A partnership between the Riverside County Department of Veterans’ Services and Vet Phoenix is aiming to expand outreach, support, and housing opportunities for veterans who have recently been released from incarceration in Riverside County.
The initiative follows a grant received by Riverside County through Proposition 47 state funding, which supports efforts to assist formerly incarcerated individuals. The county’s Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 to formalize a contract with Vet Phoenix, Inc., an organization founded by veterans who have experienced incarceration themselves. This nonprofit will provide peer support and case management services targeted at helping justice-involved veterans transition back into the community.
Supervisor V. Manuel Perez spoke about the program during a recent board meeting. “I think we have come a long way when it comes to supporting our veterans but, obviously, there is more to be done,” said Supervisor Perez. “We are working with our veterans to provide different types of services as well to veterans coming out of the prison system. This ensures they have skill sets linked to a job, behavioral health services access to care, and housing that goes a long way to stabilizing the veteran.”
Since launching in April, Vet Phoenix has enrolled 65 participants in its programs; more than 20 have secured stable housing as a result.
Gregory Coffos, Director of Veterans’ Services for Riverside County, described the significance of this new effort: “This program represents one of the most important steps forward for Riverside County Veterans’ Services. It is designed to serve a group of veterans that is often overlooked, those who are justice-involved and working to re-enter our community after incarceration. This doesn’t just offer veterans’ services, it offers guidance, credibility and hope from people who have walked the same path. From benefits to housing to re-entry support, we are building a system now that makes sure that no veteran in this county is forgotten.”
The program delivers trauma-informed services focused on key needs such as mental health treatment, substance abuse recovery assistance, help securing stable housing, and employment support.
Funding for this initiative comes from the California Board of State and Community Corrections.
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