Homes for the Brave

Overall number served: 100 (lower than our typical goal due to decreased capacity as a result of Covid-19)

1. Housing
Goal: 60% Veterans discharge to permanent housing
Description: HFTB tracks the housing arrangements of residents at discharge. Ideally, every resident who lives at HFTB will move to permanent, independent housing or permanent, supportive housing after leaving the program. Housing arrangements at discharge are tracked through exit interviews with residents and are recorded in an internal database and in the CT Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
2. Income/Employment

Goal: 50% of Veterans increase or maintain income

Description: ABRI measures the increase of Veterans’ employment income, as well as non-employment income (entitlements and benefits). Any increase or decrease in income is recorded by the resident’s Case Manager and the income changes are tracked in an internal database and in the HMIS.

3. Self-determination

Goal: No quantitative goal
Description: Self-determination goals are set by each individual Veteran in the program and can include goals such as stabilizing mental health, maintaining long-term abstinence from drugs and alcohol, or connecting to community support groups or volunteer opportunities. Tracking residents’ success with these goals is more difficult because they are not quantitative in nature. These goals are discussed and reevaluated by the Case Manager and the Veteran Monthly. At discharge, stability of housing and income are closely tied to self-determination goals because residents with positive housing outcomes and increased income tend to be successful with their self-determination goals as well.

Our vision is to provide a model to enable individuals who are homeless, along with their families, to attain safe, affordable housing, discover means of enhancing their income, and advancing their own self-determination goals so that they may succeed at living a fulfilling life. We whole-heartedly believe that it is essential to serve others with honesty, integrity, empathy, respect, and patience. The staff at ABRI work hard to foster a nonjudgmental environment that encourages clients to develop personal responsibility in taking ownership in their journey towards independence. It is our desire that those we serve feel safe as they learn, grow, recover, and re-enter the community with confidence.

Whereas many other organizations combating Veteran homelessness primarily act as little more than a temporary shelter, Homes for the Brave provides a comprehensive and compassionate community of care. We tirelessly endeavor to break the stigmas surrounding homelessness. Veterans residing with us do not only have access to a bed and food, but also the support of an engaged staff and other residents. By offering services that stabilize income, provide life skills classes, connect clients to training and job opportunities, and offer clinical therapy to deal with substance abuse/mental health barriers, we are able to attack the root causes of poverty and housing insecurity, leading to sustained success.

Additionally, we work extensively with outside organizations to support our Veterans. As a leading regional service provider, ABRI continually seeks to foster strong community relationships so as to optimize our services and outreach. Our most significant partnership is with the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, as we work closely together to address the needs of Veterans experiencing homelessness. We are a proud member of the CT Nonprofit Alliance, which grants us access to a strong network of supportive resources designed to enhance the well-being of nonprofits across the state. We are also an active member in the Fairfield County Opening Doors Coalition as we work with other homeless service providers to eradicate homelessness in the region. Our staff regularly collaborates with organizations throughout the Bridgeport area that serve similar populations and share in our goals; examples of these include the Center for Family Justice, the WorkPlace, LifeBridge Community Services, Bridge House, Southwest Community Health Centers, and the Bridgeport Reentry Collaborative. Our Vocational Specialist engages with Bridgeport’s American Job Center Programs, the CT Department of Labor, CT Veterans Legal Center, and vocational rehabilitation staff at the VA in order to assist each Veteran in accessing federal and state educational benefits and employment services.