MACV NEWSLETTER - May 2020
Embracing Technology to Serve Veterans
Staff at MACV have embraced online technology and new resources to continue our service to Veterans. MACV shifted to a remote work model six weeks ago, closing our bustling offices to in-person client interactions. Despite this change, the MACV team diligently works alongside our clients every day to overcome the unique challenges Veterans facing homelessness encounter in present circumstances. Thankfully, forward-thinking operational changes implemented over the last couple years eased this process for our staff. MACV quickly transitioned to online case management during this period, resulting in full access to needed information and fueling uninterrupted service delivery during the COVID-19 crisis.

In one recent example, MACV's St. Cloud team successfully engaged with a Veteran living out of her car. Lynn, a 60-year-old Army Veteran, had nowhere to sleep and faced numerous barriers to finding the help she needed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Our staff connected her with the resources needed to qualify Lynn for residence in our Linden Grove facility. MACV's online tools dramatically improved staff capacity to update required records, track progress in the housing process, and connect Lynn with VA resources. Donations from our supporters also allowed Lynn to briefly stay in a hotel before moving into her new home. Even without in-person interactions typical in our approach to services, MACV’s extraordinary staff still established a positive, trust-fueled relationship necessary to help Lynn as efficiently as possible.

As state restrictions evolve, our staff plans to continue working remotely for the near future. MACV is determined to connect with Veterans in need and embraces the opportunity to creatively solve problems as we work to end Veteran homelessness. Thank you for joining us on this journey; your vital support makes these successes possible.
Partner Spotlight
Property Solutions & Services
A Partnership to End Veteran Homelessness
A public-private partnership to end Veteran homelessness has developed in Minneapolis. MACV has partnered with private property management company  Property Solutions & Services  (PSS) to develop a referral system that prioritizes permanent housing for homeless Veteran households.

Upcoming Events
F ore! Our Heroes Charity Golf Outing

America's Realty Group and Team USA Mortgage is hosting the first golf outing of 2020 for MACV. This event will be mindful of current social distancing guidelines and keep participants updated with the latest protective measures.

June 10th, 2020 Tee-Off at 8:30am
Majestic Oaks Golf Club

To sign up, contact Tracy Rivers at 763-234-1948 or tracy@arealtygroupmn.com
We Are Hiring
MACV is currently hiring full-time temporary Case Managers to support increased efforts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These positions will start out working remotely from home, are benefit eligible and could turn into long term employment opportunities depending on future business needs. Candidates can live anywhere in the state of MN.

Local companies continue
to support our Veterans
Securian donation of toilet paper and paper towel. Pictured above: Kat from Securian and Ed from MACV
Mankato Girl Scouts delivered cookies to Veterans living in the Radical Townhomes.
Mankota Veterans Receive Donations
Team members from MACV's Mankato office picked up 22 boxes of food to provide our Veterans in the local area, including our residents at the Radichel Townhomes. The boxes of food were donated by Michel Foods out of Gaylord, MN.
Donor Spotlight
For the third year in a row , the owners of the Duluth Texas Roadhouse restaurant held a donation drive starting on Veterans Day 2019 and running through Janurary 2020. Their amazing customers raised over $3,000 which were turned into gift cards and presented to MACV. These gift cards were provided to local Veteran clients in need of a meal.

Pictured above, MACV staff members Chris Wines, Kathy Kraft, Paul Pedersen, Scott Kottke, and Jon Livingston along with wonderful owner Brandi Fort and staff at the Duluth Texas Roadhouse. 
Each year the Duluth Grill sells gift cards to their customers and donates a portion of revenue to MACV as gift cards, which are then given to local Veterans in need. This generous donation provides our Veterans a warm meal at any of their 3 locations – Duluth Grill, OMC Smokehouse, or Corktown Deli.  A big thanks to the Hanson family who matched the donation amount from their customers!  
 
Accepting for MACV are Paul Pedersen and Scott Kottke along with several of the staff from the Duluth Grill, pictured above.
Thank you to donors last month
You Can Help End Veteran Homelessness
At the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in Minnesota, we identified 276 Veterans without a home.
In this time of uncertainty, MACV expects to see an increase in requests for our services.

We ask our supporters to help us build emergency funding to provide for services not currently covered under grants.