The Veteran Emergency Shelter Program (V.E.S.P) is a 90-day emergency shelter and supportive services program for qualified homeless veterans. The goal of the program is to connect Veteran clients to on-site vital services and to successfully transition to more stable living conditions.
The program offers a variety of supportive services:
- Individualized case management, with a trained case manager providing clients with timely, culturally-sensitive, and focused case management.
- On-site workshops and activities provided by EHC staff and community partners. Workshops are aimed at teaching practical coping & problem solving skills to reduce the risk of crisis leading to homelessness in the future. These skills range from household management & credit education to housing & job skills to conflict resolution & self-esteem building skills.
- A comprehensive employment assistance program-including pre-employment training, vocational training, & basic education training programs in collaboration with Goodwill Industries and EDD.
- Access to the BRC’s on-site medical services from the VA Mobile Medical Van, benefit services from VA Outreach Workers, & the County of Santa Clara Office of Veteran Affairs.
- Benefit Services from VA Outreach Workers and the County of Santa Clara Office of Veteran Affairs
- Continuously evaluated referral system for veterans which links them to mainstream benefits, health & social services, job training, employment search, and other applicable activities.
- Permanent Housing and Transitional Housing referrals
- Weekly on-site Narcotics Anonymous/Alcoholics Anonymous groups.
- Dental Care after 60 days
- Vet-to-Vet peer education and support as well as an aftercare program for up to 6 months, allowing prior clients to return support & camaraderie from case managers & fellow veterans.
- Nutritious meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in the BRC main dining room.
- Transportation assistance through the Boccardo Reception Center shuttle services which operates Monday-Friday and runs to the downtown area 3 times each morning- 7 am, 8 am, and 9 am.
- A discharge plan for the client including access to EHC LifeBuilders’ entire continuum of care, or possible placement in the agency’s Veterans Transitional Housing Program.
Eligibility
- Must be homeless or at imminent risk of being homeless
- Must have an honorable military discharge and be eligible for VA medical services
- Program will accept veterans with special needs- if the facility can support those needs.
- The program can accept veterans who have abused drugs or alcohol for many years.
- Certain felonies may disqualify an applicant.
- Must have willingness to participate in case management
- Registered sex offenders with crimes against minor children will require management approval before being accepted into the program.
There is a wait-list for this program.
Contact
Please click here to email Robin McGovern in order to be put on the wait-list or call her at (408) 510-7520 between 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Walk-in hours are between the hours of 8:30 am- 4:30 pm.
