VA Homeless Programs

“Angele has been a HUD/VASH Social Worker since 2014 and, to date, has maintained a consistent level of compassion, dedication, and astounding work effort. Angele is the first to raise her hand to take on extra work and does so with a smile, and often a little comment about working as a team. She is a retired Army Veteran who tirelessly served our country. Angele has received much recognition from her Veterans and co-workers alike over the years and she has assisted several HUD/VASH Veterans graduate into home ownership over the year as well as improve overall quality of life. Angele is also creative and regularly ‘thinks out of the box’. She has a Veteran with SMI who regularly sings her praises because of her constant patience and ‘being where he is’; this Veteran has maintained his housing in VASH the last couple of years because of her work with him. Angele is a female Veteran who has served and continues to serve in amazing ways!”

— Christie Rose Smith

Angele Cote

HUD-VASH Case Manager

Workplace & VISN

William C. Tallent VA, VISN 9

How long have you been employed by the VA?

6 years

If you are also a Veteran, what was your Branch of Service?

U.S. Army

Why did you become a social worker? What do you like about working in homeless programs?

I became a social worker to help other Veterans. There is already an established camaraderie between fellow Veterans. Transitioning from military life to civilian life can be difficult so having that experience has been helpful when building instant rapport. I love working with Homeless Veterans because when you can really integrate into their lives by delivering exceptional case management, you see a transformation — from going homeless to having their own apartment, furniture, homecooked meals, and money in their bank account. We also can address mental health and substance abuse and link Veterans with direct access to treatment services/programs. I have had 2 Veterans go from homeless to homeowners. You tell me how awesome that is?

Who is recognizing you for 2021 SW Appreciation Month and why?

Christie R. Smith, Social Work Supervisor

What do you do for fun? Favorite Quote?  What else would you like to share about yourself?

For fun…what’s that? Haha, I kid! For fun, I enjoy spending time with my husband and bonus kids, watching criminal documentaries, decorating for holidays, and napping. When life returns to normal, I would enjoy traveling overseas with my husband and the occasional trip that allows us to scuba dive.

“A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.” — Eeyore