Housing For Veterans In Florida

Supportive Services For Veteran Families

For very low-income Veterans, SSVF provides case management and supportive services to prevent the imminent loss of a Veterans home or identify a new, more suitable housing situation for the individual and his or her family or to rapidly re-house Veterans and their families who are homeless and might remain homeless without this assistance.

How It Works

Through referrals and direct outreach, nonprofit agencies and community cooperatives use SSVF funding to quickly house Veterans and their families who are homeless and keep others from slipping into homelessness by providing time-limited supportive services that promote housing stability. Case management includes help securing VA and other benefits such as educational aid and financial planning.

More Information

The Va And Senior Living

• Disability compensation
• Burial benefits
• Other senior care benefits

Who Qualifies as a Veteran?

Others Eligible for Veterans Benefits

• Veteran’s dependent
• Surviving spouse, child or parent of a deceased Veteran

VA Pension

• Discharged from service under conditions other than dishonorable
• Served at least 90 days of active service 1 day of which was during time of war
• Countable family income is below the yearly limit
• The age requirements are stipulated above

Mental Health Services And Resources

For 24-hour counsel, call the National Veteran Crisis Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. You are not alone! Veterans in Florida, call the Florida Veterans Support Line at 1-844-MyFLVet or 2-1-1.. The VA offers support for Suicide Prevention, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder , Depression, Military Sexual Trauma and Substance Abuse.

Recovery First Treatment Center in Hollywood, Fla., offers free resources for veterans who cannot afford treatment and need support: Their Free Virtual Support Meetings allow veterans to join 12-step AA/NA meetings hosted weekly by a person in recovery. If youre looking for a rehab center in Florida, you can take a look at the treatment options that are near to you.

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Unemployment Compensation And Employment Protection/assistance

These include provisions that ensure that a person who voluntarily leaves employment due to relocation as a result of his or her spouses military orders isnt disqualified for unemployment compensation benefits. Further, CareerSource provides employment assistance to military spouses and dependents.

Why The Veterans Village

According to Veterans Affairs 1.6 million veterans live in Florida 45,000 reside in Lake and Sumter Counties.

Transitioning from the service to civilian life isnt easy. A safe, affordable home assists in the transition not only financially, but mentally, providing our veterans with a peace of mind. A home is where we feel safe, where we connect with our families, and where we establish ourselves within our community. Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter believes that our veterans deserve a place to call home.

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The Governors Initiative On Lawyers Assisting Warriors

Under the GI LAW, Floridas leading law firms provide pro bono legal services for military members. Those interested in obtaining pro bono legal services can visit enterpriseflorida.com/lawyers-assisting-warriors, fill out a Legal Assistance Request Form, and submit it through their appropriate Judge Advocate General or civilian military attorneys office.

Allied Veterans Who Served During Wwi Or Wwii

VA may provide medical care to certain veterans of nations allied or associated with the United States during World War I or World War II if authorized and reimbursed by the foreign government. VA also may provide hospitalization, outpatient care and domiciliary care to former members of the armed forces of Czechoslovakia or Poland who fought in World War I or World War II in armed conflict against an enemy of the United States if they have been U.S. citizens for at least 10 years.

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Care We Provide At Va North Florida Health Care

We help Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless due to financial hardship, unemployment, addiction, depression, or transition from jail. Contact one of our care coordinators to get help with:

• Immediate food and shelter needs, including both transitional and permanent housing
• Job training, life skills development, and education
• Justice system navigation and community reentry from jail
• Financial support to prevent homelessness
• Addiction and depression treatment

Governor Announces Housing Loan Program For Military And Veterans

PENSACOLA, Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Feb. 19 the unveiling of the Salute Our Soldiers Military Loan Program that will be offered to veterans and active duty military personnel throughout the state. The announcement was made following a roundtable to discuss ongoing issues and initiatives that involve Floridas military and veteran population. The Governor was joined by Florida Department of Veterans Affairs Executive Director Danny Burgess and Florida Housing Finance Corporation Executive Director Trey Price.

Im excited to announce my administrations newest veteran-focused initiative: the Salute Our Soldiers Military Housing Loan Program for veterans and active duty military personnel throughout the state, said Governor DeSantis. To start, Florida Housing will set aside funds to assist over 1,000 veterans and active duty military members by making the homebuying process easier and more affordable. More veterans calling Florida home is a great thing for all involved and we look forward to the positive impacts this program will have on the lives of our veterans and the communities in which they live.

Administered by Florida Housing this program is offering up to $8 million in a variety of down payment and closing cost assistance, coupled with low-interest rate first mortgages. Importantly, there will be down payment and closing cost assistance options that will be forgivable after five years. The program will be available starting March 2, 2020.

