In the Spotlight: the Grant and Per Diem Program

The Grant and Per Diem Program

By Ila Thatcher-Geis, Veteran Services Manager SSVF/GPD

What We Offer

The Good Samaritan Grant & Per Diem program is honored to be able to offer three separate, unique, non-congregate transitional housing sites to serve our most vulnerable Veterans in need of temporary housing here in Santa Barbara County. All beds are service-intensive, providing complete wrap-around services with Supportive Services for Veteran Families and HUD-VASH referrals for additional services. Temporary Financial Assistance and vouchering opportunities are also available in these programs to those who qualify to help support them on their journey to sustainable housing.

Amenities for Healing

Our first two non-congregate sites are a Capital grant model featuring five-bedroom, five-bath accommodations that provide amenities for healing in a private space for self-care and an opportunity for the community with Veterans to share in the same journey within the program. Each Veteran has delegated responsibilities within the houses to foster a sense of accountability and ownership in a real home model environment, helping to reacclimate them to self-sufficiency with dignity and a sense of accomplishment.

In this model thus far, we have found that our veterans are acclimating more successfully to their own housing opportunities with a heightened sense of confidence due to an enhanced sense of self-worth being regained through independence and growth.

Our third site, located at Dignity Moves' collaboration with Good Samaritan Shelter at Hope Village, provides the same sense of independence. It offers a private space for healing in their own cabin and many different opportunities for the community. These include access to day habilitation programs and Veteran-specific offerings through wrap-around Case Management Services. We have seen the same sense of self-worth and independence grow here with this non-congregate model and supportive services that help make all the difference in remaining in sustainable housing.

Efforts to Outcomes

During a Veteran's stay in our GPD program, we focus on mental health and healing with a trauma-informed approach, recognizing the additional barriers that not only come from the trauma of experiencing homelessness but the trauma and PTSD that so many of our Veterans face due to their time in service. We begin with collaborative efforts by offering 24-hour support, providing a sense of security and peace of mind that we are here for them in their time of need. Meeting our Veterans where they are, we then start creating a personalized outline through an Individual Service Plan of attainable goals to help them focus on a plan of action moving forward. There is also a heavy focus on motivational life skills and connection with employment training opportunities, mental health-focused activities provided by many community partners, service connection support, healthcare support, housing navigation, budget planning, and any other applicable support the Veteran might need.

Better Together, A One Team Approach

Ending Veteran homelessness will always be a collective effort within our community. The support we have throughout this initiative is paramount to our collective success as we work together to ensure that each and every service member has a place to call home.

Key Takeaways

1. We are not in this alone. Just as the Veterans we serve signed up to keep our country safe, we are honored to be able to do the same for them on our home soil.
   

2. Using our transitional housing and our One Team approach, we have no doubt that together, we can make a difference in ending Veteran homelessness.
   

3. Good Samaritan Shelter GPD, SSVF, and HUD-VASH collaboration of services are essential for the long-term success of our vulnerable Veteran population.
   

4. Utilizing a vast collection of Good Samaritan services, with over 74 programs at our disposal, in addition to VA services, means a brighter future for all involved!