.Purpose

Policy

Background

Release Date:

05/20/16

Definitions

Requirements

Verification Docs

GROW

4.2. Veterans

Purpose

(   ) To release a new policy

(   ) To release a new form

(X ) To convert existing policy to new writing style only – No concept changes

(   ) Revision of existing policy and/or form(s)

Policy

All General Relief Opportunities for Work (GROW) sites have designated a primary and back-up Veterans Liaison to refer and track veterans in locating housing, applying for United States (U.S.) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, and referrals to other veterans specific services, and employment related activities.  The Veterans Liaison must assist all GROW veterans regardless of his/her discharge type. 

Background

The Board of Supervisors and the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) made it a priority, to reduce homelessness for veterans, and to help them in finding employment. 

Definitions

 

Term

Description

Military Discharge Types

 

 

 

 

·         Honorable Discharge

·         General Discharge

·         Bad Conduct Discharge

·         Dishonorable Discharge

·         Officer Discharge

·         Entry Level Separation (uncharacterized)

 

Veteran

 

 

For the purpose of this Administrative Release a veteran is a person who served in the United States Armed Forces.

 

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

The VA offers healthcare services and administers a variety of benefits to eligible veterans.  VA outreach workers help veterans determine if they are eligible for and connect with appropriate VA services.

 

Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program (SSVF)

The SSVF programs are funded by the VA to help low-income veteran households who are literally homeless, or at imminent risk of homelessness, obtain or retain stable housing.  SSVF programs provide a wide-range of short-term services that include case management, housing guidance, and assistance with obtaining VA and other public benefits.  There are approximately six grantees in the Los Angeles area which administer the SSVF program.

 

Primary GROW Veterans Liaison

(PGVL)

The PGVL is responsible for maintaining all veterans cases located at his/her GROW site, and for making referrals and tracking outcomes for each veteran in his/her caseload.

 

Back-up GROW Veterans Liaison (BGVL)

The BGVL assumes the duties and responsibilities of the PGVL in his/her absence.

 

Requirements

A GROW participant who self-declares he/she served in the U.S. Military or is otherwise known, as an individual that served in the U. S. Military.

 

Requirement

Limit/Condition

VA Services and Benefits

Eligibility for VA healthcare services and benefits is determined through a variety of factors, including discharge status. 

SSVF

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The SSVF currently has the flexibility to serve participants who are eligible for other VA services.  Participants should be referred to the SSVF which serves the participant’s residence, or the GROW site’s area. 

 

a)   State that he/she is a U.S. Veteran (no documentation required for referral);

b)   Have a character of discharge that is NOT dishonorable;

c)   Must be a U.S. Armed Forces veteran, regardless of discharge status;

d)   Homeless and/or at risk of homelessness; and

e)   Want assistance with housing.

 

Verification Documents

N/A