Homes for the Brave Bridgeport facility aids veterans and families
BRIDGEPORT — For the first time in its history, the Homes for the Brave nonprofit group is offering services for families of veterans, in addition to the veterans themselves.
The group’s downtown Bridgeport facility at 1 Lafayette Circle, which the staff refers to as the Annex, opened over the summer and is primarily geared toward providing services to help veterans experiencing homelessness and those who risk losing their homes. Services include housing referrals, vocational training and mental health services, according to CEO Vince Santilli.
“We are proud to open our doors to veterans and their families in the Greater Bridgeport area,” Santilli said in a statement. “The Annex is a vital resource for veterans to access the support they need in order to achieve stability and independence in their lives. We look forward to serving our community and supporting our veterans in any way possible.”
Other services provided at the facility include art therapy, creative writing workshops, walking groups and yoga classes. Veterans also have access to therapy dogs and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, which are also offered to those who didn’t serve in the military. Dental hygienists who work at the facility are assigned to provide oral screenings and presentations for both veterans and nonveterans.
“Folks that walk in and they’re in need, we’ll serve them,” Santilli said.
A full-time career counselor at the facility is assigned to help veterans and their families create resumes, search for jobs and prepare for interviews. A licensed therapist and clinical psychologist are providing mental health and drug addiction treatment in one-on-one and group therapy sessions.
Case managers at the facility are helping veterans find homes, network with landlords and acquire documents for employment and housing. One of them follows up with formerly homeless veterans who find homes, while another checks in on those at-risk of losing them.
In addition, the facility provides opportunities for veterans to interact with members of the U.S. House and Senate and their staff. It will also house a food pantry.
“You may have a veteran who’s deployed overseas or stateside, and her husband or his wife has children here and they’re struggling, and we can help,” Santilli said.
Homes for the Brave also operates temporary housing facilities in Bridgeport and West Haven, along with a permanent home in Bridgeport.