Charity for Charities

Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans

What is the mission of the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans and how was it founded? 

The mission of MSHV is to “serve those who served the nation”. The sheltered was founded through collaboration between Bob Adams and Dirk Enger. Both gentlemen served with the Marine Corp. in combat. Bob Adams served in Vietnam and Dirk Enger served in Operation Dessert Shield/Storm. The most important valve both men learned during their time of service was that you don’t leave any comrade behind. Bob and Dirk saw the need for a place in which homeless veterans could receive services and support required to live useful productive lives.

Tell us three things we probably don't know about the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans.

1. We are a transitional housing program and not an emergency shelter.
2. We are able to provide services for up to a maximum of 24 months.

3. The MSHV program provides a full continuum of services specifically designed to treat veterans with PTSD and/or substance abuse disorders.

What has been the biggest factor in the success of the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans?

The biggest factor that contributes to the success of MSHV is the committed to our mission and the strong teamwork from the staff and most importantly from the community and volunteers. 

Share a few stories about people the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans has helped.

The names of the veteran have been changed to protect confidentiality.  

Sam Cash spent 7 months at MSHV. He came to the problem from a PADS site. Sam is an alcoholic. He was unemployed. He had minor legal issues to address and family issues to resolve. While in the MSHV program Sam gained the residential stability he needed to have an address which allowed him to put together a resume and a place to receive phone calls. Since Sam did not have a vehicle, MSHV transported Sam to all of his court cases which he was able to resolve before his discharge. Sam attended three AA meetings per week, met with a therapist and a case manager on a weekly basis, and improved his coping and life skills. Sam left the program employed, emotionally stronger, and stable. Follow up care with Sam showed that he moved out of his apartment and into a townhouse he rents and was obtaining custody of his daughter.  

John Smith spent 6 months at MSHV. He came to the problem after maxing out his credit cards on hotels. John and his wife of 20 years had separated 7 months prior to his admission. John was lost without her and his children. He was experiencing depression and withdrew from social interactions. While in the MSHV program John learned to cook and clean. He also improved his computer skills. John updated his resumes and participated in job readiness programs after being unemployed for 7 years. John worked with his therapist and case manager on a weekly basis to improve his coping skills and life skills. By the time John was discharged from the program his depression had lifted and he re-engaged with others more often. John continues to hold employment and live independently.  

Nate Johnson is a current resident who came from an emergency shelter. Nate has been in the program for two months. Nate has been in transit for a little over a year. Being in the MSHV program has provided Nate with the stability of residency. Nate and his case manager have been working on following up with his disability claims. Nate was approved for a VA Disability Pension over 5 months ago, but due to his transit status he was not able to follow up nor did he have an address or contact number to be reached. As an MSHV resident Nate has been able to begin receiving his monthly checks. He has opened a checking account and learns financial management. MSHV has been able to meet Nate’s basic needs of food, housing, and clothing which had allowed Nate to begin to address his other needs of health care. Nate has made doctor’s appointments for routine physicals which has caught health concerns in an early stage. 

Mike Clark is a current resident. Mike has been in the program for 8 months. Mike has a history of gambling and anxiety issues. Mike attends support group meetings for his gambling and meets with a therapist once a week to address his anxiety and coping skills. When Mike arrived to the program he was very concerned about cooking the evening meal once a week. Through the guidance of the staff and his fellow residents Mike’s cooking skills have greatly improved along with his self-esteem. Mike works very hard to expand his social skills as he feels more comfortable being alone he has shown to be a valuable part of team he joins. Mike is currently employed, has learned to budget his income, and is beginning to purchase the basic necessities he will need for his own apartment.

Other than donations, what can people do to help the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans?

Other than donations, people can help by volunteering their time. Most veterans come to the program without employment or transportation. People could help by sharing networking leads about employment vacancies or employment contacts. People can also help by providing a ride to and/or from work, support meetings, doctor’s appointments, job interviews.

Comments By

Anita L. Dierks, MA
Director of Case Management Services
Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans

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