The Shoreline Compass Center, located across from Aurora Village in the Echo Lake neighborhood, is a 25 bed facility for honorably discharged, homeless veterans, many with drug and alcohol problems. The Center houses 21 men and 4 women in a two-year program which provides intensive case management services. It is staffed by three case managers and one house manager.. The Center works closely with the VA Hospital as well as the VA Benefits division. Most of the residents are served in some capacity at the VA Hospital.
The goal of the program is to help the residents resolve their addiction issues and learn to live on their own as contributing citizens. Residents have individual and group counseling as well as computer classes in the Center's computer lab. After graduation from the two year program, residents are moved into their own apartment and return to the Center for ongoing counseling.
The Center provides two community meals a week, on Thursday and Sunday evenings and welcomes community groups who are able to provide a meal for the residents on either a one-time or on-going basis.
Residents graduate every month and new veterans move in.
The community can help with donations. Socks and hygiene kits are always welcome. Residents who graduate and move to apartments are starting with nothing and need everything to set up housekeeping, such as pots, pans, silverware, dishes, towels, sheets, The Center does not have room to store furniture, but small pieces might be appropriate. Basic clothing in very good condition would be appreciated.
For more information, contact Tracy Jones, Program Manager, at 206-357-3282 or email.