LOUISVILLE, KY– The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded $784,203 to Volunteers of America of Kentucky to continue theSupportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, which provides for homelessness prevention services and case management for veterans and their families in the Louisville, Lexington, and Ashland areas of Kentucky.

The grant will serve approximately 200 homeless and at-risk veteran families and offer comprehensive in-home case management; assistance in obtaining VA benefits and other public benefits; and temporary financial assistance for rent payments, utility payments, security deposits, and moving costs.

The program serves very low-income veterans and their family members who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless. SSVF’s case managers engage the families in setting goals for housing stability and financial stability.

The SSVF program serves 17 counties in Kentucky, including Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, Bullitt, Fayette, Scott, Bourbon, Clark, Madison, Jessamine, Woodford, Boyd, Greenup, Carter, Elliott, and Lawrence.

Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) advocated for the federal funding and monitored the results, confirming with the Department of Veterans Affairs that the funding had come through for Louisville.

“Our veterans and their families should never have to face homelessness or the prospect of losing their homes,” Yarmuth said. “With this federal funding, Volunteers of America of Kentucky is providing critical resources to ensure that we make good on our commitments to veterans and their families. That includes providing a basic foundation on which to build a successful future.”

“We are committed to ending veteran homelessness in America,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki in a news release announcing the funding. “These grants will help VA and community organizations reach out and prevent at-risk veterans from losing their homes.”

“We are so proud that the Department of Veterans Affairs has entrusted us, once again, with the important task of helping return veterans and their families return to self-sufficiency,” said Burks, president and CEO of Volunteers of America of Kentucky.  “So many of our veterans have bravely served their country, but now find themselves unable to find stable employment and housing. Volunteers of America is here to help them get back on their feet and have a brighter future.”

Details about the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program are online at www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp.

About Volunteers of America of Kentucky

Founded in 1896, Volunteers of America of Kentucky createspositive change in the lives of individuals and communities through a ministry of service.Volunteers of America of Kentucky’s programs directly address the quality of life of individuals in Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and Southern Indiana by meeting the material, emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals and families. Learn more atwww.voaky.org.