VA Homeless Programs
Message from Monica Diaz, Executive Director, VHA Homeless Programs Office
October 2021
National Case Management Week is a time to recognize case management professionals for their important roles in helping clients achieve optimum wellness and independence. We celebrate U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) case management professionals across the country for their untiring dedication and compassion in helping Veterans achieve their medical, occupational, and financial goals, and so much more. Their importance in connecting Veterans facing housing crises to the benefits and services they have earned and deserve cannot be overstated. VA case management professionals are integral in leading Veterans facing housing instability down the pathway to permanent housing, skills enhancement, improved income prospects, and greater self-determination.
As eviction bans and other COVID-19 renter protections end, it’s unlikely that demand for VA’s homeless prevention and rapid rehousing services will decline in the near future. Thus, we are pleased that the recent expansion of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program’s Shallow Subsidy Initiative will promote long-term housing stability among vulnerable Veterans by providing rental assistance payments—covering 35% of eligible Veterans’ rent—directly to landlords on behalf of eligible Veteran households for up to two years.
During this unprecedented time, the Homeless Programs Office (HPO) remains committed to implementing innovative housing solutions like the SSVF Shallow Subsidy Initiative, a program that helped ensure all Veterans have a safe place to call home. If you or a Veteran you know are facing eviction, visit va.gov/HousingResources to learn about assistance and services available to you.
October also brings us the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, as well as the start of LGBT+ History Month and Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month, during which we acknowledge the diverse backgrounds of the Veterans we support and serve. Awareness months are not trivial to staff assigned to VHA homeless programs. Each presents a wonderful opportunity for all of us to broaden our knowledge about the diverse Veteran population we serve, which improves our delivery of culturally competent care. We hope that, no matter the month, this newsletter inspires you to consider the unique needs and circumstances of the diverse American Veteran community.
For more information about the VA Homeless Programs, visit www.va.gov/homeless.
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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.
