The “take-up gap” describes the disparity between individuals eligible for social support programs and those who ultimately receive benefits. This challenge is especially pronounced among Veterans, who often face barriers such as complex bureaucracies, stigma, and lack of awareness. Project DeLorean, initiated by Veterans Services of the Carolinas (VSC) under Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM), addresses this gap through a strategic and personalized outreach model to connect high-need Veterans with essential resources.
Key Challenges Addressed by Project DeLorean
Eligibility-Enrollment Discrepancy: Many Veterans are unaware of the benefits available or find the application processes overwhelming.
Psychological Barriers: Stigma and past negative experiences deter Veterans from seeking help.
Service Accessibility: Long wait times and limited rural facility access exacerbate challenges.
Project DeLorean’s Approach
Personalized Outreach: The project prioritizes high-need individuals by leveraging vendor-generated lists to identify Veterans with unmet social needs. This proactive model is superior to traditional passive outreach.
Comprehensive Screening: Care coordinators conduct detailed assessments to tailor support to each Veteran’s needs.
Diverse Referrals: Through NCServes, Veterans are connected to over 5,000 service providers, ensuring timely support with a high-resolution rate.
Innovative Marketing: Outreach through social media raises awareness among marginalized groups, including women and Veterans of color.
Outcomes and Impact
Service Utilization: Veterans engaged by Project DeLorean most frequently requested and received benefits navigation, housing assistance, and food support.
Efficiency: The initiative effectively reduces administrative burdens, connecting Veterans to benefits like Medicaid faster and more successfully than traditional methods.
Health and Well-being: Addressing unmet needs such as housing and food insecurity has been shown to improve mental and physical health outcomes, reinforcing the importance of holistic, person-centered care.
Comparison to Traditional Outreach
Project DeLorean’s targeted approach reaches demographics and service needs that are underrepresented in traditional systems. While traditional clients often seek housing and employment support, DeLorean clients prioritize benefits navigation and income support, showcasing the initiative’s ability to address critical administrative barriers.
Conclusion
Project DeLorean exemplifies how data-driven, intentional outreach can bridge the take-up gap, enhancing access to social services for underserved Veterans. This model offers a scalable solution for improving social service delivery and reducing systemic inequities.
Read the full report here: Project_DeLorean