Employee Spotlight
September 30, 2024
Danielle Mackey
HUD-VASH Social Worker
Stratton VA Medical Center
This year, we’re spotlighting VA’s Housing First approach through a series of interviews with VA employees and taking a look at how they’re working to end Veteran homelessness through this approach. Learn more about Housing First.
Q: What does Housing First mean to you?
A: To me, Housing First means focusing on helping people who are at imminent risk for eviction, staying on the street, or in some other environment that isn't safe for them, whether physically or mentally.
I think when you give someone a permanent roof over their head, it helps make them more amenable to wanting help. Not having housing would be a major stressor for any of us, but especially for someone who may be struggling with substance abuse, untreated mental health concerns, or even a medical condition.
First and foremost, Housing First applies to everyone, even if they’re in a really difficult situation. We meet people where they are.
Q: What do you think people get wrong about Housing First, and what would you like them to know instead?
A: People think that if you’re housing someone before addressing other psychosocial concerns, you're ignoring those other psychosocial concerns.
What people don't understand is that housing is such a huge grounding force for many people. If you have a place where you can shut the door and keep the world out for a little bit, you can hear your own thoughts, focus, and decide what your priorities are for yourself and your life.
Housing First helps Veterans who are juggling a lot of other issues. It makes them feel like they're worthy of having a place of their own.
Often, when I've helped someone find stable housing, the joy and satisfaction of having a place that they can decorate gives them pride. And they're just so eager to show you. It’s hard to describe unless you've experienced it, but it makes it all worth it. It really is what matters.
Q: What's your why for the work that you do in the HUD-VASH program?
A: I know that I couldn't have gotten through what I've been through in my life without the help of other people.
And so, when I go to work every day, that's my goal—to just help someone. Even if it's something as simple as giving them a phone number to call because they are looking for resources for furniture, or something as major as helping them contact a treatment program. That's why I do it.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add about Housing First and what you've been doing at Stratton?
A: What I love about our program is that we have such a great team. Having other people become involved to help support a Veteran or bouncing ideas off another colleague within the homeless program.... We need all hands on deck, to help our Veterans!
