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SIL House
Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans offers Structured Independent Living (SIL) Houses for many of our clients who show a desire to live a sober life after drug and alcohol treatment. The length of stay varies, and is dependent on the circumstances, but the maximum stay is two years. The program name is significant because it combines two important concepts: Independence and Structure. SIL House residents have been deemed eligible and appropriate for independent living. This means that they are responsible for the management of the normal duties that arise in almost any other independent housing environment.
The program is simple; yet following it is not always easy. We know from experience that recovery is too often lost amid the pressures of daily living. Without structure, discipline and a supportive environment the recovering person may become discouraged, confused and revert to the old ways of thinking and behaviors and ultimately relapse. Conversely, the personal experience of the power of a 12-step recovery program and the benefits that follow becomes its own motivation for continued sobriety and growth.
Too often the focus can be diverted to fixing a single problem such as resolving a legal difficulty, repairing a relationship or finding a job. All effort is given to the single task and total recovery is side tracked.
While providing a home-like environment and assistance in coordinating other needs to develop a personal plan for total recovery, we believe that the person who adopts a 12-step recovery program and puts it into action in their daily living will see their difficulties resolved and will have peace and joy in their lives.
Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans provides a structured program that gives the homeless veteran the support to again become a productive member of the community, the knowledge that the community cares, and the confidence to build relationships. It is intended to give back to veterans the way of life she or he fought to preserve. Life in the SIL houses is NOT a preparation—it is an experience of life as it really is. Life requires a balancing of rights and responsibilities. Life is interplay of work and reward. Life is the price and product of freedom.
MACV has eight SIL Houses located in St. Cloud, Richfield, and Minneapolis. Currently some houses are sponsored with funding by Wells Fargo Bank, Donaldson Company and the Disabled American Veterans. We are grateful for their support. If you would like more information on how you or your organization can sponsor a house, please contact Kathy Vitalis at kvitalis@mac-v.org or call 651.291.8756.
Building 47
A 13 bed residential facility run by MACV Metro that provides safe, clean and structured housing for homeless single male veterans in the Twin Cities Metro Area
Click here for directions to the VAMC and Building 47
Permanent Supportive Housing (Radichel Townhomes)
In 2006, 11 units of permanent supportive housing were opened in Mankato. The Permanent Supportive Housing program provides long-term community-based housing and supportive services for homeless veterans with disabilities. The intent of this program is to enable support disabled veterans to live as independently as possible in a permanent setting. Supportive services may be provided by the agency managing the housing or another public or private service agency.
Duluth Veterans' Place
This building renovation is slated to open in Spring 2010 and is a partnership between MACV and the Northern Communities Land Trust (NCLT). Duluth Veterans Place will have eleven permanent housing units, four transitional housing units, and one transitional handicap accessible unit. Supportive services for veterans will be provided onsite and MACV Duluth’s administrative offices will be housed in one of the units. All of MACV Duluth's services will now be available in one convenient location.
Duluth Veterans' Place Brochure
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