Impact
What the model produces — measured.
In December 2025, Wilder Research published an independent Social Return on Investment analysis of MACV's programs. The findings show what a coordinated, statewide system actually delivers — for veterans, for taxpayers, and for communities.
$26.8M
in estimated annual social and economic benefits
Range: $20.3M – $55.2M depending on assumptions
$1.26
of social value created per dollar invested
Up to $2.59 under less conservative assumptions
6,100+
veterans served between 2019 and June 2025
Across all MACV program areas statewide
Housing Stability — Entry to Exit
People stay housed.
The clearest measure of a housing intervention is whether people are still housed when they leave. MACV's tenants exit stably at rates that transform what's possible for high-acuity populations.
Permanent Supportive Housing
At intake
16%
At exit
88%
Stable housing at program exit, among MACV permanent supportive housing tenants with available data, 1/1/2019 – 6/30/2025.
Transitional Housing
At intake
4%
At exit
80%
Stable housing at program exit, among MACV transitional housing tenants with available data, 1/1/2019 – 6/30/2025.
Drivers of Impact
Where the value comes from.
Outreach
Consistent staff presence in homeless shelters and reaching veterans who are unsheltered to build an initial relationship as the foundation for connecting them to broader services and support for their pathway to housing stability.
Direct financial assistance
Rental assistance accounts for the largest share of measurable benefit — preventing eviction and homelessness while reducing public-system costs.
Emergency Housing
Targeted use of short-term hotel stays for unsheltered individuals and families as a step towards longer-term housing options.
Permanent supportive & transitional housing
Substantial benefit from increased housing stability and reduced public expenditures related to homelessness and incarceration.
Employment services
Increases earnings and tax contributions for participating veterans — measurable economic value to both individuals and the public.
Legal assistance
Helps veterans avoid eviction and increase future wages through criminal record expungement.
Justice-involved case management
Targeted support that reduces recidivism — a high-leverage public-cost reduction.
Health care navigation
Reduces avoidable emergency department use and improves continuity of care.
Financial Stability
Financial and budget management coaching, debt reduction counseling, and access to free voluntary representative payee services that help veterans control their finances, prioritize housing stability in their budget, and then spend within their means.
Landlord engagement
Working directly with landlords who offer flexibility on their tenant screening criteria to support tenancy issues and create housing outcomes for veterans otherwise not possible.
2025 — By the Numbers
One year of statewide impact.
3,281
Veterans served across all MACV programs
1,022
Veterans prevented from becoming homeless
736
Veterans placed in housing suited to their needs
200
Veterans housed in MACV-owned or managed properties
Beyond the Numbers
The benefits we can't yet monetize.
The SROI captures a substantial portion of the measurable economic impact — but only a portion. Stable housing, consistent income, and access to support services produce better physical and mental health, stronger family relationships, and a greater sense of security and self-determination for veterans.
These improvements in quality of life are difficult to quantify, but they are central to what this work actually is.
Source
Warren, C. (2025). Social Return on Investment Analysis of Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans. Wilder Research, December 2025.
Brief · 03
Download the Wilder SROI Highlights PDF
Could this work where you are?
The replication framework maps what's portable, what's local, and where the model breaks if you skip steps.