VETERAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT
In April of 2011 Rock Valley Community Programs, Inc. completed, renovated, and opened 24 dual-occupancy suites with the ability to house up to 48 homeless veterans and provide supportive services. Veterans can stay up to 24 months before transitioning to permanent housing. As of December 2022, RVCP has expanded our transitional housing to accommodate 48 single-occupancy suites.
The veterans we serve are from the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 12 which includes all of Wisconsin, northern Illinois, the upper peninsula of Michigan, and the northwest corner of Indiana. Veterans who qualify for acceptance into the program are male veterans considered homeless, or at-risk of becoming homeless, and were other than dishonorably discharged. All applicants are reviewed and approved by the Veterans Administration prior to being accepted into the program. RVCP provides assistance with the application processes at no charge.
Veterans who are accepted into the program agree to show a willingness to change the behaviors that have led to homelessness in the past, to participate in the supportive case management services RVCP provides, maintain a sober lifestyle, and participate in substance use and/or mental health treatment, if required, adhere to employment requirements if they are able to look for work or obtain other sources of income, and to participate in the smooth operation of a communal living situation.
A large number of displaced and at-risk veterans live with lingering effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and substance use disorder, compounded by a lack of family and social support networks. A top priority is secure, safe, and clean housing that offers supportive services and is drug and alcohol free. RVCP provides screening, assessments, and individualized case management planning.
RVCP also links residents to veterans benefit counseling, public assistance counseling, disability claims assistance, education, vocational and employment services (including job service, training, job skills, referral and placement), computer training, and counseling. RVCP provides transitional housing, case management, educational groups for emotional regulation, life-skills training, sobriety maintenance, health and wellness education, and substance use disorder treatment.
Everything necessary for daily living is available on-site; this includes a community room, a fitness room, a walking path, a laundry facility, a resource room (library, computers and internet access), cafeteria (three nutritious, balanced meals per day are provided), transportation, barber services, and a slightly used clothing closet. A sober living environment is maintained via random breathalyzer and urinalysis testing.
Please visit Housing4OurVets website for more information on the program!