Our Program
empowerING individuals
and REBUILDING LIVES
VHVH operates as a low-barrier, 24-bed transitional housing project, providing a safe and secure living environment with three free meals per day. Veterans are referred to VHVH by a variety of agencies, including the VA and other local service providers involved in Winston-Salem’ s comprehensive efforts to end homelessness in our community. Veterans can also self-refer.
Once admitted to VHVH, veterans can remain up to 24 months while they receive supportive services to address the physical, mental, substance abuse, financial and legal issues that have been barriers to acquiring permanent housing. Most have jobs and/or are pursuing additional job training and education while living here. The bedrooms at VHVH house from two to four participants each. Common areas include a kitchen, dining space, a workout facility, outdoor recreational space, computer work station, and a community room where participants engage in leisure activities. The camaraderie and emotional support our veterans receive from living among other veterans often plays a key role in helping them achieve their goals.
The VHVH program focuses on each individual’s strengths, helping him design his own Individual Service Plan (ISP) tailored to his needs. The ISP’s documented, measurable goals and objectives are each participant’s guide for successfully transitioning to permanent, stable housing as rapidly as clinically possible. As part of the ISP process, case managers help applicants choose the most appropriate supportive services and work with them on a weekly basis, supporting them and documenting their progress. VHVH also provides the veteran with follow-up services after exit, even if the participant is not successfully discharged to permanent housing.
VHVH offers support services in 4 key areas
Life Skills
Including literacy, time-management and social skills, and treatment for substance abuse, health, and mental health issues
Career Planning
Including education, job training and securing employment
Executive Function Skills
Including securing benefits, budgeting and finance, and planning and completing projects
Exit planning
Including obtaining permanent housing and finding continued long-term community support services after leaving
the program.
Testimonials
What our DONORS and GRADUATES have to say
“These veterans come to us with barely anything, usually with just the clothes on their backs. They come here and stay, rent-free, for 24 months, and they have different services… Any money we can raise to help with this program is going to make these veterans a part of the community again.”
Connie Baker
VHVH Advisory Council Member
The Winston-Salem Elks Lodge #449, Board Member
Lifestyle Lending Coordinator, Allegacy Federal Credit Union
“VHVH takes care of their (the veterans’) needs – their health care, their living environment – and they provide the opportunity for them to develop skills sets, to get a job.. and when they graduate from the program, they help them find housing. … It’s a tremendous need, to get homeless veterans off the streets.”
Manny Comas
VHVH Advisory Council Member
Retired Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo
Member of The Knights of Columbus Council 13236
“While I was here I got my driver’s license back, I got reinstated with the VA, I was able to buy a car so I could go to (AA) meetings and stay clean… The life skills I learned here, I continue to carry with me today. I’m able to not only help myself, but I’m able to share with other people and help them along the way with my own experience.”
Alfred (Al) Grastley
VHVH Graduate and Advisory Council Member
Vietnam Veteran and Purple Heart recipient
“After I got out of the service, I had gotten a job but I was drinking, still, and I was incarcerated three times … At VHVH I had a great case manager. We met weekly to talk about my goals, about budgeting, about starting a bank account. They made sure our basic needs were met.”
Robert Worley, MSW, LCSW
VHVH Graduate, Volunteer and Advisory Council Member
Licensed Therapist
FAQs
There is no age requirement. Any veteran who has been honorably discharged and is in need of our services can be admitted. Currently, most of our residents in their 40s and 50s.
Any male veteran who has been honorably discharged is eligible if he is:
- Struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues
- Has been chronically homeless; and
- Is committed to making the life changes necessary to maintain permanent housing and achieve a better quality of life.
What is more important is each resident’s commitment to change and to VHVH’s goal and purpose.
Our facility is not designed to house both men and women with separate bathrooms, etc. It is important to note, though, that 90% of homeless veterans are male.
No, VHVH is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization owned by The North Carolina Housing Foundation, Inc.
Contact Us
GET MORE INFORMATION
If you have additional questions or a request for more information, we will be glad to assist you.
Ways to Support
HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can make a donation, participate and/or sponsor our Annual Golf Tournament or participate in our VHVH Works Program.
Our Home
MORE THAN A PLACE TO SLEEP
Our holistic approach has helped 257 veterans
move from homelessness and despair to permanent
housing and a better quality of life