Homeless Coalition Collier County

GAP Fund

Before 2020, Collier County, FL service providers did not need much assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs to address homelessness in their community. But during COVID-19, the community’s capacity to build strategies to address homelessness was impacted by the economic fallout in the region, increasing the need for resources. Lacking the traditional relationships with national public partners to invest quickly in service provision, the county needed leadership to build collaboration and address the growing needs. Collier Homeless Coalition has led the charge to develop community partnerships and a service delivery system to meet the needs of veterans experiencing hunger, homelessness, at-risk of homelessness. Collier County Homeless Coalition’s ability to identify the issue quickly, assess the needs, and implement a solution will ensure that veteran households are quickly stabilized if they experience financial hardship. This BWF grant will support 15 veteran households struggling financially to maintain and obtain housing.