CaringWorks Acquires RISE VA Program
Program empowers veterans to achieve resiliency and independence
CaringWorks, a non-profit agency working to end homelessness by providing access to safe, affordable housing and support services, recently acquired the RISE VA program. The program empowers veterans to become self-sufficient by providing housing and essential support services.
RISE VA is made possible by a U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant, administered by the DeKalb County Continuum of Care (CoC). The program was transferred to CaringWorks at the end of 2019 through St. Jude Recovery Center, who previously administered the program.
Twenty-six clients are currently enrolled in RISE VA, with the program’s capacity at 30. Clients receive housing through several different sites throughout DeKalb County. The HUD model is used so that clients pay rent relative to their income, generally 30 percent. That enables clients to maintain stable housing while building resources and working toward self-sufficiency.
In addition to permanent housing, clients receive support services to help them regain independence. Examples include job preparation, search, and placement, as well as medical care, legal assistance, and mental healthcare.
Marshall Marotte is the program manager for RISE VA. A veteran himself, Marotte joined the program in 2013 and continues in his leadership role at CaringWorks. As program manager, Marotte manages the day-to-day operation of RISE VA and also maintains a caseload of clients.
He works one-on-one with clients to make sure they receive the unique support necessary to meet their personal goals.
“We are a housing first program,” said Marotte. “There should be no barriers to housing for our clients. If they don’t have an income and are struggling with addiction or other issues, our goal is to connect them with the resources to help them lead a better life.”
The program has many success stories to share, including Eugene Hardy Jr. A combat veteran battling addiction, Hardy was chronically homeless and living on the edge of a high school in the woods. While he was homeless, Hardy chose to sleep near football stadiums so he could run and work out during the day to keep his mind occupied. After connecting with RISE VA, Hardy went from living in a camp to permanent housing in one day.
Today, Hardy is a full-time employee of the VA. He currently works in the warehouse and is on track to become a supervisor. In his spare time, he is involved with a running group for veterans with PTSD. He plans to run the in the Veteran’s Olympics this summer through the VA.
“I’m so happy to be in a nice stable, environment,” said Hardy. “If it wasn’t for this program and CaringWorks, I’d probably still be living on the streets. I’m grateful for this program. It has given me stability and self-worth.”
Eligibility for the program is determined by DeKalb County Continuum of Care. It is focused on single adults with a disability who have been homeless for over a year or who have experienced homelessness at least four times in the past three years. For more information about RISE VA, please contact Barbara Peters via email at barbarapeters@caringworksinc.org.