Assistance available for homeless veterans and their families

Homelessness has become an increasing problem nationwide, and veterans have not been immune to it. Senior veterans, many of whom have acute needs and require additional care and support, are especially at risk.

Mat-Su, with its large population of veterans, is no exception, and a local nonprofit agency is ready to help. Supportive Services for Veteran Families is a program of Catholic Social Services a longstanding organization that compassionately serves those in need, strengthens individuals and families, and advocates for the common good.

CSS programs help more than 18,000 individuals each year, regardless of their faith. Through its offices in Anchorage and on Westpoint Drive in Wasilla, the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program assists in securing permanent housing for homeless veterans and veterans at risk of experiencing homelessness.

That mission got a boost in August with a $25,000 grant from the Mat-Su Health Foundation. The grant will fund “move-in kits” for veterans and their families.

Kate Weddleton, director of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, said each kit is tailored to the individual veteran’s needs and preferences, and can include essential household items like bed sheets, linens, and cleaning supplies. “Our goal is to help all our veteran families thrive through the stability of permanent housing. That’s where the Mat-Su Health Foundation grant came in,” she said. “These move-in kits help senior veterans feel comfortable and welcome in their new homes when they move in.”

The Mat-Su Health Foundation has been a partner in community health and wellness since its first grants were awarded 17 years ago. As part owner of the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, the health foundation has been able to invest its share of profits in organizations around the Valley that assist underserved residents and those in need. Since 2007, the health foundation has awarded more than $130 million in grants to area nonprofits like Catholic Social Services and its SSVF program.

That program housed 162 individuals and prevented homelessness for an additional 42 people in fiscal year 2023. Weddleton said support from the Mat-Su Health Foundation is critical to helping CSS play a vital role in assisting veterans in the Mat-Su, where demand for veteran housing services has nearly tripled in recent years.

“That’s why this collaboration with the health foundation is so important. The needs of our senior veterans are being seen and heard,” Weddleton said. “This support has been crucial in setting families on the path to lasting housing stability. It makes me hopeful that we can put an end to veteran homelessness in the Mat-Su, together as a community.”

Veterans who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability can contact the SSVF Mat-Su office at (907) 376–1300 to be screened for services.

FIND OUT MORE

www.cssalaska.org/our-programs/veteran-services