VA Homeless Programs Office Monthly Newsletter | July 2024
A Word from Monica Diaz
Executive Director, VHA Homeless Programs Office
Unsheltered homelessness is one of the most dangerous conditions a person can face. Sleeping on the streets, in the woods, in encampments, and under bridges, these Americans are exposed to the elements—and to uncertain conditions that take a toll on their whole health.
It’s a pressing problem for VA and for the nation as rates of unsheltered homelessness continue to rise, including among the Veteran population.
No matter where Veterans are located, or the laws of that jurisdiction, our goal remains the same: to get Veterans into safe, temporary shelter and on the path to permanent housing.
READ MORE
It’s a pressing problem for VA and for the nation as rates of unsheltered homelessness continue to rise, including among the Veteran population.
No matter where Veterans are located, or the laws of that jurisdiction, our goal remains the same: to get Veterans into safe, temporary shelter and on the path to permanent housing.
READ MORE
Services for Veterans Experiencing
or At Risk for Homelessness
The Legal Services for Homeless Veterans and Veterans At-Risk for Homelessness Grant Program has awarded funds to 108 public and non-profit organizations, a 37% increase over last year’s inaugural grant cycle. The program aims to increase access to services to help Veterans overcome legal obstacles to finding housing.
Unsheltered Veteran Homelessness
Though overall Veteran homelessness is declining, the percentage of Veterans experiencing unsheltered homelessness is rising. Download this fact sheet and infographic for key facts and figures about unsheltered Veteran homelessness or read our white paper to learn how we’re tackling the issue through resource-intensive surge events.
Employment is a key component to helping Veterans exit homelessness or avoid it altogether. This month, as we recognize National Hire a Veteran Day on July 25, we encourage you to learn about the benefits of hiring Veterans, ways VA is working to help Veterans find jobs, and how you can hire Veterans at your business.
| ENDING VETERAN HOMELESSNESS PODCAST | ||||||||||||
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In 2023, we conducted 6 surge events at VA medical centers around the country to connect unsheltered Veterans with housing resources. On this month’s episode of Ending Veteran Homelessness, Masaki Hirayama, health systems specialist with the VHA Homeless Programs Office, talks about these events and what we learned from them, as well as the dangers of unsheltered homelessness.
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Serving Unsheltered Veterans
Homeless Army Veteran’s Life
Toxic Exposure Benefits for
Homeless Veterans
USICH
Homelessness in the
Podcast Awards
CHALENG Survey
Three members of the VA Houston Health Care homeless programs team discuss what VA’s Housing First approach to ending Veteran homelessness means to them and why they’ve chosen to do this important work.
Approximately 1 in 9 working age Veterans face food insecurity, and for those dealing with homelessness, that number is even higher.
As we’re working to ensure that no Veteran faces homelessness, we also want to guarantee that no Veteran goes hungry. VA’s Food Security Office and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)have partneredto improve food security, access to nutritious diets, and healthful nutrition education for Veterans.
Stay on top of heat events using the CDC's Heat & Health Tracker to see your location’s current heat risk and weekly forecast, populations affected, and more. If your area is experiencing extreme heat, you can take steps to avoid HRI by: To self-screen for food insecurity and learn how to connect with VA assistance, click here.
Stay on top of heat events using the CDC's Heat & Health Tracker to see your location’s current heat risk and weekly forecast, populations affected, and more. If your area is experiencing extreme heat, you can take steps to avoid HRI by: To self-screen for food insecurity and learn how to connect with VA assistance, click here.
NATIONAL CALL CENTER FOR HOMELESS VETERANS
Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness are strongly
encouraged to contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
at (877) 4AID-VET (877-424-3838) for assistance.
encouraged to contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
at (877) 4AID-VET (877-424-3838) for assistance.