The Pennsylvania American Legion has recognized VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) Director and CEO Terry Gerigk Wolf for her support in the nonprofit’s quest to end homelessness among Veterans.
“Sometimes we have to step back and acknowledge the leaders who inspire us,” says Ronald F. Conley, president of organization’s Housing for Homeless Veterans Corporation. “And it’s through Mrs. Wolf’s leadership that VA Pittsburgh is committed to helping resolve the homeless problem.”
Conley presented Wolf with the award during an annual fundraising dinner in Moon Township on Saturday, Jan 14.
“I am incredibly honored and grateful to partner with the American Legion on this issue,” says Wolf. “Together, we are giving our Nation’s heroes an invaluable second chance to get off the streets and get their lives back on track.”
In 2011, VAPHS helped move a record number of homeless Veterans into stable housing—including four townhomes in Coraopolis, Pa., owned and operated by the Pennsylvania American Legion.
These efforts echo VA’s national objective to end homelessness by 2015. In December 2011, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki announced a significant victory on this front, reporting that homelessness among Veterans was down 12 percent relative to 2010.
Learn more about VA Pittsburgh’s successful programs in reducing homelessness locally.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Veterans and Beneficiaries Receive 2012 Cost of Living Adjustment
Veterans, their families, and survivors receiving benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs saw a 3.6 percent increase in their compensation and pension benefits beginning January 1.
“Veterans, their families and their survivors are entitled to benefits that keep pace with the cost of living,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “VA is also using the latest technology to provide Veterans and their families with access to current information about their benefits.”
The new compensation rates will range from $127 monthly for a disability rated at 10 percent to $2,769 monthly for 100 percent. The cost of living adjustments (COLAs) also apply to disability and death pension recipients, survivors receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, disabled Veterans receiving automobile and clothing allowances, and other benefits. The full rates are available on the Internet at www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/#BM01.
Under federal law, COLAs for VA’s compensation and pension rates are the same percentage as for Social Security benefits. The last COLA for VA benefits was in 2008 when the last Social Security increase occurred.
“Veterans receiving VA disability and pension payments can now check their new 2012 COLA increase online,” said Under Secretary for Benefits Allison A. Hickey. “I encourage all Veterans, their dependents and survivors to sign up for eBenefits, VA’s popular website that recently crossed the one million mark in registrations.”
In close collaboration, the Department of Defense (DoD) and VA jointly developed the eBenefits portal (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov) as a single secure point of access for online benefit information and tools to perform multiple self-service functions, such as checking monthly benefit rates, filing a claim, or checking its status.
Veterans may enroll in eBenefits and obtain a Premium account by verifying their identity in-person at the nearest regional office or online depending on their status, or calling VA’s toll free number at 1-800-827-1000.
Servicemembers may also enroll in eBenefits using their Common Access Card at any time during their military service, or before they leave during their Transition Assistance Program briefings.
VA is enhancing its online eBenefits services with newer features such as online selection of Veterans organizations or other advocates to represent applicants for benefits where representation is desired.
Another new feature automates messages sent to Veterans and Servicemembers to notify them of benefits that they may be eligible to receive based on recent life events, such as military separation or marriage.
The site also continues to consolidate access to other VA and DoD systems through the portal, recently incorporating a gateway to vocational rehabilitation benefits under VA’s VetSuccess program.
Web access to information and benefits management tools for Servicemembers, Veterans and their families is part of VA and DoD’s lifetime engagement strategy from an individual’s entry into the military through the twilight years in civilian life as a Veteran.
VA provides non-taxable compensation and pension benefits to over four million Veterans, family members, and survivors. Disability compensation is a non-taxable monetary benefit paid to Veterans who are disabled as a result of an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military service.
“Veterans, their families and their survivors are entitled to benefits that keep pace with the cost of living,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “VA is also using the latest technology to provide Veterans and their families with access to current information about their benefits.”
The new compensation rates will range from $127 monthly for a disability rated at 10 percent to $2,769 monthly for 100 percent. The cost of living adjustments (COLAs) also apply to disability and death pension recipients, survivors receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, disabled Veterans receiving automobile and clothing allowances, and other benefits. The full rates are available on the Internet at www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/#BM01.
Under federal law, COLAs for VA’s compensation and pension rates are the same percentage as for Social Security benefits. The last COLA for VA benefits was in 2008 when the last Social Security increase occurred.
