November is both National Homelessness Awareness Month and National Homeless Youth Awareness Month.
SAMHSA Unveils Homelessness Awareness Month Toolkit
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) collaborates with national experts and federal, state and local partners to provide training on housing, treatment and recovery models. These efforts focus on supporting adults, children, and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness and facing serious mental illness, serious emotional disturbances, or substance use challenges.
To highlight and uplift these efforts, SAMHSA has developed a Homelessness Awareness Month Toolkit, complementing the existing Homeless and Housing Resource Center.
Click here for the toolkit and more information.
State Launches Public-Private Partnership to End Veteran Homelessness
Lt. Governor Tahesha Way recently announced that New Jersey will commit more than $30 million over two years to secure housing for more than 1,000 homeless veterans through formal partnerships with veterans' service organizations.
The NJ Monitor reported on Nov. 11th that “The Bringing Veterans Home program, a joint effort by state offices and private service providers, is intended to streamline the process by which unhoused veterans seek housing assistance, beginning early next year. Service members and National Guard members also are eligible.”
Veterans who are eligible for this program can apply for housing assistance online by calling the state’s homelessness hotline, or through housing- and homeless-service providers affiliated with county homelessness service offices, the Department of Community Affairs, or state or federal veterans’ affairs offices.
Lt. Gov. Way remarked that the courageous men and women who have given their lives to serve our country should not have to bear the weight of homelessness. She added, “Our Administration is committed to connecting veterans with the resources they need for the housing they deserve."
Direct outreach will also take place to reach unhoused veterans who may be living in homeless encampments or otherwise unable to apply on their own.
Click here to read this article.
