Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans Serving Veterans Throughout Minnesota MN HVRP Conference Best Practices VETLAW July 31, 2006 Kara Cornils – VETLAW Program Manager

Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans Our mission –to provide assistance throughout Minnesota to positively motivated veterans and their families who are homeless or experiencing other life crises. We accomplish this mission by providing services directly or in collaboration with other service agencies. Serving veterans statewide since 1992 –100% Veteran Focused Each month, on average, we have contacts with approximately 500 veterans statewide

Minnesota Locations Minneapolis VAMC Campus Bldg # beds MACV 9 Houses 26 beds Administration Office in Bldg # 10 Duluth YWCA 10 dedicated rooms/beds Mankato Radichel Town Homes 11 units Permanent Housing for Disabled Veterans

Eligibility for MACV Services Veteran status verified – DD214 Honorable Discharge Homeless Veteran Prevention Minnesota Resident

What we assess with the Veteran Housing Status Health Status, mental & chemical Medical Problems Employment & Income Status Living Skills Eye & Dental Care Legal Issues

Desired Outcomes Placement in appropriate housing Increased level of life/living skills Increased level of income Increased level of financial responsibility Increased level of health –mental & physical Increased level of responsibility and connection to the community Increased ability to interact in relationships

VETLAW VETL AW Veterans Employed Through Legal Advocacy Work Program established November 2003 – 367 Veterans Served to date – 553 Case files closed

VETLAW Veterans Employed Through Legal Advocacy Work Addresses legal barriers to employment or housing for homeless veterans Must be a MACV participant enrolled into one of our programs No criminal/defense cases, no divorce, no child custody

Civil legal issues addressed by VETLAW Child Support Determine current obligations & facilitate communication between veteran & Child Support Agency Income Taxes File back taxes »Utilize free tax filing services for low income individuals »IRS will print out past year W2 forms Eligible for refunds for past 3 tax years Earned Income Credit Assist veterans with setting up payment plans to IRS

Civil legal issues addressed by VETLAW Criminal History Verification Verify accuracy of criminal history Refer veteran to volunteer attorney for criminal expungement advice/information Student Loans FED-AID : find current service company for student loans Assist veterans with setting up payment plans Administrative Garnishment

Civil legal issues addressed by VETLAW Credit Verify accuracy of credit report Refer veteran to credit counseling agency or volunteer attorneys for legal advice or help in dealing with creditor harassment Evictions/Unlawful Detainer Refer veteran to volunteer housing attorney

Outcomes Addressing legal issues impacts a veteran’s ability to obtain/maintain housing and employment. Income taxes –In 2005 VETLAW helped 51 veterans get taxes filed. Total Refunds Received: $15,977 Total Owed to IRS: $3355

Resources Volunteer Lawyers Network Criminal Justice non-profit organizations Local Bar Associations Local Law Schools Legal Aid Courthouse Self-Help Centers Legal websites –

CONTACT US: MACV Minneapolis Metro MACV Duluth MACV Mankato