“Veterans receiving VA disability and pension payments can now check their new 2012 COLA increase online,” said Under Secretary for Benefits Allison A. Hickey. “I encourage all Veterans, their dependents and survivors to sign up for eBenefits, VA’s popular website that recently crossed the one million mark in registrations.”
In close collaboration, the Department of Defense (DoD) and VA jointly developed the eBenefits portal (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov) as a single secure point of access for online benefit information and tools to perform multiple self-service functions, such as checking monthly benefit rates, filing a claim, or checking its status.
Veterans may enroll in eBenefits and obtain a Premium account by verifying their identity in-person at the nearest regional office or online depending on their status, or calling VA’s toll free number at 1-800-827-1000.
Servicemembers may also enroll in eBenefits using their Common Access Card at any time during their military service, or before they leave during their Transition Assistance Program briefings.
VA is enhancing its online eBenefits services with newer features such as online selection of Veterans organizations or other advocates to represent applicants for benefits where representation is desired.
Another new feature automates messages sent to Veterans and Servicemembers to notify them of benefits that they may be eligible to receive based on recent life events, such as military separation or marriage.
The site also continues to consolidate access to other VA and DoD systems through the portal, recently incorporating a gateway to vocational rehabilitation benefits under VA’s VetSuccess program.
Web access to information and benefits management tools for Servicemembers, Veterans and their families is part of VA and DoD’s lifetime engagement strategy from an individual’s entry into the military through the twilight years in civilian life as a Veteran.
VA provides non-taxable compensation and pension benefits to over four million Veterans, family members, and survivors. Disability compensation is a non-taxable monetary benefit paid to Veterans who are disabled as a result of an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military service.
Friday, February 3, 2012
The Power of the VA Home Loan and Today’s Veteran Homeowner
Posted by Scott Wexler on February 2, 2012 www.veteransunited.com
It’s almost too good to be true.
A home loan with no mandatory down payment, no private insurance expenses, and easier qualification guidelines, all at a time when interest rates are hitting record lows throughout the industry. And it’s available exclusively for active duty military service members and veterans like you.
Every day, hundreds of military families are finding out why the VA Loan is one of the most popular benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Developed in 1944 as part of the G.I. Bill, the VA home loan is now one of the industry’s leading programs due to its low foreclosure rate and rapid growth. According to the VA, more than 1.5 million VA Loans are currently active; nearly 360,000 of those were closed just last year.
VA Loans are issued by lenders such as Veterans United and backed by the VA, which means that the federal government protects lenders in the event that a borrower defaults on his or her mortgage. This ‘guaranty’ system provides the backbone for this unique benefit, which has been used by more than 18 million veterans since its inception following World War II.
So what’s the real difference between a VA Loan and a conventional mortgage? In addition to no money up front and no burdensome insurance fees, VA mortgages tend to come with competitive low rates. Combine that with less stringent credit and qualification standards, and you’re looking at a cost-efficient, convenient, 100 percent financing home loan that you’ve earned by serving our country.
Get started today by filling out a short form with some basic information or calling 800-884-5560 under no obligation. You’ll be put in touch with a Veterans United Home Loans specialist, who will review your eligibility and guide you step by step, all the way until closing.
So for the cynics and skeptics, it’s time to ditch your doubt; the VA Loan is as great as advertised. And your dream of achieving home ownership for you and your family is well within reach.
It’s almost too good to be true.
A home loan with no mandatory down payment, no private insurance expenses, and easier qualification guidelines, all at a time when interest rates are hitting record lows throughout the industry. And it’s available exclusively for active duty military service members and veterans like you.
Every day, hundreds of military families are finding out why the VA Loan is one of the most popular benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Developed in 1944 as part of the G.I. Bill, the VA home loan is now one of the industry’s leading programs due to its low foreclosure rate and rapid growth. According to the VA, more than 1.5 million VA Loans are currently active; nearly 360,000 of those were closed just last year.
VA Loans are issued by lenders such as Veterans United and backed by the VA, which means that the federal government protects lenders in the event that a borrower defaults on his or her mortgage. This ‘guaranty’ system provides the backbone for this unique benefit, which has been used by more than 18 million veterans since its inception following World War II.
So what’s the real difference between a VA Loan and a conventional mortgage? In addition to no money up front and no burdensome insurance fees, VA mortgages tend to come with competitive low rates. Combine that with less stringent credit and qualification standards, and you’re looking at a cost-efficient, convenient, 100 percent financing home loan that you’ve earned by serving our country.
