Veterans who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability need a distinct set of services from the general population. They also need people around them who are specifically skilled and trained to give them the care they need. That is exactly what they get at Compass Veterans Center: Shoreline known as SVC.
SVC provides permanent supportive housing and case management for veterans. Through a Trauma-Informed Care lens, we provide a safe and welcoming space for veterans to create stability, hope, and community. In keeping with Compass’ core values, we work for and alongside the veterans to improve their circumstances, while simultaneously advocating for societal change toward equity and justice. Staff adopt a supportive, non-judgmental stance, providing residents with opportunities to make sound decisions, set goals, and grow.
Shree Vigil is the program manager at SVC, and she has put together a team that excels in meeting the needs of the veterans we serve. In our supportive housing model, we help people get to their next step. One veteran has taken those lessons and helped others along the way.
“I’m so proud of Reama,” Shree said. “He has gone through a lot since I’ve met him, but he is always looking to grow and improve his life.”
Reama first came to SVC in 2019 and had some challenges with both medical issues and drug use. He got involved in a 12-step program and took to it so well, he started a meeting here at SVC. He was always looking for ways to help his community – whether that was cleaning a bathroom, mopping a floor, or reaching out to other veterans to see how they were doing.
Reama learned that a fellow veteran was struggling with mobility, hygiene, and keeping his unit clean. Reama helped him clean his unit and made a connection with the local YMCA to get access for his neighbor to their larger showers.
“We started speaking about him becoming a peer counselor or Case Manager,” Shree said.
He put in an application with Catholic Community Services for a Case Manager’s position – and he got the job!
“He is a true inspiration of giving back to your community,” Shree said. “I’m so proud of him.”