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Read
the current issue of "The Perimeter," Homes for the Brave's newsletter.
Since opening its doors
in 2002, Homes for the Brave has provided housing and services to more than 400
individuals. The Homes for the Brave Living Skills Recovery Center operates as a
collaboration between Applied Behavioral Rehabilitation Institute (ABRI),
Chemical Abuse Services Agency (CASA), the State of Connecticut
Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), and the
US Department of Veterans Affairs,
VA Connecticut Healthcare
System (VA CT). The collaboration strives to prepare homeless individuals with
the skills necessary to reenter the world as productive members of society.
Homes for the Brave is open to male veterans and non-veterans who struggle with
psychiatric and/or substance abuse problems and who are homeless. Veterans
returning from service face higher than average rates of mental illness,
especially Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and substance abuse.
According to national averages, 76% of homeless veterans experience alcohol,
drug, and/or mental problems.1 Homes for the Brave focuses on individuals who
demonstrate a motivation to live and work in the community.
| "Before I
came to Homes for the Brave, my life was out of control. My addiction was unmanagable.
Since coming here my life has started to stabilize and I have been able to put things
into perspective. Homes for the Brave has given me a chance to return to society."
- A Resident at Homes for the
Brave | |
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The need for this program is great.
Veterans represent 26% of America's homeless population.2 1 out of 3
homeless men are veterans.3 Currently, the number of homeless
Vietnam-era veterans exceeds the number of service persons who died during
Vietnam.4 Homeless veterans in Connecticut face additional problems,
such as the lack of affordable housing. 33,000 people still experience homelessness
each year in our state,5 and in 2006, 5,000 veterans were homeless in
Connecticut.6
ABRI is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation located in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
ABRI's mission is:
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To provide, with emphasis
on veterans, a national model of psychosocial
rehabilitation that encompasses a comprehensive seamless array of services, in
collaboration with community partners, to individuals struggling with homelessness
and/or behavioral health problems. |
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ABRI, Inc. also owns and operates a permanent
supportive housing program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD), Waldorf House. Click here for pictures and for more information
about Waldorf House.
A research component allows ABRI to conduct
scientific research that will enhance the behavioral health needs of individuals
in these related areas.
1 National Coalition for Homeless
Veterans
2 'Vital
Mission: Ending Homelessness Among Veterans,' Homeless
Research Institute, November 2007
3 National Coalition for Homeless
Veterans
4 United States Department of
Veterans Affairs
5 Connecticut Coalition
to End Homelessness
6 'Vital
Mission: Ending Homelessness Among Veterans,' Homeless
Research Institute, November 2007
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