Every veteran has a home, and it's called America
Former US Secretary for Veteran Affairs
The United Veterans of America, Inc. (UVA) is a non-profit corporation which
operates a 135-bed veteran homeless shelter located at the Veterans Medical
Center in Leeds, MA.
UVA’s mission is dedicated to fostering independence, dignity and hope to the homeless veterans. By operating a facility that provides a safe, clean and quiet shelter, substance abuse, employment services and transitional programs for men and women veterans, that will promote a positive and productive life.
Residents are assisted in obtaining employment (either through the VA or in the community). Each admission is review separately, and the average resident is in the program from six months to two years.
All new residents must participate in the CWT (Compensated Work Therapy) Program for evaluation of their work and skill levels and are encouraged to seek employment in the private sector, in collaboration with the Veterans Administration Medical Center, and local academic and vocational education in the four Western counties of Massachusetts and in Northern Connecticut.
This is a transitional program for veteran men and women; they must be chemical-free sober. A weekly AA and NA meeting is mandatory, drug and alcohol tests are conducted at random. Counseling services are provided by experienced clinical workers and/or the VA Mental Health Clinic.
Veterans need a coordinated effort that provides secure housing and nutritional meals, essential physical health care, substance abuse aftercare and mental health counseling and personal development and empowerment. Veterans also need job assessment, training and placement assistance.
