Staff Reports | Community Updates
Western Alliance Bank announced a $100,000 donation from the Western Alliance Community Foundation to support the launch of a veterans dental care program at Catholic Charities MANA House in Phoenix.
The funding will support the Western Alliance Veterans Dental Program, with administration provided by the AzDA Cares Foundation, the charitable arm of the Arizona Dental Association, according to a press release.
The program will deliver preventive and restorative dental care to residents of MANA House, a transitional housing program serving veterans experiencing housing insecurity. Access to dental care is often a barrier for veterans working to secure employment and achieve long‑term housing 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,” Kenneth Vecchione, president and CEI of Western Alliance Bank, said. “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 House, operated by Catholic Charities Community Services, provides transitional housing and support services for male veterans in Phoenix experiencing housing insecurity.
The facility can accommodate up to 76 veterans at a time and offers housing, basic living supplies, individualized case management, job search assistance and navigation of benefits and housing resources. Veterans typically remain in the program for three to nine months, with an average of 15 veterans completing the program each month. Nearly 80% remain housed after exiting the program.
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.
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 dentist participation, review claims and process payments.
According to the American Institute for Dental Public Health, more than 75% of enrollments in the Veterans Health Administration nationwide do not include dental coverage. As a result, many veterans enter transitional housing with untreated oral health issues that affect overall health and employability.
“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,” Paul Mulligan, CEO of Catholic Charities Community Services, said. “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 participating dental offices will be provided to program participants to reduce access barriers.
