VA Homeless Programs
Message from Monica Diaz, Executive Director, VHA Homeless Programs Office
November 2021
In what would be his last Thanksgiving Proclamation, President John F. Kennedy said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” Each November, I am reminded of the late president’s message, as perhaps no other month offers as many opportunities for us to extend gratitude together as a nation.
For those who work within VHA homeless programs, Veterans Day and Military Family Month are not observed once a year, but rather every day. Every member of our team exemplifies JFK’s challenge to live by their gratitude to Veterans. Their dedication to honoring Veterans and serving military families is obvious in the grit, empathy, creativity, dedication, and teamwork they bring to this work. I could not be prouder to work alongside this team, and I hope my admiration is evident.
I also would like to echo feedback I hear from the Veterans and military families impacted by the work VHA Homeless Programs accomplish. If not for these services, numerous Veterans and their families would be without stable and safe housing, and likely face a host of alternative health and social outcomes. These programs change lives, and no words are enough to express how thankful our Veterans and their families are.
This Thanksgiving, many of us may be reuniting with loved ones after a prolonged time apart. As we celebrate our own health and safety, I also encourage us to think of those families who may face an empty chair this year due to the pandemic or may be spending Thanksgiving without a home. I am hopeful that by next Thanksgiving, fewer Americans will be faced with either scenario thanks to VA expanding booster shot availability and VA’s new ruling increasing rental subsidies for Veterans. The ability to provide more vaccines and expand housing options for Veterans are no small feats, and it is progress I feel thankful for this year.
Additionally, November is National Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the contributions American Indians and Alaska Natives have made to our nation, including those who have served in the military. Native Americans have served in every military engagement in U.S. history and serve at a higher rate than any ethnic group. However, too many Native Americans continue to face increased risk factors of homelessness such as poverty, domestic violence, and health challenges. Furthermore, forced displacement and discriminatory policies in the past have likely contributed to a myriad of issues experienced by this population, including homelessness.
I am proud of the recent decision by VA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to dedicate $4.4 million in Tribal HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (Tribal HUD-VASH) grants to 28 Tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs). This commitment will help provide housing and case management services to Native American Veterans experiencing homelessness and will have lasting impacts for generations of Native Americans.
Thank you to everyone who supports our nation's Veterans — you embody President Kennedy’s definition of showing the “highest appreciation,” and for this, I appreciate you!
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.
