Veteran homelessness is on the rise nationwide. In order to obtain a clearer picture of homeless veterans in Connecticut, and the Stratford/Bridgeport area in particular, the Stratford Crier reached out to our local organizations.
Raymond T. Goldbach Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Steve Evangelista, Commander – Navy – Stratford Post 9460
In a phone interview with Steve Evangelista, Commander of VFW Post 9460, (which also shares space with the American Legion), he stated that there is enough advocacy available for veterans. “Half of the problem is those you see on the streets panhandling are not true veterans or don’t want to engage. We are aware of it. There are quite a few people who play the role of being a veteran, termed ‘stolen valor’, who claim to have served and they haven’t. It’s not hard to obtain a uniform, go to Home Depot, set up signs [asking for donations], and when questioned turn back and walk away. They don’t want to be part of the system, they feel more entitled with pan handling. If you have doubt about them having served, ask to see their credentials. Their whole life is in their possession. If they are veterans and are homeless, they can go to Homes for the Brave in Bridgeport.”
Homes for the Brave – Applied Behavioral Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. (ABRI), Bridgeport
Homes for the Brave was cited as an information source on local veterans. The Stratford Crier contacted Mea Albert, Director of Communications and Outreach for Homes for the Brave.
During our interview, Albert noted that, “We strive to be a beacon of hope for the courageous men and women who have served our country. We do this through a variety of programs, many of which are outlined in [our] brochure.”
She spoke to what Homes for the Brave offers. “At Homes for the Brave we have an emphasis on Veterans. We provide the housing and services necessary to help homeless individuals return to a productive and meaningful life. Our vision is to provide a model to enable homeless men, women and their families, especially those who have served our country, to attain safe, affordable housing, meaningful life activity and a livable income so that they may return to a productive and meaningful life.”
She explained that veterans in need are referred to Homes for the Brave through the VA (Veterans Affairs) for housing, nutrition, clothing and case management to navigate the various systems. There can be multiple causes of homelessness, including substance abuse (often from self-medicating), and PTSD.
“It is essential,” she continued, “to serve others with honesty, integrity, empathy, and patience. Every individual deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. By providing a non-judgmental environment and access to a comprehensive array of services, we demonstrate our commitment to putting those we serve first. Hard work and responsibility lead to independence, and innovation is essential to developing creative solutions that are responsive to the evolving needs of our residents.”
Madaras House for Women Veterans
Homes for the Brave also supports a facility for women veterans, Madaras House. During our interview with Mea Albert, she expressed her gratitude to the Stratford Crier for our interest in this subject.
“Thank you for taking the time to shed light on the serious issue of Veteran homelessness, particularly among women Veterans. It’s an often-overlooked population that deserves far greater attention and support. In Madaras House, many of the women are victims of sexual assault, some domestic violence, some in service, which is why Madaras House is separate; it allows privacy for the 14 beds for women, children, and pets.”
Albert noted that since opening in 2011, it remains the only program of its kind in Connecticut. There is always a waitlist, and Program Director Nancy Carrion works closely with the VA to manage bed availability and ensure Veterans are placed as quickly as possible. “We are typically full,” she said.
According to the 2024 Homes For The Brave Annual Report: Madaras House helps Women Veterans by meeting their needs for a safe, secure home, adequate food, and by empowering residents to move forward with their long-term goals: obtaining permanent housing, achieving financial stability and working toward greater self-determination. Each resident works with a Case Manager to develop personal, housing, and employment goals, and is encouraged to participate in the Vocational and Education Programs. ABRI vocational staff coach residents in the job search process, including resume writing, interview techniques, computer training, and other life skills.
Waldorf House
Also part of the Homes for the Brave outreach is Waldorf House, a Permanent Supportive Housing Program which consists of three apartments, each with three bedrooms, offered to formerly homeless Veterans and non-Veterans.
Each tenant has his or her own bedroom and shares a kitchen, bathroom, and common living space with two other people. Residents are independent and are offered supportive services from a case manager to make sure they are doing well and to provide referrals. These services include money management, assistance with daily living skills, transportation assistance, monitoring of their mental health and medical needs, support around recovery from substance use, help with entitlements, and vocational services. The residents also enjoy on-site access to free laundry facilities and a backyard space with a garden, gas grill, and picnic area.
Residents pay 27% of their gross income for rent and utilities. Waldorf House is difficult to get in—it’s always full.
According to Mea Albert, Veteran homelessness is on the rise in Connecticut. “The number is ever-changing, most recently, from January 2024, 13% of homeless adults in CT are veterans. There were two studies with rankings on how friendly the state is to veterans. Connecticut remains a challenging state for Veterans.” Albert emailed the Stratford Crier two independent national studies comparing how states support their Veterans—Connecticut ranks near the bottom in both.
In a Lending Tree study, Connecticut is ranked 47th in the Best and Worst States for Veterans. The LendingTree study analyzes seven metrics — Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital quality and care access, employment, poverty rates and more.
In the Smile Hub study, States that Care the Most About Veterans, Connecticut was ranked #50. The metrics used for the study highlight the states that care the most about veterans and the ones that need to improve the most. SmileHub compared each of the 50 states using 21 key metrics. The data set ranges from the share of veteran-owned businesses to total VA spending per veteran to the share of homeless veterans.
“Too many Veterans in Connecticut are facing the unimaginable reality of homelessness after serving our country,” Albert stated. “At Homes for the Brave, we believe they deserve more — safe housing, critical support, and a real chance to rebuild their lives with dignity.”
Servicing Military and Public Safety Veterans and their spouses, Hamden
In response to our request for information, House of Heroes Inc. responded by email and asked that we please publish the following:
The mission of House of Heroes, Inc. is to recognize and honor military and public safety veterans and/or their spouses who have served our country faithfully and sacrificially. Through providing support to these veterans and their spouses, House of Heroes, Inc. volunteers attempt to express gratitude that can never be adequately expressed in words alone.
Founded in January 2000, the House of Heroes™ is a nonprofit organization serving our nation’s military and public safety veterans (and their spouses) who are disabled, living on a fixed income, or facing other physical/financial challenges. Volunteers perform minor repairs and make improvements to the homes of veterans and their spouses at no cost to the veteran through the generosity of individuals, civic organizations, and corporations.
In 2012, Bill May and Steve Cavanaugh joined forces to build a Connecticut Chapter of the successful House of Heroes veteran charity organization. Steve is the President and founder of Biltmore Construction of Hamden, Connecticut. For over 30 years, Steve has been providing award-winning design building services in New Haven County. Steve’s career focuses on quality construction, and leading a team of skilled craftsmen translates directly into the House of Heroes mission.
Bill, was the VP of Business Development for Signature Brand Factory, Director of Government Business Development with United Technologies Sikorsky Aircraft ,and a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel. He was a former Black Hawk test pilot with over 23 years of service. Sadly, Bill May lost his battle with cancer in December of 2016. Keeping his vision clear, even in his final days, is how the organization lives on. Together with new leadership the dream to build HOHCT across the state moves forward.
Help us find those Military and Public Safety Veterans and their spouses who need us the most. To qualify for assistance from HOH.
- Be a military or public safety veteran, or their spouse.
- Need financial and/or physical assistance with home repair.
- Own and occupy the home to be repaired.
- Have DD214 Honorably Discharged Form
Together, with the help of family and friends, Steve and Bill envisioned an expansion of House of Heroes nation-wide with the Connecticut Chapter setting the standard for new chapter development. Our Board of Directors are drawn from many disciplines – all leading professionals in CT business. The sky is the limit. Come Join us!
