Hyannis, MA – April 2026 – The Cape & Islands Veterans Outreach Center (CIVOC) has officially launched its new Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The new program positions CIVOC as the first Cape-based veterans’ organization to serve as the direct grantee and lead provider of SSVF services for the region.
For 43 years, CIVOC has served as a cornerstone of veteran support on Cape Cod and the Islands. While SSVF services were previously available locally through partner organizations, this new award allows CIVOC to deliver the program directly with stronger continuity, accountability, and attention to the specific needs of veterans and families in Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties.
The SSVF program provides wrap-around support designed to help veterans and their families secure and maintain stable, permanent housing. Services include needs-based temporary financial assistance for rent, utility arrears, security deposits, moving costs, and other essential housing-related expenses, as well as landlord incentives and personalized case management.
“Too many veterans on Cape Cod and the Islands continue to face housing insecurity despite their service to our nation,” said Michael McGee, SSVF Program Manager at CIVOC. “Our SSVF program is designed to change that reality. By offering meaningful financial assistance paired with dedicated, long-term case management, we are not only helping veterans secure housing, but we are also equipping them with the tools and support they need to remain stably housed for the long term. When landlords partner with us, they gain more than just a tenant; they gain a veteran who is actively supported by professionals committed to their success.
CIVOC is actively seeking partnerships with local landlords and property managers willing to rent to veterans. Those partnerships are intended to expand quality housing access for income-qualified veterans while giving property owners confidence that tenants will receive ongoing professional support.
“Our mission has always been to ensure no veteran is left behind,” said Jim Seymour, Executive Director of the Cape & Islands Veterans Outreach Center. “The SSVF program allows us to deliver meaningful, results-driven support that bridges the gap between crisis and stability. We are committed to working together with landlords, community partners, and the veterans we serve to end veteran homelessness in our region.”
“Supportive services like childcare, housing counseling and financial planning can be important catalysts for preventing or resolving homelessness,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “These grants will help bring crucial support to thousands of Veterans in need across the nation.”
The SSVF program is now accepting referrals and applications from veterans and families who are experiencing homelessness or are at imminent risk of losing their housing. Veterans, families, landlords, and community partners are encouraged to contact the SSVF team directly for more information.
Partnership & Developer Inquiries:
Michael McGee, Program Manager, Case Management Services
Cape & Islands Veterans Outreach Center
Phone: (508) 778-1590 Ext. 105
Email: mmcgee@capeveterans.com
Support our Mission: Jeffrey Begg, Director of Development
Cape & Islands Veterans Outreach Center
Phone: (508) 778-1590
Email: jbegg@capeveterans.com
Executive Director: James Seymour
Cape & Islands Veterans Outreach Center
Phone: (508) 778-1590
Email: jseymour@capeveterans.com
The Cape & Islands Veterans Outreach Center (CIVOC) is a tax-deductible, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It was founded in 1983 by a group of Vietnam Veterans who did not find the services and programs they needed to transition back to their communities anywhere in our region successfully. Ever since then, we have been an indispensable veteran services provider across the region. Building on the legacy that our founders established over 43 years ago, CIVOC is built on four interconnected pillars that address the most pressing challenges local veterans face: safe and stable housing, reliable access to nutritious food to combat food insecurity, dependable transportation so veterans can reach medical care and essential services, and comprehensive mental-health services and outreach that provide counseling, case management, and connection to community supports, all working together to ensure veterans and their families can live with dignity, stability, and hope.