Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro signed legislation earlier today, which was passed by Summit County Council to enter an agreement with Family and Community Services, Inc (FCS) to provide support services to Veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. In total, the County intends to expend $100,000 of federal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) dollars to provide these families with the support they need.
FCS provides temporary financial assistance as well as support services including outreach, case management, and accessing employment as well as connecting veteran families with resources such as WIC, Help me Grow, child care, veterans services, subsidized housing, legal aid, and energy assistance programs. In circumstances where a veteran or their family is facing a housing crisis, limited financial assistance is available for rental security deposit, first month’s rent, utility security deposit, bus passes, emergency shelter stays, child care, and more. FCS strongly focuses on promoting stability through financial budgeting tools and emphasizing available community resources. This program funding is provided through the Executive’s Department of Jobs and Family Services.
“The services provided by Family and Community Services, Inc. are essential in supporting Summit County at risk and homeless veterans and their families by providing them with the tools they need to overcome obstacles and create a stable and secure living environment,” said County Executive Ilene Shapiro. “Our Veterans have given so much of themselves to our nation and to our county and I am proud to partner with organizations like FCS, that are so dedicated to assisting these amazing men, women and their families in getting back on their feet.”
The current fiscal year contract with FCS has served 69 individuals to date (30 adults and 39 children). The TANF eligible veterans that have been served thus far have received assistance with eviction prevention, rent, utilities, security deposits, and temporary shelter as well as referrals to social service agencies. The program renewal will begin in September 2017 and extends through September of 2018.
“Summit County strongly supports its Veterans,” said County Council President John Schmidt. “Family and Community Services is yet another partner that provides critical assistance and housing to our vets and their families and we are very pleased to collaborate with them.”
In addition to Summit County’s partnership with FCS, temporary shelter for veterans as well as other services have been provided by Summit County Valor Home, which opened in 2013. For more information please visit: http://fcsserves.org/program/valor–home–summit/, http://fcsserves.org/
