VA Homeless Programs

“It has been an honor to lead such a dedicated and compassionate group of people. The Orange County Project-Based Team serves Veterans at seven project-based sites. The needs of each site are great. The Veterans at our project-based sites are vulnerable, and as a team, we have experienced truly difficult situations, loss, and incredible accomplishments. This team has literally saved lives and they work together when situations arise. They leave no stone unturned in order to deliver the best care. They are persistent, collaborative changemakers. There is no “I” in this team! ”

—Jennifer Vallejo, LCSW, Orange County HUD-VASH Project-Based Team Supervisor

Long Beach VA Healthcare System, VISN 22

Alex Trujillo, Brooke Birtch, Demetres Calhoun, Dominic Davis, Elizabeth Henderson, Gerard Skiles, Gregory James, Jeffery Boucher, Shadricka Pugh, Terence Millet

How long have you been employed by VA?

Team members have been working at VA between 2 months and 11 years.

Honorably Served:

Dominic Davis – U.S. Army
Gregory James – U.S. Army
Terence Millet – U.S. Air Force
Gerard Skiles – U.S. Marine Corps
Alex Trujillo – U.S. Marine Corps

Why did you become a social worker?

We became social workers to serve the men and women who put everything on the line to protect our freedoms. We are here to promote equality, safety, and social justice. 

What do you like about working in homeless programs?

We enjoy the “small wins” and the “big wins.” We know the time and effort that goes into assisting every Veteran, so we make sure that we celebrate when things go right! 

What barriers have you or your team broken down to help Veterans?

Every day, this team breaks barriers and ensures Veterans improve the quality of their lives. This looks different for each project-based Veteran. Some Veterans are trying to restart their lives by using fewer substances. Some Veterans are finally addressing their health concerns, and others are hopeful for a new beginning after living in their vehicle for many years. The team has advocated for additional resources for each project-based site. At one site, Veterans had been vocal about feeling unsafe due to the high foot traffic from non-residents. One of our social workers advocated and was able to convince Property Management to address this issue. The Veterans feel supported by their social worker and this team!

What else would you like to share about your team?

Along with the daily challenges and responsibilities that the team tackles, most of the members of the OC HUD-VASH Project-Based Team support our Social Work Service and VISN 22 by participating in the following professional growth opportunities, committees, and programs:

- HUD-VASH Port Committee
- VHA Associate Coach Development Program
- Professional Development Committee
- Certified Peer Specialist, VISN 22 Point of Contact
- CC & ICM Surge Group
- Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention VA CPT for PTSD Training Program

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

We have singers, photographers, break dancers, music producers, and volleyball players on this team!