Western Alliance Bank announced a $100,000 donation from the Western Alliance Community Foundation, which serves as the bank’s charitable arm, to support the launch of a new veterans dental care program at Catholic Charities MANA House in Phoenix. The funding will be administered by AzDA Cares Foundation, the charitable arm of the Arizona Dental Association.
The donation supports the Western Alliance Veterans Dental Program, which will deliver preventive and restorative dental care to residents of MANA House, a transitional housing program for veterans experiencing housing insecurity. Access to dental care is a critical but often unmet need for veterans seeking to reenter the workforce and secure long-term stability.
“Western Alliance acts on our belief that businesses have a role to play in helping to improve quality of life in our communities, and we’re pleased to invest in solutions that work to create lasting stability,” said Kenneth Vecchione, President and Chief Executive Officer of Western Alliance Bank. “This new program in Phoenix will have a meaningful impact on veterans served by MANA House, bridging a gap that can mean the difference between homelessness and housing, employment and long-term independence.”
MANA (Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force) House provides transitional housing and other support services for male veterans in Phoenix experiencing housing insecurity. The facility can accommodate up to 76 veterans at a time and provides safe and secure housing, basic living needs and supplies, individualized case management, job search assistance and resource navigation for benefits and housing. Veterans typically stay at MANA House for three to nine months before transitioning to housing. On average, 15 veterans complete the program each month, with nearly 80 percent remaining housed after leaving due to its comprehensive support model.
Through AzDA Cares, participating dentists will provide dental screenings, cleanings, X-rays and individualized treatment plans for MANA House residents on a first-come, first-served basis. Covered services include preventive care, fillings, extractions, deep cleanings, crowns and emergency dental treatment. More extensive restorative services, such as partial or full dentures, will be provided based on funding availability. AzDA Cares will coordinate assignments, review all claims and process payment to participating dentists.
According to the American Institute for Dental Public Health (AIDPH), more than 75 percent of Veteran Health Administration (VHA) enrollees nationwide are not eligible for dental care. As a result, many veterans arrive at MANA House with oral health issues that affect overall health, confidence and employability, creating a significant barrier to workforce reentry. “For veterans working to rebuild their lives, access to essential health services, including dental care, can be the difference between remaining stuck and moving forward,” said Paul Mulligan, CEO of Catholic Charities Community Services. “With Western Alliance Bank’s generous support, the men at MANA House will have a hand up to help restore their health, regain confidence and take the next steps toward stable housing and meaningful employment.”
Transportation to and from the dental offices will also be provided, ensuring veterans can access care without additional obstacles.
Since opening in 2008, MANA House has helped more than 4,600 veterans as they transition from homelessness to stable housing and employment.
