Message from Monica Diaz, Executive Director, VHA Homeless Programs Office | November 2020 - VA Homeless Programs
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Message from Monica Diaz, Executive Director, VHA Homeless Programs Office | November 2020

November 2020

Monica Diaz

November is National Veterans and Military Families Month. To honor this observance, this edition of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Homeless Programs Office (HPO) newsletter features the stories of Veterans who have successfully exited homelessness with help from our programs and supportive services.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert Wilkie addressed the public in a Veterans Day message, stating that VA represents "our grateful nation in delivering to Veterans the programs and services they've earned." That, of course, includes Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Throughout the years, HPO has delivered essential programs and services to this Veteran population, and I am proud to recognize these accomplishments:

Since 2010, HPO has made significant progress toward its goals. In the United States, there has been a 50% overall decline in homelessness among Veterans. Additionally, more than 800,000 Veterans and their family members have been permanently housed, rapidly rehoused, or prevented from experiencing homelessness thanks to VA's homelessness programs. In 90 communities throughout the country, there has been a decline of 25% or more in homelessness among Veterans between 2018 and 2019 alone. Most importantly, 81 communities and three states—Connecticut, Delaware, and Virginia—have successfully ended Veteran homelessness. In the newly released VHA Homeless Programs Office Fiscal Year 2019 Annual Report, we are proud to share these and other major outcomes from our work to ensure every Veteran has safe, stable housing.

This month, HPO is honored to share a few true Veteran stories behind these inspiring numbers. I hope you'll join me in keeping the spirit of appreciation alive this Veterans Month and as we move to close out the year. HPO is humbled by the opportunity to serve those who have sacrificed so much for our country, this month and every month.

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