A North Dakota program is helping veterans facing housing insecurity get their health back on track and navigate what can be a complicated healthcare system.

The Supportive Services for Veterans program, run by Community Action Partnership of North Dakota, connects low-income or homeless veterans with community resources, including health clinics and doctors.

Jim Holben, a healthcare navigator for the program, said many veterans are not currently connected with the Veterans Affairs health care system and need help navigating the enrollment process.

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“Dental care and vision care are great needs in our state, and sometimes due to service connection, they may or may not be eligible,” Holben explained. “It's assisting them in finding those services that they would need, whether that be at the VA or in the community.”

Holben helps veterans connect to eligible benefits through Medicaid, Medicare and the Social Security Administration. The program provides temporary financial assistance in certain cases.

Last year, Community Action Partnership of North Dakota served more than 400 veteran households across all 53 counties in the state.

Holly Vane, director of the program, said health care services are crucial for the people the program serves, who often have complex medical needs. She added the organization’s holistic approach helps connect veterans to housing while keeping them grounded in their communities.

“There's a huge need for home and community-based services, so helping our elderly veteran generation stay in their homes longer so they don't have to relocate,” Vane emphasized.

Research shows the majority of veterans age 45 and older feel it is important to stay in their homes if they need long-term care, but most do not know about services available to them. Vane acknowledged there is also stigma surrounding asking for help but stressed there should not be.

“This isn't a handout,” Vane underscored. “These are services that veterans earned through their service in the military. And I know veterans have a hard time asking for help. That's part of their culture. But if they're in a bad situation, we're here to help.”