Get started today by filling out a short form with some basic information or calling 800-884-5560 under no obligation. You’ll be put in touch with a Veterans United Home Loans specialist, who will review your eligibility and guide you step by step, all the way until closing.
So for the cynics and skeptics, it’s time to ditch your doubt; the VA Loan is as great as advertised. And your dream of achieving home ownership for you and your family is well within reach.
Operation Community Cares
I want to take this time to bring awareness to a fantastic organization based out of San Lorenzo and Scotts Valley CA. They are a group of family members of soldiers headed by Babianna Mince a, mother of active duty deployed soldiers & sailors and they have meet and greets, online chat sessions and offer information to guide you through the maze of having a loved one deployed as well as offering Carepackages from home sent to your loved one, they connect you with vital resources and contact info on your loved ones location. You can find them online at www.operationcommunitycares.com/default.html or on facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Operation-Community-Cares-San-Lorenzo-Scotts-Valley . Babianna Mince thank you so much for what you are doing, I know that your efforts are really making a difference in the lives of many soldiers and their family members, and I pray that your family members come home safely to you soon thank you and God bless.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Heroes Village
Heroes Village Fact Sheet
ALL AMERICAN
Building Affordable and Dignified Homes for Veterans
As part of its “Plan to End Veteran Homelessness,” the Veterans Administra-tion (VA) estimates there is a critical need for about 90,000 units of perma-nent housing for homeless and low-income veterans.
Heroes Village intends to build 30,000 single-family homes nationwide by 2015 in developments of approximately 100 homes each. We will also be constructing transitional and rental housing for Veterans for those not ready to purchase a home.
The program assists very low income veterans and their families in obtaining and maintaining stable housing. Supportive services will be available, in-cluding life skills training, support groups, financial and transportation assis-tance. Peer mentors who are veterans will add to the individualized, strength-based approach to individual growth. Residents of our transitional facilities are required to have some form of vocational training.
Heroes Village will make readjustment for veterans easier as they navigate from active duty to civilian life. Heroes Village makes owning home in a community of fellow veterans dignified, simple and affordable.
Heroes Village will hire veterans to build our communities and we will build these dignified homes with American-made materials and equipment.
Heroes Village Fact Sheet, continued
Heroes Village will provide transitional housing and vocational training for 120 Veterans at a former nursing home in the Greater Hartford, CT area, just one mile from the State’s largest VA facility. Renovations have begun and the facility will open in March 2012. This facility will serve a critical need for our Veterans rehabilitation and re-integration into the Connecticut community.
Construction of the first Heroes Village condominium will begin in March 2012 on a 40-unit condominium complex in Meriden, CT.
We will be breaking ground in April 2012 in East Haven, CT on affordable condominiums. Located at 150 Foxon Road, 24 two-bedroom, two-bath condominium units will be constructed.
According to the VA, the number of women veterans in the next 15 years is expected to double, while the number of male veterans is expected to de-crease. Unfortunately, some of these women veterans will end up without a home or stable living environment.
In Norwalk, Heroes Village is currently renovating the former VFW Post, 48 High Street, to house at least 30 women veterans who are currently homeless.
All Heroes Village facilities will be located near a VA facility and/or mili-tary base so that veterans can receive the medical care or counseling they need.
A Heroes Village home will typically be a two or three bedroom eco-friendly residence. All Heroes Village homes will be designed with the spe-cific needs of veterans in mind and will be priced lower than homes of comparable quality.
Heroes Village Fact Sheet, continued
All Heroes Village facilities will be compliant with the Americans with Dis-abilities Act.
Upcoming Connecticut projects include Bridgeport, Rocky Hill, Waterbury, Branford, North Haven, Norwich and Hamden.
“Embrace, employ and empower.” – Antonio St. Lorenzo, Founder, Heroes Village
Antonio St. Lorenzo 347-497-2444
Media Contact: Hardy Stone 301-845-1330
ALL AMERICAN
Building Affordable and Dignified Homes for Veterans
As part of its “Plan to End Veteran Homelessness,” the Veterans Administra-tion (VA) estimates there is a critical need for about 90,000 units of perma-nent housing for homeless and low-income veterans.
Heroes Village intends to build 30,000 single-family homes nationwide by 2015 in developments of approximately 100 homes each. We will also be constructing transitional and rental housing for Veterans for those not ready to purchase a home.
