Columbus House

Harkness House: Transitional Housing Program for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness

Service Area: New Haven, CT

Goal: Provide transitional housing, case management, and connection to benefits and services to at least 45 veterans experiencing homelessness, ensuring that they establish and maintain permanent housing
Columbus House’s Harkness House provides transitional housing and supportive services to veterans experiencing homelessness through the VA’s Grant and Per Diem program. This program connects veterans to services and benefits, expands their social and employment skills, and encourages reconnection to their communities as they work towards long-term, stable housing. In New Haven, where Harkness House is located, there has been an overwhelming 90 percent increase in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness since the onset of the pandemic in March of 2020. This increase has been driven by the end of the eviction moratorium, lingering financial effects of the pandemic, record inflation, and a statewide shortage of affordable housing. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s 2022 Gap Report, there are fewer than four affordable and available rental units for every ten extremely low-income renter households in Connecticut. This BWF investment will supplement federal funding to support seven Bridge and seven Service Intensive beds at Harkness House. Overall, this investment will provide transitional housing, case management, and connection to benefits and services to at least 45 veterans experiencing homelessness, ensuring that they establish and maintain permanent housing.