We at BRVA( Boaz Ramos Veteran Association) are dedicated to addressing the pressing issues of homelessness among veterans and providing safe havens for victims of domestic violence. Our proposal outlines a comprehensive plan to establish a dual-purpose shelter that offers support, resources, and a path to stability for these vulnerable populations.

Problem Statement:

Homelessness among veterans and domestic violence are critical issues in our community. Many veterans struggle with reintegration into civilian life, leading to homelessness. Simultaneously, victims of domestic violence often lack safe spaces to escape abusive environments. These problems result in significant emotional, physical, and social challenges.

Solution:

We propose to establish a shelter that serves both homeless veterans and victims of domestic violence. Our shelter will provide:

1. Emergency Housing: Safe, temporary accommodation for those in immediate need.

2. Support Services: Counseling, legal assistance, job training, and healthcare services to address the root causes of homelessness and domestic violence.

3. Long-term Housing Solutions: Assistance in finding permanent housing and support for a sustainable future.

Benefits:

- For Veterans: Access to specialized support tailored to their unique needs, including mental health services, job placement programs, and community reintegration assistance.

- For Domestic Violence Victims: A secure environment to recover and rebuild, with access to legal support, counseling, and resources to achieve independence.

- For the Community: Reduction in homelessness and domestic violence, leading to a safer, healthier community.

Implementation Plan:

1. Phase 1: Planning and Fundraising

   - Conduct a needs assessment and feasibility study.

   - Secure funding through grants, donations, and partnerships. Ex. Walmart, Amazon, Home Depot etc. 

2. Phase 2: Facility Acquisition and Setup

   - Identify and acquire a suitable property.

Lee Gardens Extended Stay Hotel 

830 Lee Rd, Orlando, FL 32810

69,776 sqft 

330 sqft rooms 147 total

  - Renovate and equip the facility to meet safety and operational standards.

3. Phase 3: Program Development and Staffing

   - Develop comprehensive support programs.

   - Hire qualified staff, including counselors, social workers, and administrative personnel.

The Boaz Ramos Veterans Association is a Veteran owned non

profit organization dedicated to advocating for the needs of

our Veterans in several areas:

·        Housing Assistance: Programs like the HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) provide rental assistance vouchers and supportive services to help veterans find and sustain permanent housing.

·        Healthcare: Veterans can access healthcare services, including mental health support and substance abuse treatment.

·        Employment Assistance: Programs are available to help veterans find jobs and gain new skills.

·        Case Management: Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) offer case management to help veterans secure benefits and stabilize their housing situation

·        Community Resource and Referral Centers (CRRCs): These centers provide one-stop access to community-based services to promote permanent housing, healthcare, career development, and access to VA and non-VA benefits samsha soar

·        The SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) program is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). It's designed to help individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, who have serious mental illness, medical impairments, and/or co-occurring substance use disorders, to access Social Security disability benefits.

·        The program provides training for case managers and other stakeholders to assist eligible individuals in applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Since its inception, SOAR has helped thousands of people secure these critical benefits, often serving as the first step towards recovery and stability.

As Veterans who have experienced many of these needs first

hand, we created the organization as a way to make sure

Veterans have the voice they need to properly apply for and

use all of the benefits for which they so richly deserve.

The BRVA has helped Veterans find healthcare

services outside of the VA clinic system, assistance

finding affordable housing, and even arranged for

service animals, at no cost to the veteran, to those

suffering from PTSD and other debilitating

conditions.

Additionally, the BRVA offers educational events for

Veterans in all walks of life, covering all sorts of

subjects from the importance of preventive medical

care, to the management of chronic illnesses, and

general well being.

In its simplest form, the BRVA is here to help

however we can, from one Veteran to another.

4. Phase 4: Launch and Operations

   - Open the shelter and begin providing services.

   - Implement continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.

Cost:

The estimated total cost for this project is [$18,950,000]. This includes:

 Program Development Expenses:

1. Needs Assessment and Feasibility Study: $50,000 - $100,000

2. Program Design and Planning: $75,000 - $150,000

3. Staff Training and Development: $100,000 - $200,000

4. Initial Supplies and Equipment: $200,000 - $300,000

Operational Expenses (Annual):

1. Staff Salaries and Benefits:

   - Administrative Staff: $400,000 - $600,000

   - Counselors and Social Workers: $500,000 - $800,000

   - Support Staff (Maintenance, Security, etc.): $200,000 - $400,000

2. Utilities and Maintenance: $200,000 - $400,000

3. Food and Supplies: $300,000 - $500,000

4. Healthcare Services: $200,000 - $400,000

5. Transportation and Logistics: $350,000 - $500,000

6. Miscellaneous Expenses: $100,000 - $200,000

 Total Estimated Costs:

- Program Development: $425,000 - $750,000

- Annual Operational Expenses: $2,300,000 - $4,000,000

Conclusion:

The total estimated cost for program development and the first year of operations for a 69,776 sqft  homeless shelter could range from approximately $2.725 million to $4.75 million. These figures can vary based on location, specific needs, and additional services provided.

Staff Salaries and Benefits Breakdown:

1. Administrative Staff:

   - Shelter Director: $60,000 - $120,000

   - Finance Manager: $60,000 - $90,000

   - Human Resources Coordinator: $50,000 - $80,000

2. Counselors and Social Workers:

   - Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): $60,000 - $90,000

   - Mental Health Counselor: $50,000 - $80,000

   - Substance Abuse Counselor: $45,000 - $70,000

3. Support Staff:

   - Maintenance Worker: $30,000 - $45,000

   - Security Guard: $35,000 - $50,000

   - Housekeeping Staff: $25,000 - $40,000

Cost of building and renovation/security

Building cost $8,500 ,000

Renovations estimated cost $3.6 million - $5.5 million

Security system $500,000

So in the first year of operation with building acquisitions/renovations and first year of operation/salaries you are looking at a total expense of $18,950,000.00

Conclusion:

We believe that our proposed shelter will make a significant impact on the lives of homeless veterans and victims of domestic violence. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive environment that fosters healing and growth. We look forward to discussing this proposal further and exploring potential partnerships to bring this vision to life.