In 2016, the Office of Mental Health provided funding and partnered together with three providers to provide homeless veterans the opportunity to live, gain employment, and work on their recovery through this evidence-based model. The initial grant funded the start-up of four new lodges. This year, through “Money Follows the Person” grant funding, there is an opportunity to fund an additional 4 new Veterans Fairweather Lodges. As the contracted Administrative Agency, the Venango Training & Development Center, Inc. is coordinating the RFP process and working with the Office of Mental Health to expand this project, which includes the posting of an exciting new position for a Veteran Fairweather Lodge Statewide Transition Coordinator. For more information about the position, contact Colleen Stuart.

This memo serves as notice to Pennsylvania mental health non-profit providers that proposals are being accepted for start-up grant funding for a new Veterans Fairweather Lodge (VFWL).   A “Start Up Guide and Application Tool” is also available, which includes the following information that will assist in your application:

• History and Background Information;
• Provider Eligibility/Background Requirements;
• Guidelines for Application;
• State/County/Community Partnerships; and
• Grant Resources.

The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs reported higher populations of homeless in the Philadelphia and Coatesville areas. Therefore, providers in these areas are encouraged to apply.

Please consider this wonderful opportunity to provide support to veterans in need.