VA Homeless Programs

Nominated by: Tykie Middlebrook, LCSW-BACS

Vanessa Villalobos, LMSW is an HCHV Outreach Social Worker with SLVHCS. Vanessa has a knack for rapport-building with our homeless Veterans. Most of the Veterans we serve are vulnerable and hard to reach, but Vanessa is able to partner with the Veterans that are hardest to reach. Vanessa is detail-oriented, which enables her to provide comprehensive care and educate homeless Veterans on the resources available to them. Vanessa is empathetic, focused on patient-centered care, and emphasizes a holistic approach. Vanessa has only been with VA for 1 year; however, she has grown and is continuing to grow into a well-rounded social worker. She is a great asset to our HCHV team!

“Focused on patient-centered care through a holistic approach”

Vanessa Villalobos, LMSW

Outreach Social Worker

Workplace and VISN:

VA Southeast Louisiana Health Care System (SLVHCS), VISN 16

How long have you worked at VA?

1 year

What do you like about case management? How are you “Setting the Standard for Patient-Centered Care”?

I do HCHV case management and outreach. I like getting to be one of the first staff members to engage with a vulnerable homeless Veteran and becoming a voice of advocacy during their time of transition.

Using the I CARE Values, I focus my management interventions on Veteran-centric care. I guide Veterans to understand their options and encourage self-determination.

Tell us some fun facts about yourself! What else would you like to share?

My favorite fall activity is going to haunted houses, festivals, and fairs.

Halloween is my favorite holiday due to fun fall activities, such as pumpkin carving, haunted houses, Halloween parties, costumes, and finally cool weather!

My first language is Spanish. For self-care, I love hanging with my dog in my recently purchased house and going to dance classes!