Recognized as one of the VA's Comprehensive Homeless Centers, most of VA's specialized programs for homeless veterans are available. All of these programs have received a 3-year CARF accreditation. Programs provide:

• outreach
• case management
• drop-in center
• residential treatment
• supported work therapy
• transitional or permanent housing

Project TORCH
Project TORCH (The Outreach and Rehabilitation Center for Homeless Veterans) is a drop-in, multi-service center for homeless veterans is located in a VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in downtown Manhattan, New York. Veterans from the metropolitan New York City area can receive services if they are homeless and are eligible for VA healthcare. Project TORCH Services include:

• medical, mental health and substance abuse treatment
• case management
• benefits counseling
• daily lunch
• 12-step meetings
• showers, clothing and laundry available on-site
• participation in educational and support groups, the Veterans Advisory Board, and as volunteers in the TORCH Program
• outreach and case management in shelters and soup kitchens
• links with programs in the community, VA's Compensated Work Therapy, the Supportive Housing Program and the Domiciliary to move toward independent living

• located at the VA St. Albans Extended Care Center in Queens, New York
• 4 month program
• rehabilitation services for homeless men and women veterans
• warm, homelike setting
• helps veterans develop life skills, work attitudes and behavior necessary for productive lives
• random testing for alcohol and illicit drugs required
• organized into levels of increasing responsibility and skill attainment
• comprehensive medical, psychiatric and psychosocial assessment and treatment
• individual and group counseling
• vocational rehabilitation
• educational groups such as relapse prevention, anger management, and social skills

Compensated Work Therapy

The Vets HOPE Program provides the opportunity for qualified veterans receiving NYC public assistance and enrolled in VA substance abuse treatment programs to participate in CWT as a workfare assignment. These veterans are able to save their CWT earnings while continuing to receive public assistance. Participation requires that the veteran complete a Plan of Self-Support component which includes monitoring the veteran's CWT savings.

• time-limited, intensive vocational rehabilitation program
• paid work assignments prepare veterans to return to work
• group therapy and on-site supervision of job assignments

Supportive Housing Program
This program assists homeless veterans with obtaining available housing suitable to their needs offering weekly "Housing Clinics" at VA hospitals in Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan to provide information about housing to interested veterans. The Housing for Homeless Veterans Program works with eligible homeless veterans to obtain both transitional and permanent housing. Case monitoring is provided. Staff work closely with all of the VA specialized homeless programs to develop housing resources and to link homeless veterans to the right type and level of housing.