic model (Appendix II) that will
enable the shelter providers to collaborate with the relevant federal and community partners in
the identification of homeless veterans, and tracking of their progress during the period stipulated
two year period. The logic model provides for typical activities, inputs, as well as outcomes for
the health and community development organizations that will be working in coordination with
the program organizers. The logic model provides monthly, quarterly, 6-month, and yearly data
that is used to determine the actions to be taken in the preceding year.
Project’s overall likelihood of success
It should be noted that the issue of the homeless female veterans has been regarded by the
residents of Central Texas as a social issue that they need to be addressed. The project operates
20
where the problem of female homeless veterans is serious. There is a population of 10,000
female veterans, and approximately 900 are homeless. The ability by the civilian population to
understand the needs and challenges faced by chronic homeless persons, especially those
suffering from PTSD, creates a statewide outlook of the problem, making it easy to integrate the
local community into the program. The project also has a high likelihood of success, given the
political goodwill and support that FVA is getting in Texas (Schiefelbein, Olson, & Moxham,
2014; Eaton, 2015). FVA is also collaborating with GPD, which is a program that is run by the
United States Department of Veteran Affairs.
The project has attracted support from various organizations such as Home Depot,
Habitat for Humanity, Ranchers Association of Central Texas, VAMC HUD-VASH, VARO, and
many other private and Governmental institutions that want to see this project become
successful, professionals and essential network required to achieve the target outcomes.
Moreover, the plan utilizes data improvement goals, including accuracy in the statewide count of
female veterans experiencing homeless episodes, adoption of the commonwealth aggregated data
for the veteran population in Central Texas, and tracking of progress along the priority targets
indexing. This enables the project to have a better chance of success compared to other projects
and programs previously implemented to tackle homelessness among female veterans.
IV. Project Structure, Methodology, and Action Components
Prototype
The prototypes consist of 10 single homes where female homeless veterans with not more than
two children aged less than 18 years will be rehabilitated. The single homes will be eco-friendly
stand-alone houses where each of the veteran will have a detached dwelling. The home will have
appropriate space for the children and the mother. It will also have a living room, store, and a
21
kitchen. Although detached from each other, the houses will be built close to facilitate the
common use amenities such as gym areas and the playground for the children. The single homes
are more preferable compare to where families share homes because it enhances privacy and
dignity. The project is an innovation within the greater homeless veterans' rehabilitation program
aimed at addressing unmet needs for female veterans and their children. The project's goal is to
help the admitted female veterans and their children to have stable and quality homes and make
their futures productive and purposeful. To make this a possibility, the proposed innovation
introduces on-site supportive services to the female veterans housed in the ten single homes. The
supportive services aim at addressing the mental health issues, barriers to employment, and the
unmet promises of postwar government benefits among the veterans and their children. The
services are provided by qualified staff who will be recruited to the program. To help their
integration to civilian life, additional services will be offered, such as intake financial and life
skills.
Analysis of the market for the proposed project/innovation relative to alternative options
The proposed project targets homeless female veterans as the market. The project operates where
the problem of female homeless veterans is serious. There is a population of 10,000 female
veterans, and approximately 900 are homeless. The challenge associated with homeless female
veterans is an issue that has received increased attention among the relevant Federal and local
government agencies in Texas (Schiefelbein, Olson, & Moxham, 2014; Eaton, 2015). Currently,
the organizations that provide shelter for the veterans do not have strategies the ensure long-term
self-sustenance (economically and socially) among the female veterans who leave such homes.
The proposed project, therefore, exploits the identified niche in the market by providing
wholesome approach to caring and provision of shelter to female veterans.
22
The propose project is cost-effective compared to the other alternative solutions to the issue of
the homelessness among the veterans. One of the solutions that can be pursued is the
management of the homelessness rather than ending it. However, managing homelessness with
adopting approaches to end it is associated with negative ramifications on the taxpayers because
of the high cost of health care, behavioral health, and other services provided to people
experiencing chronic homelessness (Henwood et al., 2015). It should also be noted that the
provision of intensive care and the high number stakeholders involved in the proposed project
makes it more likely to have high impact compared to previous solutions such as 100K Home
Campaign and Home for the Brave initiative.