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The Florida Department Of Veterans’ Affairs

This department serves more than 1.5 million Florida veterans, promising that the Sunshine State is the most veteran-friendly state in the nation. Their website is where Florida veterans can access earned services, benefits and support. Heres where you can learn about military benefits: floridavets.org/benefits

Heres where you can get free benefits and disability claims counseling: floridavets.org/benefits-services/claims

Veterans benefits include:

Specially Adapted Housing Grants

• Construct specially adapted homes on land to be acquired by the veteran.
• Build a home on land already owned for specially adapted housing.
• Make the home suitable through remodeling to achieve specially adapted housing.
• Apply a grant against an unpaid mortgage balance on property already owned and adapted if acquired without previous VA assistance.

Special Housing Adaptation Grant

• Purchase a home that has already been adapted to help those with disabilities.
• Adapt a home currently owned and occupied by veteran or family member will continue to live.
• Adapt a home that the veteran or family member intends to purchase for the veteran to live.

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Homeless Providers Grant And Per Diem Program

State, local and tribal governments and nonprofits receive capital grants and per diem payments to develop and operate transitional housingincluding short-stay bridge housingand/or service centers for Veterans who are homeless.

How It Works

VA funds an estimated 600 agencies that provide over 14,500 beds for eligible Veterans. Grantees work closely with an assigned liaison from the local VAMC. The VA GPD liaison monitors the services the grantees offer to Veterans and provides direct assistance to them. Grantees also collaborate with community-based organizations to connect Veterans with employment, housing and additional social services to promote housing stability. The maximum stay in this housing is up to 24 months, with the goal of moving Veterans into permanent housing.

More Information

• Grant and Per Diem

Other Florida Veterans Benefits

Other veteran benefits include recreational discounts and freebies, toll road exemptions, dental care programs, insurance, legal advice, consumer services fee waivers and more. Visit the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information on any of these programs. Heres the benefits guide detailing the programs: floridavets.org/benefits-services

Recovery First Treatment Center in Hollywood, Fla., offers free resources for veterans who cannot afford treatment and need support: Their Free Virtual Support Meetings allow veterans to join 12-step AA/NA meetings hosted weekly by a person in recovery. Their guide on Veterans and Substance Abuse provides information on commonly abused substances, co-occurring disorders, homelessness and treatment approaches.

Shades of Green Resort is an affordable, full-service resort hotel thats available to service members and their families, located on Walt Disney World property and only minutes away from Disney World Theme parks.

– Shades of Green Resort

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Other Types Of Help If Youre Homeless

Visit Benefits.gov to find out if youre eligible and how to apply for other types of help. This may include financial assistance, transportation, food, counseling, and more.

If you dont have medical insurance, you can use HRSA health centers. They give checkups, treatment when youre sick, pregnancy care, and immunizations for your children.

Housing Help For Older Veterans

Find programs to help older veterans with a wide range of housing needs. This includes in-home care, assisted living, and retirement homes for veterans.

• Get help finding housing and care in a variety of residential settings. This includes nursing homes, assisted living, and medical foster homes.
• If you need in-home care so you can remain at home, the VA may be able to help. Call the VA Health Care Benefits number at 1-877-222-8387. Or, contact the VA medical center nearest you.

Another option for some military retirees and other veterans is the Armed Forces Retirement Home . The AFRH has two locations: Washington, DC, and Gulfport, MS. Both offer recreation and wellness services including assisted living and skilled care.

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How Do I Get Help If I’m Homeless Or At Risk Of Becoming Homeless

We offer many programs and services that may helpincluding free health care and, in some cases, free limited dental care. We can also help you connect with resources in your community, like homeless shelters or faith-based organizations.

Find the support you need:

• at for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Youll talk privately with a trained VA counselor for free.
• Contact your nearest VA medical center and ask to talk with the VA social worker. If you’re a female Veteran, ask for the Women Veterans Program Manager.

Eliminate Homelessness Among Veterans In Central Florida

When we were first founded in 2008, there were approximately 1,800 homeless veterans living in Brevard County. As of January 2018s Bi-Annual Point in Time Count, Brevard Countys population had been reduced to less than 300, an amazing 88% reduction in 10 years! While we are very proud of the work we have accomplished, we still have a ways to go before we can say mission complete. According to the US Census Bureau there are 4,400 veterans in Brevard County that are in poverty, and so to reach mission complete we have to get all of the homeless housed while at the same time keep the at-risk in their homes.

What makes us truly unique is the fact that we tackle homelessness directly where it existson the streets of our community. We proactively go out to find our clients through street level outreach where they live, provide basic needs to ensure their survival and build rapport, and connect them to any organization that offers a service beneficial to them, rapidly moving from homeless to housed.

While being successful at your primary purpose as an organization is the most important factor, it is just as important to be fiscally responsible. That is why we are so proud of our 91% program service ratio for 2021 , as well as our continuous Gold Star rating on GuideStar, and our 100/100 Give with Confidence rating with Charity Navigator, the trusted leaders in non-profit accountability.

