WHO:

Representatives from Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Minnesota Department of Human Services, including:

• Commissioner Larry Shellito, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
• Commissioner Emily Johnson Piper, Minnesota Department of Human Services
• Area Director Jay Druckrey, Social Security Administration
  

WHAT:

A press conference outlining a new pilot program in Minnesota that will help connect eligible Veterans with better access to Social Security benefits. This program is a partnership between the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). The SOAR program, which stands for Supplemental Security Income/Social Security Disability Income (SSI and SSDI), Outreach, Access and Recovery, is a national initiative that receives funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. DHS currently works with Tribal governments, counties and non-profit groups around the state, but this announcement marks the first time in Minnesota that another state agency is partnering in this effort. The program will allow Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to work with a dedicated SOAR advocate and quickly complete the application process. Speakers at the press conference will outline the program, explain the impact to Minnesotans and Veterans, and answer questions on the process. 

*Media should RSVP to Anna Long at anna.long@state.mn.us and allow extra time to get through building security protocols.

WHEN:

Thursday, March 31 from 1-1:30 p.m.

WHERE:    

Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, ground floor common area outside MDVA offices.
1 Federal Dr., St. Paul, MN 55111