Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS) and the Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service & Education Center (PVMSEC) will share a one million dollar grant awarded through the US Department of Veterans Affairs' Supportive Services for Veterans Families program to help target homeless and at-risk veterans and their families.

Over the next year, CSS and PVMSEC intend to use the $1,007,000 grant to create a coordinated system in Chester County to prevent homelessness or rapidly re-house veteran families in transition from homelessness. The partnership will combine expertise and leverage resources and relationships to provide access to permanent supportive housing settings for homeless veterans as well as assistance with temporary financial assistance, related case management and support services. Approximately 150 participating veteran households in Chester County will be served through this new program.

"We are very excited about this collaborative partnership with the Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service & Educational Center, a well-respected leader and champion in our region providing comprehensive services and support to veterans," said Amy Stoner, Director of CSS Community Based Services. "We will now be able to fill a great need in Chester County to provide services that will offer veterans and their families housing stability and resources to achieve self-sufficiency. CSS is very pleased to resume a strong presence in Coatesville, and our partnerships with other provider agencies. It is an honor to be able to serve those who have dedicated their lives to serve our country so well and sacrificed so much on our behalf."

Under the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, VA awarded nearly $300 million in grants to private nonprofit organizations that provide services to very low-income veteran families living in - or transitioning to - permanent housing. This is the third year SSVF grants have helped veterans and their families find or remain in their homes. Last year, VA provided about $100 million to assist approximately 50,000 veterans and family members.

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Editor's Note: For more information on Catholic Social Services, please visit http://www.catholicsocialservicesphilly.org/

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Stephanie Brophy
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215-587-3747