Latrish, an Air Force Veteran, arrived in Orange County, CA following an escape from domestic violence, and is now living with her sister and 3-year old son in Irvine, CA.
Bernardo, Director of Battle Buddy Bridge (B3) of Volunteers of America Los Angeles referred Latrish to the Tierney Center for Veteran Services (TCVS), Goodwill Industries of Orange County through our case coordination system, since B3 is a WarriorServe Partner Portal participant. B3 is also a non-profit veteran service organization that is co-located within the Tierney Center.
Latrish had just started working with B3, and in dire need of assistance with her rent. She was caught off-guard, not having any other source of funds. She needed $1,078 for her half of the rent. With her recent hiring with B3 as a Peer Navigator, she can afford to pay her monthly rent now and in the future.
Since the CDBG Tustin Fund only applies to veterans living in Tustin, the TCVS Outreach team contacted the Tustin American Legion to see if they could assist. TCVS Outreach attends the Tustin American Legion meetings weekly, and has done so for about the past four months. This resulted in a very strong relationship with the Post. The Tustin American Legion accepted the request for funds and issued a check for the landlord to cover the apartment rent for $1078.00. Homelessness prevented; hope restored.
During this entire process, the Outreach team from the Tierney Center ensured all parties were kept informed on the estimated time of payment. Both, Latrish and her Landlord were especially grateful. This demonstrated a perfect example of collective impact through collaboration to help a veteran through multiple problems as a case coordination, seen by partners, supervised, and followed through.