Supportive Housing Programs

CHEP provides supportive housing to homeless veterans through two programs, located in Maryland and South Carolina. These two programs can house up to 64 veterans working to transition to independent, permanent housing, as well as veterans who are ready for independent living, but are waiting to secure permanent housing.

From the point of entry in our housing programs, to the day of program exit, our focus is on priming each Veteran for success. The program staff works with each Veteran individually to create realistic steps they need to take to achieve their goals.

The ultimate goal is for the veterans to find independent, sustainable living in a community. Over the years our efforts have helped to empower thousands of veterans to regain control of their lives.

Veterans Independence Project – Maryland 

Since 1997, the Veterans Independence Project (VIP) located on the Perry Point Veterans Affairs Medical Center campus has provided immediate housing and supportive services to homeless veterans. The convenient location offers veterans easy access to VA services. 

Quick Stats:

  • Veterans Receive Supportive Services Including:
    • 9 Houses 
    • 29 Beds 

The Veterans Independence Project Also provides: 

  • Clean and furnished bedroom facilities with a new complete set of bed coverings 
  • Covered food expenses as they work through the process to receive government assistance (e.g., Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)) 
  • Fresh bathroom supplies, including personal hygiene products and fresh towels and personal hygiene products. 
  • A cell phone to serve as a reliable means of communication for obtaining employment and government assistance. 

Veterans also receive supportive services including: 

  • Assistance navigating the public assistance systems to receive their necessary benefits and services swiftly and efficiently. 
  • Support in developing a plan and timeline outlining a timeline to address and identify their immediate needs and long-term goals to achieve independent living and financial stability. 
  • Access to resources for legal assistance, credit restoration and help with obtaining military benefits. 
  • Transportation services to medical appointments and treatments, grocery stores and any other essential service location 

Charleston Vets  

Charleston Vets can house up to 35 veterans in apartments that allows veterans to live independently with responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning, washing, and caretaking.  The Charleston Vets program encourages residents to work together as a group and share responsibilities for community living. 

The program offers living arrangements that can accommodate male, female, and transgender veterans along with Veterans with dependents, Veterans with disabilities and Veterans with service dogs.  

Quick Stats:  

  • 10 town homes 
  • 35 beds 
  • Can accommodate female Veterans, transgender Veterans, Veterans with dependents, Veterans with disabilities, Veterans with service dogs 

Freedom House  

Freedom House offers individual housing units, in the same community as veterans in the Charleston Vets program.  This program provides Veterans a continuum of care, while allowing them an opportunity to reinforce and fully develop skills around attitude, recovery, and treatment as well as building upon successes within the bounds of sobriety and recovery.

Veterans participating in the Freedom House program are required: 

  • to pay rent commensurate with market rates 
  • design a workable budget 
  • be employed or receive financial support in order to meet all financial obligations 
  • be completely self-maintained 
  • remain substance free