Employee Spotlight
August 11, 2023
Ilana Marmon, LICSW
Coordinated Entry Specialist
Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program
Q: How long have you worked for VA?
A: Ten years.
Q: What is your current role at VA?
A: I am a Coordinated Entry Specialist with the Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) program with the Washington DC VA Medical Center. I cover the District of Columbia and two other surrounding Continuums of Care within the Washington DC VAMC catchment area. I also work closely with the HCHV outreach team as a Team Lead.
Q: What is coordinated entry (CE), and why is it important?
A: It is a process of communities and stakeholders working together in a coordinated way to end homelessness. It’s a recognition that tackling homelessness is a community effort, and we all need to be working together to solve it.
CE creates a level playing field for all Veterans. A Veteran experiencing homelessness who has never used VA services has just as much of an opportunity for housing as a Veteran who has. It eliminates having to be at the right place at the right time or having to get the right person on the phone.
Q: Who or what inspired you to pursue a career working to end Veteran homelessness?
A: I started my social work career in 2001 with an early Housing First program in New York, which cemented my passion for working with the homeless population. I have worked with people experiencing homelessness in some capacity for most of my career. I was drawn to working with Veterans in previous roles and wanted to focus my career on working with Veterans and giving back to them.
Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
A: This work can’t happen without the support of our VA colleagues and community partners. I enjoy working with my team as well as with community providers, SSVF partners and stakeholders, trying to improve systems and brainstorm ways to better support Veterans and update our processes. Navigating VA programs can be overwhelming for Veterans and the community. I enjoy demystifying our services for others and helping to make them easier to access for Veterans and providers.
Q: What do most people get wrong about homelessness?
A: Everyone experiencing homelessness has a story and every story is different. No one plans to become homeless, and it can happen to anyone. There is still a misconception that people need to be “housing ready” to be successful in housing, but with the right supports, people with long periods of homelessness can successfully stay housed. There is also no “one size fits all” for housing. Every Veteran’s needs and preferences are different, and the level of housing support must be tailored to meet those needs. Veterans are incredibly resilient.
Q: What is your “why” for this work?
A: I am always learning new things. The work is never boring and keeps me on my toes. It’s rewarding to work in an environment with others who have the same goals and are passionate about helping Veterans.
The work is also about building relationships – with the Veterans, colleagues, and the community. Many Veterans are distrustful about working with VA and I enjoy building that trust over time. I’m grateful for the relationships I’ve built with VA colleagues and community partners.
