As we paused on Veterans Day to honor and thank all who have served in the U.S. armed forces, a service agency announced they are expanding services for veterans in western Missouri and eastern Kansas.
Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph recently announced the expansion of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, a critical initiative created by the VA aimed at preventing and ending veteran homelessness. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs awarded the agency $4.4 million to double its outreach.
The expansion of the veteran’s program enables them to serve 23 total counties in MO and KS, up from 18 counties last year. With new funding and resources, twice as many veterans will be provided with rapid rehousing assistance, help obtaining VA benefits, medical assistance, workforce training, and housing stability. Veterans are also offered other wrap-around services, such as employment assistance and one-on-one counseling. In 2024, Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph provided over $210,000 in rent and utility assistance.