VA Homeless Programs
Message from Monica Diaz, Executive Director, VHA Homeless Programs Office
June 2022
I will admit that I have written many drafts of this month’s message. No words seem adequate to capture the heaviness weighing on my heart.
As a mother, I cannot stop thinking about the children in Uvalde, whose futures and chances to fulfill their dreams were stolen.
As a community member, I cannot stop thinking about those who entered a Buffalo supermarket with shopping lists but instead were listed as targets—because of the color of their skin.
As a healthcare professional, I cannot stop thinking about the Tulsa team who dedicated their careers to saving lives—only to have their own taken far too soon.
As a military spouse, I cannot stop thinking about the five United States Marines from California whose families will not be greeted with another hug from their hero, but instead a folded American flag.
We cannot make sense of these senseless losses, and we cannot accept that violence is an inevitable part of the American experience. But here is what we can do.
We can work together every day to advocate for what we believe in, propelling our nation to a more peaceful future.
We can remind ourselves that ending homelessness is a critical step in the peacebuilding process and will lead to generations of peaceful outcomes for Veterans, their families, and their communities.
We can learn from the Veterans we work with every day and turn to their stories of resilience as a source of strength.
We can look around at our colleagues and partners and remember that there are so many Americans working tirelessly each day to help others and make our nation a better place.
We can ensure that across our programs, there is no place for violence or hate, and affirm our commitment to providing equitable access to high-quality care and services for all Veterans.
We can take time during Pride Month to ensure every Veteran we encounter is honored and celebrated—no matter who they are, or whom they love.
We can reflect upon the progress we have made so far this year, as outlined in our FY2021 Homeless Annual Report, and identify the challenges we can continue to solve together.
We can continue thinking about those we have lost and honor their memory by fighting each day to make our country a place where every American is protected from violence—including homelessness.
