VA Homeless Programs

“Katie started with HPACT doing an internship. Just as the internship ended, our social worker took a different position and Katie got the job. She jumped in with both feet! She has been presented with some of the most challenging Veterans we could imagine, and she does her best to help them achieve their best outcome. She reminds us frequently that we must respect each Veteran’s free will and work within those boundaries. She is wise beyond her young years and caring to all. She frequently covers other teams, stays late to transport Veterans, or get them needed supplies. She goes above and beyond. As the team CNP says: “Her outstanding efforts to serve the homeless veterans is like a constant soft echo and ever flowing stream of water. She is ‘always present’ in every situation to problem solve. A great team player no matter the differences. A great asset and a blessing for the Homeless Team!!” Central Ohio homeless Veterans and our small HPACT group are fortunate to have her!”

— Geetha Nagarajan CNP & Marti Radanovich RN, BSN

Katelyn M. Fox, HPACT

HPACT Social Worker

Workplace & VISN

Chalmers P Wylie Veterans Outpatient Clinic, VISN 10

How long have you been employed by the VA?

2 ½ years

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

Social work is something that fell into my lap at the end of my undergrad in college, and I found such a passion for it quickly. I always knew I wanted to do something that made a difference and could help people; Social Work fit that, plus so much more. I find the homeless population to be a big challenge today but being able to see Veterans make such huge changes in their lives and knowing that I can offer resources, direction, and support for them to get there is so rewarding at the end of the day. Homelessness affects not only individuals, but communities as a whole and I feel such a sense of humility knowing that I am making a difference in the goal of ending Veteran homelessness.

COVID has had such a significant impact on the field of social work and how resources and care can be delivered and utilized. The time is always right for social work, but in our current world, I believe social work is needed more than ever. There is so much fear and uncertainty throughout society, and social work is something that people look to continue providing the same services, or more, to combat the ongoing issues, even with everchanging circumstances.

New challenges and barriers have emerged, and social workers everywhere have adapted to ensure they are still able to provide the best care to those in need.

What else would you like to share about yourself?

For fun, I am usually playing sand volleyball throughout Columbus. When I am taking some time off from this and traveling with friends, you can usually find me crocheting or painting at home with my rambunctious cats!

“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” — Edith Wharton