Department of Veterans Benefits Affairs logo The Way Forward NATIONAL CALL CENTER FOR HOMELESS VETERANS
VA Homeless Programs Office Monthly Newsletter | August 2024
a veteran encampment site

NEWS THIS MONTH
A WORD FROM HPO EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR MONICA DIAZ
VA COORDINATION PLAN
FOR ENCAMPMENT CLOSURES
WHITE PAPER: IMPLEMENTING
A ONE TEAM APPROACH
ARMY VETERAN REFLECTS ON
CLIMB OUT OF HOMELESSNESS
A Word from Monica Diaz
Executive Director, VHA Homeless Programs Office

If homelessness was easy to solve, there wouldn’t be a single Veteran without a roof over their head. But it’s complex, and complex issues require creativity and all hands on deck. 

It’s been nearly five months since we implemented our all hands on deck approach: One Team. We’re already seeing success, with the pace of housing Veterans picking up and the rate of Veterans re-entering homelessness beginning to drop.  

As the name suggests, cohesiveness is a key component of One Team. It focuses on working together as a unit to provide Veterans facing homelessness with a seamless web of support rather than disconnected threads provided by different programs, services, and partners. 

READ MORE
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VA’s Response Plan for Coordinating
with Local Agencies During
Homeless Encampment Closures 		Encampment Site
We are ready to support Veterans impacted by encampment closures—providing them with same-day housing, connecting them to services to maintain permanent housing, and preventing them from entering the criminal legal system. Review our national and local strategies for helping those who are affected.

Implementing  a  One  Team  Approach
to  Ending  Veteran  Homelessness 		A person extends their hand towards another, symbolizing connection and support in their interaction.
VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System was an early adopter of the One Team approach to combating Veteran homelessness. Read about the innovative practices they are using, including close collaboration with community partners and same-day access to interim housing, to help more Veterans.
Army Veteran Reflects on Lengthy Climb Out of Homelessness A row of modern apartment buildings featuring multiple balconies, showcasing urban living and architectural design.
After her discharge from the Army, Ashfeather “Ash” Wilson couldn’t find a job that paid a living wage. With nowhere to live and her mental health in jeopardy, Wilson turned to VA, where she was quickly connected with housing assistance.
ENDING VETERAN HOMELESSNESS PODCAST
Surge events bring an influx of energy and resources to reach Veterans facing unsheltered homelessness and put them on a path to permanent housing. Hear more in Episode 27 of our Ending Veteran Homelessness podcast.
And don’t miss a bonus episode with guests from the VA Pacific Islands Healthcare System, who discuss how cultural humility is vital to working with houseless Veterans from indigenous groups in Oceania.
Listen to the latest episode
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2024 VA Women
Veterans Summit 		Wichita Veterans Ride
Free Program Extended 		Podcast: The Power
of Peer Support 		Spacer Spacer
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Spacer A professional setting where a woman shakes hands another person, illustrating a moment of partnership or business agreement Spacer A cheerful family engaging in fun activities at the park, surrounded by greenery and laughter. A person actively typing on a laptop, highlighting their hands on the keyboard and the bright display in front of them.
Make a Difference,
Hire a Veteran 		SSVF Shallow
Subsidy Services 		Complete the Project
CHALENG Survey
HPO Spotlight: Blossom Kapper
Blossom Kapper, an HCHV outreach coordinator/supervisor with the VA Bay Pines Healthcare System, knows that sometimes Veterans need more than a second chance to stay successfully housed. Our Housing First approach to Veteran homelessness means they don’t have to worry about running out of chances to find permanent housing. Read more about how Kapper is helping implement this approach in Florida.
HPO Spotlight: Blossom Kapper

National Senior Citizens Day on August 21 recognizes the older residents of our nation.
Officially declared in 1988, this day gives us a chance to show our appreciation for their dedication, accomplishments, and service.

Right now, there are over 8 million senior Veterans, a number that is projected to grow in the coming years. We’re focused on how to best serve this important and growing cohort of Veterans through our Homeless Aging and Disabled Veterans Initiative.

Aging Veterans facing homelessness have higher rates of chronic illness, so it’s critical that we find innovative ways to provide the care they need while aging in a familiar place.

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.