In honor of Veterans Day, we are highlighting the work of Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV). Read on to learn more about the work of this great organization.

What is the mission of your organization?

MACV’s mission is to end Veteran homelessness in Minnesota.

How does your organization define success?

All MACV programs share the goal of assisting Veterans so they can lead productive, meaningful lives. Our criteria for success include:

• Securing or maintaining steady housing;
• Engaging in steady employment which pays a livable wage;
• Having no outstanding civil, legal, or housing barriers;
• Demonstrated ability to access and navigate community resources; and
• Possessing the skills and supports needed to maintain progress achieved through MACV programs.

What is an interesting fact about your organization most people don’t know?

MACV was initially established by a Twin Cities VFW Post to provide support services for sober transitional housing for 13 Veterans on the Minneapolis VA medical campus. We still hold this partnership for providing services to Veterans residing in that building.

What plans does your organization have for 2021/2022?

MACV launched the Shallow Subsidy program, our first  long-term case management and rental subsidy contract, in 2021. We anticipate a lot of work growing our program in the year ahead, as well as supporting the flourishing specialist initiatives we have. These new programs include:

• Justice-Involved Veterans
• Healthcare Navigation
• Landlord Engagement Services
• Street outreach

MACV’s strategic plan incorporates equity and diversity-focused goals across all areas of our organization’s functioning. We plan to deepen our knowledge of how to best support underserved populations including seniors, BIPOC individuals, women-led households, and formerly incarcerated Veterans. We also plan to expand our presence in North Minneapolis through establishment of supportive housing properties for Veterans who need more time to get ready for mainstream housing.

What inspires you / what do you love most about the work your organization does?

The singlemindedness of MACV’s mission gives our staff and stakeholders a tangible goal. While many human service agencies try to provide a huge variety of services to an ever-shifting client base, MACV knows where to focus our efforts to achieve our mission. It makes every person’s role at MACV relatable and helps rally our staff’s morale for doing some of the most difficult work in social services.

How can people get involved with your organization?

MACV relaunched our volunteer program in 2021, and regularly publishes opportunities to give your time to support Veterans in need on our volunteer webpage. We also benefit from financial donations, especially during the end of the year. Folks interested in donating can visit our Give to the Max Day webpage to support this campaign before November 18. You can also visit our webpage at www.mac-v.org to donate; just click on the “Donate” button at the top of the page. Thanks for your help!