Contributions will Connect Veterans in the Transitional Housing Program to Earned Benefits
Olympia, Washington, November 9, 2020 – The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) today announced that it has received a $10,000 contribution and 15 donated laptops from Comcast as a part of the company’s Internet Essentials program. The contributions will support the department’s Veterans Transitional Housing Programs in Orting and Port Orchard, Washington. Veterans enrolled in the transitional housing programs are surrounded with supportive staff and wrap-around services designed to lead to their successful completion of the program and a successful return to the community.
Comcast’s contribution will help keep transitional housing program participants connected to online resources, such as earned veterans’ benefits, and medical and mental health services. This donation will also help veterans apply for jobs and connect to employment opportunities online as they transition back into the workforce. In addition, case managers will use the donated laptops in the field as they identify and work with local veterans who may benefit from WDVA’s transitional housing program.
“Connecting veterans to their earned benefits is only possible if the tools to make those connections are in place,” said Alfie Alvarado-Ramos, director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. “We are incredibly grateful to Comcast for their commitment to veterans across the state, but particularly for those in our Transitional Housing Program. This donation will help veterans connect to tele-health appointments, employment, education and eventually it will help them with their search for housing as they move back into the community.”
The Veterans Transitional Housing Program focuses on increasing residential stability of participants, providing greater self-determination of participants and elevating the skill level and income potential of participants. Veterans in the program work in collaboration with case managers to create individualized case plans. Accountability, progress in achieving case plan goals, and abiding by program rules are cornerstones to continuation and successful completion of the program.
“We are honored to work with the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans have the resources and support needed,” said Rodrigo Lopez, Region Senior Vice President, Comcast Washington. “The new virtual world has made it crucial to keep veterans connected to resources they count on, like access to VA benefits and health services. Our commitment to digital equity this year has been incredibly strong, most notable with our offer of two free months of Internet Essentials for all new low-income veterans and their families.”
Last year, WDVA participated with Comcast as they launched a Public Service Announcement campaign profiling Director Alfie Alvarado-Ramos. WDVA is honored that Comcast selected the transitional housing program as the recipient of this donation which highlights their ongoing commitment to supporting veterans in Washington state.
About WDVA
The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs helps connect veterans and their family members to the benefits and services they earned through their military service. WDVA offers long-term care in four State Veteran Homes (the Washington Soldiers Home, the Washington Veterans Home, the Spokane Veterans Home, and the Walla Walla Veterans Home) for honorably discharged veterans, and in some cases, their spouses. The Veterans Services and Counseling and Wellness Divisions provide claims assistance as well as counseling services for veterans and their family members. And our State Veterans Cemetery honors veterans in their final resting place. We invite you to explore our website, email us or call 1-800-562-2308 so that we can connect you and your family members to the benefits you’ve earned.
About Comcast Service to Veterans
According to federal statistics, nearly 1.4 million veterans live in households that participate in the federal government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and only 45% of all veterans are employed. And with an estimated 30% of low-income veterans without internet service at home, according to the 2016 American Community Survey — and about 40% without their own computer — many veterans and their caregivers lack the digital tools and capabilities needed to access essential government benefits and resources, job opportunities, and social connections both within and beyond their military communities. In 2018, Comcast expanded its Internet Essentials broadband adoption program to reach an estimated 1 million low-income veterans living in the company’s service area around the country. Internet Essentials is the largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program for low-income individuals and families in the U.S. This year, Comcast was recognized as the top employer for veterans by Military Times in its Best for Vets: Employers 2020 list for its ongoing commitment to creating a military-friendly and military-ready environment for our employees.