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How To Get Involved

SPECIAL COMMUNITY EVENT! VETERANS BUILD SERVICE WEEK 2022Thank you to all sponsors and participants of our Veterans Build SERVICE WEEK 2021 volunteering and fundraising event, which completed its final day on Veterans Day with improvements to New Beginnings of Tampa, a transitional shelter serving homeless veterans. In addition to our Week of Service, we completed another Veterans Build new construction of a cottage home with enclosed garage for a local vet in need of stability through affordable homeownership.

Each year, our Veterans Build Week of Service is open to the general public, no experience necessary. Join the fun while making a difference for 7 local veteran homeowners in need of home repairs during this very special event. Check back in the early fall of 2022 for registration and sponsor support info.

APPLY FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP!Habitat Hillsborough offers limited income veterans the opportunity to purchase affordable, secure, well-built homes with no down payments and zero-interest mortgages*. Program requirements for qualifying applicants include 300-375 sweat equity hours and completion of homeowner preparatory classes. Income eligibility for a Habitat home is based on HUDs Area Median Income for Hillsborough County.

A Brief History Of The Va

1818 Service Pension LawGeneral Pension Act of 1862President LincolnVA’s mottoThe GI Bill

Veterans Facts

• Army 9.4 million

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What Florida Veterans Are Saying About Their Ssvf Experiences

“My experience has been positive because I was informed about local agencies that will provide the services that I need. There have been regular follow ups and the staff sincerely care about my success in finding adequate and affordable housing.”

Florida Veteran

“They answered all my questions with a positive attitude. They made feel comfortableabout requesting help.”

Florida Veteran

“I was very satisfied because of the timeliness of the service – very, very, very fast. Thank you.”

Florida Veteran

“The provider was very courteous respectful and considerate of my concerns and my needs. They did a great job in doing so.”

Florida Veteran

For Miami-Dade and Broward County veterans, one-stop shop is making a difference.

CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR ASSISTANCE

Va Benefits For Veterans Living Overseas

VA monetary benefits, including disability compensation, pension, educational benefits, and burial allowances are generally payable overseas. Some programs are restricted. Home loan guaranties are available only in the United States and selected U.S. territories and possessions. Educational benefits are limited to approved, degree granting programs in institutions of higher learning. Beneficiaries living in foreign countries should contact the nearest American embassy or consulate for help. In Canada, contact an office of Veterans Affairs Canada. For information, visit their website.

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Our Mission

Building Homes for Heroes® is determined and devoted to bringing renewed hope to our nations injured veterans. The organization builds or modifies homes, and gifts them, mortgage-free, to injured veterans and their families, while providing support services to enable them to build better and brighter lives and reach new heights. Its truly an honor to serve the men and women who have courageously served and sacrificed for our country.

Building Homes for Heroes®, Inc. is a non-profit organization. The organization is a public charity exempt from federal income tax under Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code. EIN: 20-4540852

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Care We Provide At Va North Florida/south Georgia Health Care

We help Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless due to financial hardship, unemployment, addiction, depression, or transition from jail. Contact a VA North Florida/South Georgia homeless services care coordinator to get help with:

• Immediate food and shelter, including both transitional and permanent housing
• Job training, life skills development, and education
• Support with justice system navigation and community re-entry from jail
• Financial support to prevent homelessness
• Treatment for addiction and depression
• Health and dental care

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Office Of The Attorney General Of Florida

The Office of the Attorney General of Florida has several resources available for military members and veterans to help them avoid being taken advantage of by bad actors. One such resource is the Military Consumer Protection Resource Guide, which contains invaluable information on predatory lending practices, identity theft, debt collection, foreclosure fraud, and other schemes used to target members of the military and veterans.

Heres where you can learn about the Military Consumer Protection Resource Guide:

Additionally, the Attorney Generals Military and Veterans Assistance Program utilizes a multi-agency approach to enforce state and federal laws that are in place to protect those who have served or continue to serve our county. The Attorney General has a designated team on standby to review complaints submitted by service members and veterans, and will continue working to ensure that all military members and veterans are protected from deceitful businesses and individuals.

Heres where you can learn more about the Attorney Generals Military and Veterans Assistance Program and also file a complaint:

Homeless Resources For Special Groups

These resources are geared toward specific audiences:

Veterans

• Homeless Veteran Resources from the Department of Veterans Affairs – Use these resources to find safe housing. Or explore opportunities to return to employment, find health care, or get mental health services.

Youth

• Housing programs and street outreach – Find stable, safe housing. You can also get education help, survival aid, counseling, crisis intervention, and follow-up support.

People With Mental Illness

• Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness – Find help if you have a serious mental illness. The PATH program can assist you if youre homeless or at risk of homelessness.

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