Project’s methods for project implementation
Potential Barriers
The funding towards the sheltering of homeless individuals in the US is provided by
HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) (Perl, 2015). For shelter providers to
benefit from the funds provided by HUD, it is a requirement that they use the Homeless
Management Information System (HMIS) (Linnell et al., 2014). Homeless Management
Information System is a platform that is used to track and document the data on homeless
veterans. The use of HMIS by the shelter providers is impeded by limited access to the
information stored in the system. The credibility of the data stored in HIMS has also been called
into question, with some cases of incomplete data being reported such as those on chronic cases
of homelessness, exit information, and the status of the veteran (Linnell et al., 2014). Without
access, the credible and complete data, shelter providers such as Female Veterans Alliance are
less capable of identifying homeless female veterans and addressing a myriad of challenges that
they face. As a result, to eliminate the identified barriers, the proposed system or program will
utilize the point in time population counts logic model that will enable the shelter providers to
23
collaborate with the relevant federal and community partners in the identification of homeless
veterans and tracking of their progress during the period stipulated two year period.
FVA as the Best Alternative
FVA should have sufficient capacity to provide housing and the required services.
Concerning the ability to develop the required houses, FVA has a proven history in providing
quality support services and successful outcomes, and many years of longevity and vitality.
FVA is also in a position to acquire funds that are required to successfully house homeless
female veterans. The agency, through its vast network of community-based Advisory Board
members, owns an elaborate means of financing. Some sources of financing include grants,
foundations, private donations, and in-kind support that will further its mission to empower
women and their children from homelessness towards self-sufficiency. The cash obtained from
such initiative is used in the financing of the agency's projects. Therefore, the agency has the
required capability to implement and sustain the Housing First approach for female veterans and
their children.
Implementation Strategy
The implementation strategy will be based on three phases. The first phase is the
establishment of the program. This phase will include the construction of permanent housing and
obtaining funds. The second phase is the implementation of the program, and it will be made up
of two activities that include obtaining veteran residents for the program and hiring new program
staff. The third phase is the implementation of program support services, and it will consist of the
following activities; individual sessions for the veterans, group sessions for veterans, services for
children and family unit, employment and or educational opportunities, VA benefits and
services, and life skill workshop. The three phases are described in detail in Appendix II.
24
Project’s financial plans and implementation strategy
The cost of this proposed innovation is estimated at approximately $525,120. The projected
revenue for the initiative will be calculated on an annual basis, and the two major components
for generating the income include rent and grants, which mount to $279,720 and $245,400
respectively. This will come from a combination of VA/HUD-VASH Section 8 rent, in-kind
donations, and grants. Percentages of contributions from the VA, HUD, hosting state, small
businesses, and government subsidy are subject to discussion and determination at the
negotiation phase of the project. The collected revenue will then determine the specific approach
to project implementation.
The budget cycle for the program will run for the fiscal year starting from October to November
the following year. The line-item budget will include information concerning staff and non-
personnel costs and benefits (Refer to Appendix III). Female Veterans Alliance will prepare a
budget and submit it to the board of directors for approval. Finally, at the end of the fiscal year,
an auditor will evaluate the validity of the projects financial statement to account for every dollar
that was used to facilitate the program.
Project’s methods for assessment of impact
Female Veterans Alliance will measure various collected data on a monthly basis to
assess the progress of residents and the overall success of the veteran program. The residents’
needs and goals will be collected from their intake assessment, client progress notes, psychiatric
assessments (if applicable), and individualized services plans which are revisited every 90 days
or as needed and input into the agency database. All detailed client notes and assessments,
attendance records, and collection of applicable paperwork will be maintained for each resident
and child and kept in a confidential and secure individualized file. The Program Director will
generate monthly reports of the outcomes for the Associate Center Director based on the
25
information tracked by the Case Manager, Children's Program Director, and Employment
Coordinator. The Associate Director will review these measurable outcomes and provide overall
quality assurance to ensure the program meets the targeted outcomes as stipulated in funding this
2-year program.
