Programs
It is estimated that on any given day between 300 and 400 veterans currently live on the street or in homeless shelters in the Nation’s Capital. Often experiencing mental and physical disabilities, substance abuse, and PTSD, homeless veterans face a complex set of challenges that can make transitioning back into civilian life particularly difficult, and which significantly increases their risk of homelessness. VOTR exists to help them overcome those challenges.
Recognizing the interconnected nature of these challenges, VOTR provides a holistic set of services that are tailored to the needs of each individual veteran using case management, and based on the Housing First model of care. Housing First is an approach that offers permanent, affordable housing as quickly as possible for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. VOTR then provides case management to coordinate the supportive services and connections to the community-based supports people need to keep their housing and avoid returning to homelessness.
With support from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and through close collaboration with a number of specialized partner service providers, VOTR currently operates two major programs to achieve these goals.
Community Based Emergency Residential Services (CERS)
VOTR provides CERS placement to homeless veterans referred to us by the DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center. We offer 24 beds, 20 for men and four for women, for emergency transitional housing for a period of up to 60 days. Case Managers work closely with each veteran to provide both group and individualized care that meets their particular needs. Care includes medical support through the VA Medical Center, therapeutic and rehabilitative services, individual professional counseling, training in life skills and financial management, assistance in finding job training and employment opportunities, and help in finding alternative safe and affordable housing when they are discharged from VOTR. 139 veterans were supported by this program in 2023 and 2024.
Serious Mentally Ill Transitional Housing (SMI)
VOTR has 12 beds dedicated to housing veterans experiencing severe mental illness which puts them at the highest risk of homelessness. Many of these veterans have multiple conditions that make it hard for them to succeed in shelters or in traditional transitional housing programs. These conditions can include, but are not limited to, severe mental illness, co-occurring disorders, PTSD, substance abuse and other medical conditions. These veterans live in a community setting in which they receive 24-hour care from trained specialists for up to 180 days. Care includes physical and mental health support through the VA Medical Center, therapeutic and rehabilitative services, individual professional counseling, training in life skills and financial management, and help in finding alternative safe and affordable housing when they are discharged from VOTR. 90 veterans were supported by this program in 2023 and 2024.
Family Rehousing & Stabilization Program (FRSP)
FRSP is designed to work within the Washington DC continuum of care to support families who experience homelessness or are at imminent risk of homelessness. Veterans on the Rise works with the Washington DC Department of Human Services to provide Case Management and access to counseling and support services. The purpose of FRSP is to support DC residents, who are experiencing homelessness or are at imminent risk of becoming homeless, to achieve stability in permanent housing through individualized and time-limited assistance.
Former Army Officer Dan Helmer and volunteer with VOTR helps with Search and Rescue
Results
We measure our success by tracking the impacts we make in veterans’ lives, to assist them succeed in their transition to healthier, more productive and independent lives. We are proud of the differences we already making in veterans’ lives, but we know that much more is needed. To this end we use the knowledge we are gaining to further improve the services we provide and how they are provided.
The following statistics generated over the past three and a half years reflect key outcome indicators among veterans who have completed VOTR programs.
The following statistics generated over the past three and a half years reflect key outcome indicators among veterans who have completed VOTR programs.
Testimonial
Floyd Palmer joined the United States Air Force in 1977. For three years, he worked as flight line security for Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane Washington. After his military service, Floyd graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in communications, and began a career in commercial broadcasting.
Like many Americans Floyd has endured both personal and financial struggles over the years. Unable to make ends meet, he found himself staying at a homeless shelter in Washington DC. Determined to get his life back on track, Floyd looked to the veteran community for help and eventually made contact with Veterans on the Rise.
“They make it clear when you walk in the door that you are being given an opportunity. There’s financial classes every week to teach you how to plan and budget. They provided clothing and other services to help us look presentable for job interviews. For me, they offered spiritual development when I started going to church with some of the others staying there. Veterans on the Rise curated all of these opportunities, but they let me find my own path.”
During his time at the Veterans on the Rise, Floyd was able to get a job at Dog Tag Bakery, an entirely veteran operated business. Since then, he has been heavily involved with various restaurants throughout the city, most notably Jose Andres’ America Eats Tavern in Georgetown. When he’s not in the kitchen, he returns to the VOTR facility as a volunteer and helps out at our local events. We are very fortunate to have alumni like Floyd, who continue to give back to our community!
- Floyd Palmer
VOTR Alumni and Volunteer
Floyd Palmer joined the United States Air Force in 1977. For three years, he worked as flight line security for Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane Washington. After his military service, Floyd graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in communications, and began a career in commercial broadcasting.
Like many Americans Floyd has endured both personal and financial struggles over the years. Unable to make ends meet, he found himself staying at a homeless shelter in Washington DC. Determined to get his life back on track, Floyd looked to the veteran community for help and eventually made contact with Veterans on the Rise.
“They make it clear when you walk in the door that you are being given an opportunity. There’s financial classes every week to teach you how to plan and budget. They provided clothing and other services to help us look presentable for job interviews. For me, they offered spiritual development when I started going to church with some of the others staying there. Veterans on the Rise curated all of these opportunities, but they let me find my own path.”
During his time at the Veterans on the Rise, Floyd was able to get a job at Dog Tag Bakery, an entirely veteran operated business. Since then, he has been heavily involved with various restaurants throughout the city, most notably Jose Andres’ America Eats Tavern in Georgetown. When he’s not in the kitchen, he returns to the VOTR facility as a volunteer and helps out at our local events. We are very fortunate to have alumni like Floyd, who continue to give back to our community!
- Floyd Palmer
VOTR Alumni and Volunteer
