Since the 1950’s, the King County Veteran's Program has served eligible low-income, homeless and at-risk veterans and their families. The program is mandated under RCW 73.08.080 (external), funding comes directly from the county tax base. The Veterans' Program annual budget is approximately $2,000,000.
Aging and increasing medical needs of the veteran population impact service needs. Program staff assit veterans with complex needs such as chronic homelessness, addiction issues, marginal job skills and mental illness. Vietnam veterans account for over 50% of our clients followed by Gulf war, Korean era, and WWII veterans. In the past year veterans from the Iraq and Afganistan conflits have begun utilizing program services as well.
Program services are a mix of county and contracted state programs.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance is the cornerstone of the Veterans' Program. With approximately $400,000 expended annually, staff are able to assist clients with the basics such as rental assistance, food, medical needs, transportation and utility expenses. Often the financial aid that is given helps stabilizes families with dependents.
Employment Services
Caseworkers provide employment services for veterans which include: voice mail accounts, resume assistance, job counseling and placement, career testing and skills assessment. More than 185 veterans are placed in jobs annually.
Long-term Transitional Housing
Through contracts with the Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program (VVLP), clients have access to beds in two homes. These homes provide living stability for chronically homeless veterans who are engaged in reintegration, education or training programs, or treatment that will foster a return to independent living. Approximately 50 veterans passed through the homes annually of which 30% are enrolled in school or training programs while living in transitional housing, 20% go on to find permanent housing, and 25% move to other low cost housing.
Short-term Transitional Housing
The King County Veterans' Program contracts with the Salvation Army for use of beds at their shelter. These beds are available to work-ready veterans who are homeless or waiting to get into treatment programs, or for veterans who need housing for only a short period. Approximately 11,000 bednights are used throughout the year by clients of the Veterans Program.
Mental Health Counseling
An on staff mental health counselor works with veterans to address Post Traumatic Stress Disorders, addiction issues and other mental health needs. In addition, letters advocating for disability claims are submitted on the behalf of clients to Social Security and the Veterans Affairs office (WDVA). Providing this service results in $300,000 going to local veterans and their families in the form of pensions and disability awards annually.
Trauma Services
Trauma counseling is provided to spouses, significant others, and children who have grown up with a parent or partner who is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Often family members are not aware of the dysfunction and if left untreated are at risk for repeating the same behaviors. This service is provided by contract with the Washington State Department of Veteran Affairs.
Veterans' Incarcerated Project
In this joint project between the King County Veterans Program and the Washington State Dept of Veterans Affairs, project staff identify incarcerated veterans, and if eligible, enroll them in the program. Communication with the courts is then initiated to negotiate early release. Often veterans are incarcerated because of chronic addictions. Judges have come to understand that treatment is less expensive than incarceration, and more appropriate in some cases. Frequently judges release veterans to the jail project pending entry into treatment and connection to services.
A partnership with the local Veterans Administration Medical Center provides the treatment, the transitional housing facilities mentioned earlier provide housing, and staff provide the services structured to move clients to independent living without re-offending. Outcomes are measured (2002) by early release days (10,169) with a savings of ($787,792) and a recidivism rate of (16%) compared to the current rate of recidivism of over 50%.
Find out more about the Jail Project, or contact Garry Hodgson, Washington State Veterans' Incarcerated Program, at GarryH@dva.wa.gov or at 206-296-7564.
