Answering the call everyday
Homes for the Brave (HFTB), opened in 2002, provides 42 beds of transitional living for homeless Veteran and non-Veteran men with 37 spaces designated for Veterans. Residents have access to a fully-stocked kitchen, laundry room, computer lab, social meeting areas, and fitness memberships at the Cardinal Shehan Center. Each resident pitches in to complete daily chores to maintain a clean and comfortable home as well as help them prepare to live independently in the community. Residents work alongside a Case Manager to realize their goals for housing, employment, and independent living. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the additional services we offer.
The Waldorf House Supportive Housing Program opened in 2005. Consisting of three apartments, each with three bedrooms, it provides permanent supportive housing with case management services for 9 formerly homeless Veterans and non-Veterans who are independent. Residents have their own bedroom and share a kitchen, bathroom, and common living space with two other people. Residents at Waldorf house pay 27% of their gross income for rent, which includes all utilities. Supportive services from a Case Manager include: money management, assistance with daily living skills, transportation assistance, monitoring of mental health and medical needs, support around recovery from substance use, help with entitlements, and vocational services. Residents also enjoy on-site access to free laundry facilities and a backyard space with a garden, gas grill, and picnic area.
Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes (FS:FH), at the PFC Nicolas A. Madaras Home, opened in 2011, provides transitional housing for up to 14 women Veterans and their young children. FS:FH is Connecticut’s first and only community-based transitional home exclusively for homeless female Veterans and their children. The VA funds 10 beds for women, and the remaining 4 are available for overflow and children. FS:FH helps female Veterans by meeting their needs for a safe, secure home and by empowering residents to move forward with their long-term goals: obtaining permanent housing, achieving financial stability, and working toward greater self-determination. Each resident works with a case manager to develop personal, housing, and employment goals and is encouraged to participate in the additional services we offer.
The Homes for the Brave Veterans Service Center, opened in 2010, provides any Veteran experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless with immediate basic needs assistance and referrals to housing, vocational services, and other supportive services. The Veterans Service Center maintains a monthly calendar to advertise its offerings to the public. Programming includes: life skills, computerclasses, employment workshops, opportunities to interface with federal legislators and time spent with therapy dogs. Homes for the Brave staff are working to expand the offerings to best serve Veterans in the local Bridgeport community.