Project’s plan for relevant stakeholder involvement
The project’s internal stakeholders are the Board of Directors, FVA, veterans, staff, and
volunteers. Board of directors will establish working groups among workers relative to the main
objectives of the program and identify the leaders of the identified groups. Over a period of two
years, each working group shall report, on a quarterly basis, the progress made to the board of
directors. The board of directors upon receiving the progress report, make analysis, and provide
guidance, allocate resources where need be and recommend technical or professional assistance
and referrals.
The external stakeholders include the community organizations, state policies, and non-profit
organizations such as VARO, VAMC-HUD-VASH. The community organizations will be
involved in the identification of the veterans. Board of directors will adopt a simple
implementation structure to provide oversight, accountability, and frameworks to engage other
multiple stakeholders, such as the VARO, VAMC-HUD-VASH.
Project’s communications products and strategies that are likely to have a strong positive
impact on relevant audiences
The board will also serve as the reporting body harnessing communication within the
organization and between the stakeholders and government agencies. Periodic meetings of the
board will inform the decisions made in due progress of the project implementation. The staff,
through their working groups, will provide progress made to the board of directors. FVA has
already implemented on their website (femaleveterans.org) short-form videos to discuss the
26
issues facing homeless female veterans. FVA will be implementing brochures that discuss the
addition of the housing to the FVA organization and will continue their monthly newsletters to
the female veteran community and stakeholders.
How the capstone components address the stated problem(s) of practice
The three problems that this capstone address include homelessness among female veterans,
psychological health issues resulting from experience in combat and the military and the
challenges in integrated into civilian life and finding employment. As a whole, the capstone
components address the highlighted problems by providing immediate housing for the homeless
veterans and intensive care that target psychological health problems faced by the veterans.
Counseling programs are also offered to help the veterans to address the challenges associated
with integrating into civilian life. The capstone provides long-term solutions to the problems
faced by the veterans by empowering them through enhanced employment skills and by linking
them with potential employers. They are also linked to a network of organizational entities that
will provide further support as they integrate into civilian life.
Ethical concerns and possible negative consequences
Ethical approaches were upheld in the selection of female veterans in the program. Equal
opportunity was given to all deserving and qualified veterans. The capstone also adhered to
ethics by ensuring that the involvement of the veterans in this program was based on informed
consent and voluntary participation. The capstone also ensures that the engagement between the
veterans and the caregivers remained confidential, and no information is shared anything but
without the consent of the veterans. Although the veterans were requested to commit to
participate until the end of the program, no veteran is forced to continue against her will. To
enhance transparency, all the engagement between the staff in this program and the veterans is
27
recorded. The recorded information provides a point of reference in case of any conflict and
disagreements.
28
V. Conclusions, Actions, and Implications
Explain how the project aims to inform potential future decisions and actions.
The project aims to demonstrate that with a planned intervention includes all the stakeholders, it
is possible to address challenges that face a select group of people in a given population. This
study aims to inform future decisions and actions relating to female veterans who leave the
military. This project aims to influence the relevant stakeholders to ensure that female veterans
are directly introduced to organizations that will guide them and provide support as they
integrate to civilian life. This will occur by taking deliberate action, that involves collaboration
among different stakeholders, to put together resources and policies required to ensure the
development of structures required to effectively provide support to female veterans.
Policymakers need to put in place policies that ensure that sufficient funds are provided to deal
with the issue of mental health and homelessness among the veterans. Policies that guard against
discrimination of the female veterans in the workplace should also be developed.
Contextualize project conclusions within a field of practice
Effective coordination among different stakeholders will facilitate the provision of a safe and
secure living environment for homeless female veterans and their children while addressing the
multifaceted challenges of the family unit. To address the psychological well-being of female
veterans, there is a need to adopt a holistic, which ensures that their physical needs are taken care
of as well as their economic stability.
Describe the implications of the project innovation for practice and further action.
