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Mt. Carmel Veterans Center could benefit from El Paso County Community Block Grant

Mt. Carmel Veterans Center could benefit from El Paso County Community Block Grant

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo., (KRDO) – Mt. Carmel Veterans Center is hoping to receive a grant that will fund the center's Veterans Climb program, which helps at-risk veterans.

The  Community Development Block Grant is funded by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Mt. Carmel's Veterans Climb program started in 2019 and officials say the amount of at-risk veterans in the Pikes Peak area has grown significantly over the years. The center reports a 73% increase in veterans receiving services.

Kelly White, a case coordinator, says more than 400 veterans have come through the program since the beginning of 2022.

"In the last couple of months especially during covid and since we have noticed an increase in long-term management needs just because of food insecurities and the housing crisis that we are in here in colorado springs," added White.

Officials say funds from the Community Block Grant program would help the program provide services to prevent homelessness by providing employment assistance,  vocational education, and basic life services.

"Meeting veterans that are justice-involved where they are at, making them aware that we are here to support, helping those who are already homeless or those at risk of homelessness-without funds like this we can't do what we are doing or continue to do what we are doing," added Shannon Olin, director of the Military Veterans family program.

Housing assistance is a high-priority need for Mt. Carmel as well.

Last year, the center was not funded the total grant request of $40,000 due to limited funding. This year, the center is hoping to get $38,000. 

"Those are our biggest needs housing and food insecurities…..Mental health is a huge aspect that plays a huge aspect that plays into that because being homeless or not knowing where you might be the next month or day," added White.

Recent data from Pikes Peak Continuum of Care reveals that veterans account for nearly 30 percent of the homeless population in colorado springs.

"I can't emphasize enough the importance of kind of that support from our state and local government, big or small we are grateful for anything that can continue to foster the growth we are seeing," added Olin.

El Paso County anticipates that the funding decision will be made sometime this month and projects are expected to begin in the fall.

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Jasmine Arenas

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