Began by the efforts of a group of philanthropic Vietnam Veterans, one residence was opened in 1994. UVBH is proud to say we now operate and support 24 locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties (23 for housing and 1 for our headquarters) and provide services to over 185 men, women and children on any given day. Primarily, UVBH was formed to work with the homeless veteran population of the Tri State area and continues to do so; we work with veterans who come to us with physical disabilities, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, mental health issues and/or alcohol addiction. Many years ago we expanded our efforts to include assisting the non-veteran population and the issues they face, including homelessness, drug and/or alcohol addiction and job skill/readiness development.

UVBH places each person or family that comes to us in the home and program that best supports their needs. Along with a safe and structured living environment we provide our residents with a host of supportive services, including Case Management, transportation for medical visits and appointments, education and job placement programs and services as well as coordination of all mental and emotional counseling. We also connect our residents with entitlements.

Of our 23 housing locations, 9 homes are for veterans only, one of which is dedicated to female veterans and one of which is dedicated to Frail & Elderly. Our non-veteran housing includes 2 Congregate Emergency Shelters for homeless families and one home for non-veteran females in recovery from drug and/or alcohol addiction. Beyond those, we support 4 homes that house both veteran and non-veteran males and 8 apartments which serve as permanent residences to both populations.

Our efforts reach beyond those that reside with us. We assist Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn returning veterans and their families through a job assistance and placement program called Military and Family Assistance Project. In addition we assist those in our community who are in need by providing vouchers they can use in our Thrift Store and Food Pantry, which are both located at our headquarters.

Within UVBH a community spirit among residents and staff is established. Many of our staff are former residents. Every aspect of life is given attention and residents are provided every opportunity to develop the necessary coping skills for successful return to independent living. With an 85% success rate and an extremely low rated of recidivism, UVBH offers all who come to us an excellent chance of overcoming the dire circumstances which brought them in.