One of the implications of the project innovation for practice relates to the importance of relying
on professionals and skilled persons in addressing the challenges faced by female veterans. The
recruiting of professional and skilled persons to work with the residents and children increases
29
the possibility of successful implementation of support services and the desired outcomes such as
completing the program, the acquisition of financial management skills, and securing better jobs
or starting businesses to support the individuals and their families. The projective innovation also
highlights the importance of budgeting. Budgeting remains an integral part of the success of the
initiative. In this case, several factors must be considered, including but not limited to the
expected costs and projected revenue to ensure that the program does not incur benefits. Instead
of relying on grants and well-wishers, having other sources of revenue will increase the income
for the proposed capstone. Overall, every step of the project is crucial and should be managed
accordingly. Project innovation highlights the importance of collaboration between different
stakeholders. Effective collaboration between internal and external stakeholders is fundamental
to the success of the project. It is important for the project planners to identify all the relevant
stakeholders and put in place strategies that facilitate effective communication among them.
Most importantly, the project highlights the importance of adopting a wholesome approach when
addressing the challenges faced by female veterans. Helping homeless female veterans find safe
and secure environments to raise their families is a foundation for changing and uplifting lives.
Further action need to focus on expanding the project scope to target more population.
Acknowledge any the limitations and recommendations for future work.
The financial limitation in this study is with regard to the risks and uncertainties, such as
inflation and the uncertainty of consistency in receiving grants and reliance on well-wishers. To
address the risk associated with inflation, there is a need to have financial experts to be part of
the planning phase, and to help in financial projection; the projects need to generate their funds.
A large portion of the budget should be financed by the proceeds from the project itself. It is also
important for the budgeting to be based on already secured funds.
30
The project only targeted a fixed number of veterans with not more than two children. This
condition raises possible ethical challenges regarding discrimination, especially for those
veterans who need help but have more than two children. It is therefore recommended that future
projects should avoid limiting the eligible veterans based on the number of children. To do this,
there is a need to have proper structures and enough finance to support more children.
Approach for sharing the prototype with relevant practitioners and/or external
constituencies.
The prototype can be shared with relevant practitioners and the external constituents using
approaches such as presentations and posters. Abstracts and publication can also be shared with
the external constituencies. Videos and elevator pitch can also be used means of communication
of the prototype the with relevant practitioners and external constituencies
Plan for advancing the next steps.
Based on this project, the next steps involve the adoption and the expansion of the project within
the State so as to reach the approximated 900 homeless veterans. One of the steps to achieve the
goal is to create more awareness regarding the plight of homeless female veterans. There is a
need to increase stakeholder participation and involve more organizations that are aimed at
improving the quality of the veterans and health care institutions. The potential employers should
also be incentivized to prioritize the female veterans when employing. There is also a need for
the involvement of the relevant state agencies in the setting up the required policies that will
allow the financing of the project by the relevant State department.
31
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41
Appendix I: Logic Model
POPULATION
Homeless female
veterans and their
children based on
HUD and VA
definition o
homelessness
Proof of income so
that housing is
sustainable
Proof of veteran status
with DD-21, must be
honourably discharged
No more than 2
children under the age
of 18
Section 8 housing
voucher holders
Staff
Case Manager
Employment Coordinator
Children’s Program
Coordinator
Mental health professional
Supervisory Roles –
Program director
Associate Center Director
Services and operations
Intake Operations
Financial and Life Skills
training
Costs and salaries
Space for workers
Education materials for
groups and workshops
Partners
Referral agencies
Life skills training support
Program Service Success
Female veterans become
independent and stable at the end
of the two year program and
decide to find permanent housing
Female veteran able to provide
proof of income, VA benefits
employment and/or educational
enrolment
Create a safe and stable
environment for the family unit
Intermediate Outcomes
Increase financial knowledge and
money saved among female
veterans
Increase female veterans ability to
obtain stable income and increase
educational opportunities
Increase mental health stability
among female veterans
Decrease the number of barriers
to finding housing stability
Ultimate Outcomes
Decrease the number of homeless
female veterans in the Central
Texas area.
Increase:
#of intakes of residents
# of financial training
offered and resident
attendance
#of residents that increase
their income
#of life skills workshops
offered and resident
attendance
#of sessions/hour case
manager spend with clients
#of sessions/hour
Employment Coordinator
spend with residents
#sessions /hour Mental
Health Professional spend
with children and family
#sessions/hour Children’s
program coordinator spends
with children
#of referrals provided
Intake and assessment
Provide case management and
supportive counselling services to
assist veterans in reaching
personal goals and ad addressing
mental health issues as needed
Provide children activities and
supportive counselling services to
support the children of veterans in
individual group and family
settings
Provide financial training through
workshops
Provide life skills trainings
Provide referrals to other outside
resources needed
Database management
ASSUMPTIONS
Why is there a problem? What is the best way to address the problem?
