Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into an agreement with the Ohio Association of Foodbanks to provide the Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Program (VCAP). These funds will support program activities for a twelve-month period for a total amount of $75,000.
The Ohio Association of Foodbanks, in partnership with Community Reinvestment Resources, will work cooperatively with the City of Columbus to pilot the Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Program (VCAP). This pilot program will seek to address the barriers to long-term stability facing approximately 210 of the city’s most at-risk veterans, a population identified by Franklin County Municipal Court and the Central Ohio Homeless Veterans Stand Down. VCAP will ensure a “no wrong door” policy for these veterans, providing them a pathway to long-term stability and employment through a tiered, wrap-around service model. VCAP will seek to:
Tier 1 - Perform thorough initial assessments with at least 210 veterans: These assessments will identify barriers facing the individual (e.g., addiction issues, lack of housing, legal issues or criminal records, etc.) as well as any potential assets available to the individual (e.g., training/certifications gained during military service, willingness to participate in case management, etc.).
Tier 2 - Guide at least 75 veterans through the completion of application(s) available through The Ohio Benefit Bank™ (OBB) or through other hands-on referrals: Case managers will connect at-risk veterans with programs including supplemental nutrition assistance (SNAP, or food stamps) and emergency food assistance, health care coverage through Ohio Medicaid and/or SSDI, home energy assistance, and veterans education benefits.
Tier 3 - Provide extensive, in-depth case management to at least 40 veterans: For those veterans with multiple barriers to long-term stability and employment, case managers will provide “deep-dive”...
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