The program assists very low income veterans and their families in obtaining and maintaining stable housing. Supportive services will be available, in-cluding life skills training, support groups, financial and transportation assis-tance. Peer mentors who are veterans will add to the individualized, strength-based approach to individual growth. Residents of our transitional facilities are required to have some form of vocational training.
Heroes Village will make readjustment for veterans easier as they navigate from active duty to civilian life. Heroes Village makes owning home in a community of fellow veterans dignified, simple and affordable.
Heroes Village will hire veterans to build our communities and we will build these dignified homes with American-made materials and equipment.
Heroes Village Fact Sheet, continued
Heroes Village will provide transitional housing and vocational training for 120 Veterans at a former nursing home in the Greater Hartford, CT area, just one mile from the State’s largest VA facility. Renovations have begun and the facility will open in March 2012. This facility will serve a critical need for our Veterans rehabilitation and re-integration into the Connecticut community.
Construction of the first Heroes Village condominium will begin in March 2012 on a 40-unit condominium complex in Meriden, CT.
We will be breaking ground in April 2012 in East Haven, CT on affordable condominiums. Located at 150 Foxon Road, 24 two-bedroom, two-bath condominium units will be constructed.
According to the VA, the number of women veterans in the next 15 years is expected to double, while the number of male veterans is expected to de-crease. Unfortunately, some of these women veterans will end up without a home or stable living environment.
In Norwalk, Heroes Village is currently renovating the former VFW Post, 48 High Street, to house at least 30 women veterans who are currently homeless.
All Heroes Village facilities will be located near a VA facility and/or mili-tary base so that veterans can receive the medical care or counseling they need.
A Heroes Village home will typically be a two or three bedroom eco-friendly residence. All Heroes Village homes will be designed with the spe-cific needs of veterans in mind and will be priced lower than homes of comparable quality.
Heroes Village Fact Sheet, continued
All Heroes Village facilities will be compliant with the Americans with Dis-abilities Act.
Upcoming Connecticut projects include Bridgeport, Rocky Hill, Waterbury, Branford, North Haven, Norwich and Hamden.
“Embrace, employ and empower.” – Antonio St. Lorenzo, Founder, Heroes Village
Antonio St. Lorenzo 347-497-2444
Media Contact: Hardy Stone 301-845-1330
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Homeless veterans: A progress report
While attending the Winterhaven Stand Down for homeless veterans on Jan. 21 in Washington, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki took time out to speak with The American Legion about recent progress in his department’s five-year plan to defeat homelessness among America’s veterans.
In his video interview, Shinseki specifically mentioned The American Legion and its efforts to help veterans with their GI Bill benefits and encourage them to successfully complete their studies. The Legion hosts education symposia every year and has a good working relationship with Student Veterans of America.
According to Shinseki, the total number of homeless veterans in America has been reduced by about 12 percent; VA is committed to eliminating homelessness among veterans by 2015.
Getting homeless veterans off the streets and into housing is what Shinseki refers to as the “rescue” part of the problem. The other part is preventive: helping at-risk veterans and their families who may be without a home if they miss getting one paycheck, or miss making one mortgage payment. Shinseki says that while the “rescue” part of the homeless veterans issue can be achieved in five years, preventing more veterans from becoming homeless in the future will take more time and greater effort.
During his interview, Shinseki also emphasized the importance of job programs for veterans as a long-term solution to homelessness. The American Legion is working with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce this year to co-sponsor about 100 career fairs this year for veterans and military spouses.
In his video interview, Shinseki specifically mentioned The American Legion and its efforts to help veterans with their GI Bill benefits and encourage them to successfully complete their studies. The Legion hosts education symposia every year and has a good working relationship with Student Veterans of America.
According to Shinseki, the total number of homeless veterans in America has been reduced by about 12 percent; VA is committed to eliminating homelessness among veterans by 2015.
Getting homeless veterans off the streets and into housing is what Shinseki refers to as the “rescue” part of the problem. The other part is preventive: helping at-risk veterans and their families who may be without a home if they miss getting one paycheck, or miss making one mortgage payment. Shinseki says that while the “rescue” part of the homeless veterans issue can be achieved in five years, preventing more veterans from becoming homeless in the future will take more time and greater effort.
During his interview, Shinseki also emphasized the importance of job programs for veterans as a long-term solution to homelessness. The American Legion is working with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce this year to co-sponsor about 100 career fairs this year for veterans and military spouses.
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