Poor financial knowledge and little to no income among veterans Provide case management and counselling services for veterans
Difficulties in transitioning back to civilian life Provide counselling services and activities for children of female veterans
Mental health issues among the veteran population Enhance financial stability
Initial barriers to finding housing – time, knowledge, upfront costs Establish a strong resource network
INPUTS
ACTIVITIES
OUTPUTS
OUTCOMES
42
Appendix II: Implementation Framework
Objectives Activities Desired Timeframe Persons Responsible
Establishing the Program
Begin the supportive
housing program
Obtain a building/land for the permanent
supportive housing program In-process
Center Director, Associate Center
Director, Board of Trustees
Obtain Section 8 Housing Authority through
Central, Texas 2 Month Pre-Award
Center Director, Associate Center
Director, Board of Trustees
Begin accepting applications for the
permanent housing program 1 Month Pre-Award
Associate Center Director,
Program Director
Apply and obtain funding
Apply for funding to support the program 4 Months Pre-Award Development Grant Writer
Obtain funding to support the program Month 1, Year 1 Center Director
Implementation of the Program
Obtain veteran residents
for the program
Collaborate with partner agencies to
generate female veteran referrals
2 Months Pre-Award
and Ongoing
Collaborative Partners, Associate
Center Director, Program
Director
Sign 2 year lease agreements with female
veterans Months 1-3, Year 1
Associate Center Director,
Program Director
Hire new program staff
Hire one full-time master-level Case
Manager Months 1-3, Year 1
Associate Center Director,
Program Director
Hire one part-time master-level Mental
Health professional specialized in children Months 1-3, Year 1
Associate Center Director,
Program Director
Implementation of Program Support Services
Individual sessions for
veterans
Provide weekly counseling and case
management Month 1 and Ongoing Residents, Case Manager
Group sessions for
veterans Provide weekly group sessions Month 1 and Ongoing Residents, Case Manager
Services for children and
family unit
Provide weekly individual sessions for
veterans children and their mothers, if
applicable Month 1 and Ongoing
Residents, Children of Veteran
Residents, Mental Health
Professional
Provide bi-weekly workshops and/or
activities for children of veteran Month 1 and Ongoing
Children of Veteran Residents,
Children's Program Coordinator
Employment and/or
educational opportunities
Provide weekly employment and/or
educational opportunities Month 1 and Ongoing
Residents, Employment
Coordinator, Case Manager
VA benefits and services
Residents apply for VA compensation
benefits within 6 months Month 1 and Ongoing
Residents, Case Manager,
Collaborative Partners
Residents apply for VA healthcare card
benefits within 3 months Month 1 and Ongoing
Residents, Case Manager,
Collaborative Partners
Life skill workshops
Provide monthly life skill workshops for
residents Month 1 and Ongoing
Residents, Case Manager,
Collaborative Partners
Evaluation of the Program
Collection of program data
All above program support service
outcomes input into database and added to
individual files Monthly
Employment Coordinator, Case
Manager, Children's Program
Director
Analysis of data collected
Outcome report generated on a monthly
basis Monthly Program Director
Outcome disseminated and evaluated to
ensure program success Quarterly
Program Director, Associate
Center Director
Outcome evaluated to ensure program
success and disseminated to appropriate
parties Yearly
Associate Center Director, Center
Director
Appendix III: Budget
43
Line-Item Budget
Expenditure
Classification
Revenue Plan Sources Monthly Yearly Units Total
Section 8 1,806 21,672 10 216,720
Rent 525 6,300 10 63,000
Subtotal 2,331 27,972 10 279,720
Grant 2,045 24,540 10 245,400
Income
Total
4,376 52,512 10 525,120
Revenue
Sources
Projected
Total
Income
Rent in $
279,720
Grant in $
245,400
Overall
Total in $
525,120
Expenses Items
M&O Sources 127,756 127,756
Staff Positions 206,180 353,800
147,620
OTPS 39,130 39,130
279,720 245,400 525,120
44
Personnel Plan No. of
Positions
Salary per
position in
$
Total
Salary in $
Fringe
Benefits
in $
Total in $
Clinical
Program
Director
1 65,000 65,000 14,300 79,300
Case manager 1 45,000 45,000 9,900 54,900
Children’s
Program
Coordinator
1 45,000 22,500 4,950 27,450
Employment
Coordinator
1 38,000 19,000 4,180 23,180
MH Social
Worker
1 70,000 35,000 7,700 42,700
Administrative
Center Director 1 70,000 17,500 3,850 21,350
Assistant Center
Director
1 50,000 50,000 11,000 61,000
Director of
Maintenance
1 56,000 14,000 3,080 17,080
Porter 1 22,000 22,000 4,840 26,840
Personnel Total 9 290,000 63,800 353,800
45
