LASP launches new Veterans Advocacy Project during COVID-19
(June 28, 2020) During COVID-19, LASP has enhanced advocacy efforts with the new Veterans Advocacy Project (VAP). "The biggest impact will be our increased reach to homeless veterans," said Nicole McCoy of the Community Engagement Unit. She and other LASP advocates earned certifications in the SSI / SSDI Outreach Access and Recovery (SOAR) Program.
SOAR-certified LASP advocates can help clients gain quicker access to benefits they've earned, in some cases cutting wait times from two years to 90 days. "The SOAR program changes clients' lives for the long-term and has a success rate of 90%," Nicole said.
In development for more than a year, the Veterans Advocacy Project launched in May with McCoy along with Richard A.J. Prebil of the Chester city office, Delaware County.
In this project, LASP is partnering with organizations including the Veterans Multi-Service Center, Norristown Vet Center, and the Montgomery County Office of Veterans Affairs.
Prebil noted, “Through a client-centered, culturally-competent, dignity-focused, trauma-informed legal practice, we are able to provide specialized and meaningful legal assistance to the men and women of our region who have so freely given of their lives in service to our country.”
In addition to helping veterans with services regularly addressed by LASP, including housing, domestic violence, record-clearing, public benefits, consumer issues and other civil legal needs, advocates in the Veterans Advocacy Project can help with veterans’ benefits, from initial application through each stage of appeal, and discharge upgrades.
VAP advocates also provide education and clinic-type outreach programs to the veterans community in Montgomery, Bucks, Chester and Delaware counties.
Prebil summed it up: “We are here to preserve housing and income, promote economic stability, and help veterans overcome challenges associated with their transition to civilian life—some of whom are still transitioning years after discharge.”
Nicole McCoy (at left), of LASP's Community Engagement Unit, meets with Ryan McGoldrick, Regional Director for Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF).
SSVF is part of the Veteran's Multi-Service Center. They met in New Jersey June 23, 2020.