Helping veterans in Paducah, Kentucky

In July, The Salvation Army of Paducah, Kentucky took over administration of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program in the city and other areas of western Kentucky. According to the Veteran's Administration (VA), the SSVF program "provides case management and supportive services to prevent the imminent loss of a veteran's home or identify a new, more suitable housing situation for the individual and his or her family." 

The SSVF program aims to rapidly rehouse veterans and their families who are experiencing homelessness and who might remain homeless without this assistance. Specialized services offered include health care system navigation, financial counseling, legal services, and help with transportation. In addition to McCracken County, the program will serve 10 other counties throughout Western Kentucky. 

"Veterans are the backbone of our nation. They volunteered to serve and defend us all, and the least we can do is provide them with a stable place to live back home," said Lieutenant David Donegan, corps officer. "Knowing that The Salvation Army was able to bring this program under our umbrella of services is a win for the community, and a win for the work we are doing here in the Purchase Area Region. I speak for myself, Lt. Brittney (Donegan), our Advisory Board, and Corps, that we are excited about this opportunity to continue to ‘Do The Most Good' here in our community." 

The Salvation Army in Paducah will house two staff members dedicated to the SSVF program. The Program Director for the 11-county region to be served will work from there, along with a Case Management Specialist. The Salvation Army in Hopkinsville will also have a SSVF Case Management Specialist. 

Staff were in place on July 18, and a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on July 20.