Veteran Programs

At Utica Center for Development, we are committed to providing compassionate, accessible support tailored to the unique needs of veterans. Our programs are designed to foster connection, stability, and well-being—whether you're navigating housing challenges, seeking mental health support, or looking to reconnect with your community. We're here to help, every step of the way.

A row of houses next to a body of water at sunset.
A group of people are sitting at a table drinking coffee.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families

Overview of SSVF:

The SSVF Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), provides supportive services to low-income Veteran families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

It focuses on housing stability, rapid re-housing, and preventing homelessness through temporary support and community partnerships.


Core Components:

Homelessness Prevention: Assists Veterans in maintaining their current housing to avoid eviction or displacement.

Rapid Re-Housing: Helps homeless Veterans quickly obtain and move into housing.

Temporary Financial Assistance

Case Management: Personalized service planning, goal setting, and ongoing support toward stability and independence.

Resource Navigation: Connects Veterans to VA benefits, health care, mental health services, employment, and other community supports.


Eligibility Requirements:

At least one Veteran with qualifying military service in the household.

Low income (below 80% of Area Median Income).

Homeless or at imminent risk of losing housing (e.g., facing eviction, staying temporarily with others, or living in unstable conditions).


Program Goal:

Empower Veterans and their families to achieve housing stability, increase self-sufficiency, and integrate successfully into the community through short-term assistance and long-term planning.

PFC Dwyer At Ease Oneida County

A New York–Focused Initiative for Connection & Recovery

Named in honor of PFC Joseph P. Dwyer, an Army medic who served in Iraq, this program was established to help veterans meet with other veterans in a secure, comfortable atmosphere to help each other cope with the effects of PTSD and TBI. The Vet-to-Vet approach allows for complete anonymity without fear of reprisal.

Program Features:

  • Peer-to-peer support groups
  • Social activities and community service
  • Confidential, one-on-one support
  • Assistance navigating the transition to civilian life


UCD Food Pantry/Donation Room

Available to All, with Priority for Veterans
The UCD could not be more proud of our ability to be able to serve our veteran clientle and our community members with our food pantry and donation room. Both are stocked by our incredible donators and also with funding directly from our agency. Our food pantry and donation room are available to all veterans twice a month, and non veterans as one time use. Operating hours for the food pantry/donation room are 9 AM to 1 PM Monday through Friday. Please contact our front desk to find out what we accept for non-food donations...

Permanent & Transitional Supportive Housing

Permanent Supportive Housing

At our main Utica location, the Utica Center for Development offers seven permanent supportive housing units for homeless Veterans. These units provide long-term, stable housing where Veterans can stay as long as they need, with continued access to supportive services that promote independence and well-being.


Transitional Housing

We also offer ten transitional housing units designed to help Veterans successfully reintegrate into the community. During their stay, Veterans work closely with our dedicated case managers each week to develop life skills, secure employment, and transition toward permanent housing.


Our Permanent Supportive Housing and Transitional Housing programs are located at 726 Washington Street and 6 Steuben Park in Utica.