Appendix IV: Prototypes
46
Abstract (if available)
Abstract
The American Society of Social Work & Social Welfare created the 12 Grand Challenges of Social Work. The Grand Challenges represent the opportunity to embark on macro changes for the betterment of families, individuals, and society. One of the challenges, End Homelessness reports over a million Americans will experience at a minimum an overnight of homelessness. An episode or more of homelessness can be lifelong and detrimental to the whole person. This approach utilizes effective global methods to develop new service innovations and technologies and implement policies for economically housing the homeless populations (Henwood et al., 2015). ❧ The number of homeless female veterans is steadily increasing among the overall homeless population of Central Texas is such an area. Homelessness among female veterans subject to mental health challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or co-occurring disorders, which lead to difficulties in maintaining productive employment, housing stability, and family contact. ❧ Female Veterans Alliance (FVA) was established in 2012 to assist female veterans in healing their invisible wounds of military service and leading independent lives. This organization is the only female veteran organization designed to serve female veterans on the ground and Capitol Hill. Through this Capstone project, Female Veterans Alliance purpose is to mitigate and prevent homelessness among female veterans and their children by ensuring that they secure shelter while addressing the challenges of unemployment, challenges affecting the family unit, and ensure enhanced mental health status. When achieving the identified purpose within the theory of change conceptual framework, FVA will adopt an innovative Logic Model and is part of the greater homeless veterans’ rehabilitation program aimed at addressing unmet needs for female veterans and their children. The project issue of sheltering homeless female veterans is also one of the policies of the Department of Veteran Affairs-Housing and Urban Development program for supportive housing (HUD-VASH). Guided by the innovative Logic Model, the Capstone will identify and house homeless female veterans. The veterans and their children will then be provided the intensive care aimed at addressing the effects of PTSD, Military Sexual Trauma (MST), and other related mental health issues, barriers to employment, and the unmet promises of postwar government benefits among homeless female veterans ❧ Once the project is implemented, it is expected that the female veterans who participated in the project will become independent and stable and will be able to find a permanent house. They will also be able to attain proof of income, employment, and educational enrollment. The project implementation also aims at creating a safe and stable environment for the family unit. This will be achieved by running a pilot extension over ten single homes where only female veterans with not more than two children under the age of 18 years old will be rehabilitated. Within the Village, the veterans and their children will be offered intensive case management services, supportive counseling services, financial training, and life skills training by various partners for two years. ❧ The proposed project implementation is limited by resources such as finances, which makes it unable to accommodate more deserving female veterans. Future work should, therefore, focus on enhancing the capacity of similar projects to enroll more homeless female veterans. The focus should be on bringing on board more stakeholders who are willing to finance the project and by developing ways of achieving self-sufficiency. ❧ The innovative collaboration and involvement of various stakeholders and care providers in the management of the challenges faced by homeless female veterans have vital implications in addressing homelessness and mental health issues among female veterans. Based on the adopted innovative step, it is evident that a social problem is adequately addressed by strategies that not only focus on the challenge alone but also on the underlying causes. Therefore, adopting holistic approaches that aim at improving the quality of life is recommended.
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Weiss, Michelle A.
(author)
Core Title
Homeless female veterans—silent epidemic
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Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work
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Doctor of Social Work
Degree Program
Social Work
Publication Date
05/25/2020
Defense Date
05/25/2020
Publisher
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