VA Homeless Programs
Message from Monica Diaz, Executive Director, VHA Homeless Programs Office| May 2021
May 2021
With the arrival of warmer weather and decreasing coronavirus case numbers in parts of the country, we in VHA’s Homeless Programs Office (HPO) know there is much to be optimistic about. Still, the effects of the coronavirus pandemic has put all of us, especially Veterans facing homelessness, at higher risk of mental health issues. May is recognized as Mental Health Month — a time when we work to fight the stigma of mental illness and provide avenues of support. HPO is pleased to present such a robust slate of offerings for Veterans’ needs around mental health, housing, and much more.
In this newsletter, you can learn more about the VA National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans’ research on mental health. Visit the Center’s main page to learn more about mental health and other resources for Veterans. Preventing Veteran suicide, just like eliminating Veteran homelessness, is a team effort that HPO places atop its list of priorities. VA has partnered with PsychArmor to provide S.A.V.E training online for free. S.A.V.E educates anyone on how to help prevent suicide among Veterans. People who take the course can learn how to identify Veterans who may be at risk for suicide and what to do to intervene.
Veterans who are experiencing homelessness with access to a phone can call VA’s toll-free National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-424-3838 (1-877-4AID-Vet) or use VA’s Homeless Veteran Chat service if they have access to a computer. VA’s Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans Program also provides services to Veterans around substance use, health care exams and referrals, and mental health issues. Learn more about all of these supportive services on VA’s Mental Health Services for Veterans page. Of course, any Veteran anywhere can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 or go to VeteransCrisisLine.net to chat with a responder; they can also send a text message to 838255 for 24/7 support. Many Veterans have recovered from issues around mental health, substance use, and homelessness; find their stories at MakeTheConnection.net.
You will also find more information about the HPO Strategic Plan, which was published last month, and resources for encouraging Veterans to, at least, talk with their healthcare provider about the COVID-19 vaccine. We know that many Veterans have been especially affected by the pandemic and need support getting vaccinated.
These pieces of information go hand-in-hand, because each is part of HPO’s comprehensive approach to supporting Veterans; without a thoughtful, innovative, and evidence-based plan, we could not support Veterans in the areas of housing, employment, and mental health services. We are hopeful about the future and as always, are working to meet the call to support Veterans’ well-being.
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Dial 1-877-4AID-VET
(1-877-424-3838)
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Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can call or visit their local VA Medical Center (VAMC) and ask for a Homeless Coordinator. Use the VA locator tool www.va.gov/directory to find your nearest VAMC and call or visit today.
