VAlanthropy is a small community-based organization that can quickly develop, adapt, and implement housing solution plans. One significant difference between VAlanthropy and traditional VA housing services is the rate at which we can create modular apartment housing inventory and implement a vetting process to ensure potential veteran renters meet the strict criteria for placement. The ability to function efficiently and effectively sets us apart from large governmental organizations like the Veterans Administration, which often must navigate complex red tape when assisting Veterans. Though we could not do this work without our community, local/county, state, and federal (VA) partnerships, our ability to respond in real time to Veterans experiencing homelessness is an asset to the Veterans we serve, their communities, and our organizational and government partners.
Using our unique modular construction plan designed by our Chief Operations Officer, Fred Altman, we can create any complex from 3 to 40 units because of his distinctive “box” design. Box design allows us to create a single-level or multi-story development by “stacking” the boxes on and beside each other. In this case, we maximize the footprint on a smaller property area.
We are currently considering three areas for our next project. The property we choose must meet the requirements set forth by the South Carolina Trust Fund. Before we purchase it, it must be reviewed for wetland exposure, noise studies, environmental impact studies, and many other factors. We will be within a five-mile radius of a Veterans Administration hospital or clinic that can provide veterans with benefits such as physical and mental health care.
Once we purchase the property, we proceed to the funding phase, zoning, permitting, and city, state, and federal approval. The good news is that the immense amount of work required to get approval from the state for the building plans has been done and approved. After consulting with local authorities, we can move forward with construction.
During the initial stages of construction, we will form relationships with the Veterans Administration, the Department of Mental Health, and other supportive services companies. These relationships will provide case management, community engagement, job training, and transportation to and from these services.
These elements are critical to the proven model of Permanent Supportive Housing.