VHA Homeless Programs was here on June 23rd, at 3PM EST. What questions do you have about resources for Veterans who are homeless?

2020-06-16T15:58:00-04:00

You can ask questions to the following people:
Anthony Love - Director of Community Engagement at Veterans Affairs
John Kuhn - National Director, SSVF at Department at Veterans Affairs
Matthew Stimmel - National Training Director, Veterans Justice Programs at Veterans Affairs
Jillian Weber National Program Manager Homeless -PACT at Veterans Affairs
Jeffery Quarles - National Director, Grant and Per Diem Program at Veterans Affairs

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program
The SSVF program was authorized by Public Law 110-387 and provides supportive services to very low-income Veteran families that are currently in or transitioning to permanent housing. SSVF is designed to rapidly re-house homeless Veteran families and prevent homelessness for those at imminent risk due to a housing crisis. Funds are granted to private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives that will assist very low-income Veteran families by providing a range of supportive services designed to promote housing stability.

Veterans Justice Programs
Services for Veterans Involved in the Criminal Justice System
Incarceration as an adult male is the most powerful predictor of homelessness. VA services for justice-involved Veterans are therefore provided through two dedicated national programs, both prevention-oriented components of VA’s Homeless Programs: Health Care for Reentry Veterans (HCRV) and Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO). Known collectively as the Veterans Justice Programs (VJP), HCRV and VJO facilitate access to needed VA health care and other services for Veterans at all stages of the criminal justice process, from initial contact with law enforcement through community reentry following extended incarceration.

Veterans Justice Outreach
VJO Specialists serve Veterans at earlier stages of the criminal justice process, with a three-
pronged focus on outreach to community law enforcement, jails, and courts. VJO Specialists at each VAMC work with Veterans in the local criminal courts (including but not limited to the
Veterans Treatment Courts, or VTCs), conduct outreach in local jails, and engage with local law
enforcement by delivering VA-focused training sessions and other informational presentations.
Each VA medical center has at least one VJO Specialist, who serves as a liaison between VA
and the local criminal justice system.

Health Care for Reentry Veterans
HCRV Specialists provide outreach to Veterans approaching release from state and Federal
prisons. They briefly assess reentry Veterans’ probable treatment needs, help Veterans plan to
access responsive services upon release, and provide post-release follow-up as needed to
ensure that Veterans are engaged with needed services. Most HCRV Specialists are based at
VA medical centers (VAMC), but they typically serve Veterans across a large area, often
conducting outreach to prison facilities in at least one entire state, and sometimes an entire
Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN).

Homeless-Patient Aligned Care Team (H-PACT)
H-PACT is a multi-disciplinary, population-tailored medical home designed around the unique needs and distinct challenges homeless Veterans face both accessing and engaging in health care. An interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, and case managers respond to the ongoing and evolving medical, mental health, and susbstance abuse needs of Veterans experiencing homelessness in one setting. The H-PACT care model centers on five core elements that distinguish it from tradtional primary care models including (1) reducing barriers to care, (2) offering one-stop wrap-around services that are integrated and coordianted, (3) engaging Veterans in intensive case management, (4) providing high quality, culturally-competent based care, and (5) providing performance-based and accountable care with use of real-time data and predictive analytics.

Make the Call
If you or a Veteran you know is homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless, trained, supportive professionals are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to connect you with the services you have earned. If you need safe, stable housing and you’re in crisis, Make the Call to 877-4AID-VET [login to see] ) or chat online at https://rly.pt/VAhomeless

Stay healthy
• Eligible Veterans can receive health care, including mental health care and treatment for substance use.

Secure safe, stable housing
• Veterans at imminent risk of becoming homeless can get assistance with expenses such as utilities and child care to help them stay in their homes.
• Qualified Veterans in temporary housing can get help finding a permanent place to live.
• VA can help Veterans having trouble making mortgage payments explore options to avoid foreclosure.

Find a job
• VA provides job training or referrals to help eligible Veterans gain skills to prepare them for employment.
• Work therapy programs can help Veterans who are homeless find temporary housing and a paying job.

Get a degree
• VA can help eligible Veterans go back to school and assist with living expenses while they pursue their studies.

No Veteran should ever be homeless.
Veterans can face unique physical, emotional, and financial challenges related to their service, and some of these challenges can lead to difficulty finding or keeping a home. Having a safe, stable place to call home can give Veterans a foundation to get back on their feet. If you or someone you served with is homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless, or is in crisis, VA is here to help.

VAhomeless

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Jun 16 at 2020 4:01 PM

2020-06-16T16:01:38-04:00

Thanks for sharing!

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 16 at 2020 4:05 PM

2020-06-16T16:05:06-04:00

Really don't have a question to ask, just thanking you for what you do for veterans.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Jun 16 at 2020 6:11 PM

2020-06-16T18:11:00-04:00

Thank you for the information!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 16 at 2020 6:24 PM

2020-06-16T18:24:12-04:00

How do u find them?

Response by SrA Tuesday Harmon made Jun 17 at 2020 5:49 PM

2020-06-17T17:49:49-04:00

I am not homeless but I live in very bad conditions and I take care of everyone off of a fast food job. Why do I have to live on the sidewalk before the VA will help me get affordable housing for me and my family? I can't afford to feed everyone and I also take care of my husband. I need advice on how to get a place to live that is safe, affordable, and clean.

Response by SGT Carl Watson made Jun 17 at 2020 6:21 PM

2020-06-17T18:21:16-04:00

I support on person who is asking for assistance to help her family as many persons or families are asking similar questions. I was homeless in 2016 and one VA employee offered to me an application for a possible apartment in another state. In 2017 as I am a disable veteran in a wheelchair and I was offered the Transitional Housing with my bad back and limited sitting, standing and walking. Transitional houses usually have steps but the worse part is I would have to go to rehab meetings as if I was recovering from drugs or alcohol. I still live in a hotel because the last contractor with HUD illegally evicted me destroying my credit. The VA, HUD and the federal government needs to do something.

Response by PVT Robert Zawodski made Jun 17 at 2020 7:19 PM

2020-06-17T19:19:37-04:00

I am at a critical impasse in my life I am 70 years old & homeless no family relationships limited income receive $1,027 a month from a non-service-connected VA Pension however the constant threat of violence and Coronavirus contraction are the Apex of my troubles don't know what to do I've contemplated suicide multiple times I don't have any drug issues or alcohol issues but if I do terminate my life it will be by alcohol overdose 151 rum....

Response by SN Marque Hudspeth made Jun 17 at 2020 7:47 PM

2020-06-17T19:47:21-04:00

Hi. I’m a veteran currently participating in SSVF. Will this be a virtual meeting with VHA? I would like to learn more about this please:

Get a degree
• VA can help eligible Veterans go back to school and assist with living expenses while they pursue their studies.

Response by SSgt Abraham Santiago made Jun 17 at 2020 7:57 PM

2020-06-17T19:57:26-04:00

Are there types of veteran community low housing that I can apply for?

Response by PO3 Alex Bravo made Jun 17 at 2020 9:31 PM

2020-06-17T21:31:06-04:00

Why don't you place more emphasis on employing veterans into the federal job system? It is not about lowering standards, is about re-routing resources to ensure jobs for veterans and at the same decreasing homelessness among veterans. Veterans are proud people and charity for those of us that can still work is insulting.

Why not pushing for a federal law to hold those human resources personnel who are not trained well enough making their decisions accountable on their denial of a job with the federal government to veterans and their immediate families? Those people should be placed under notice to fully explain their decisions to pass over a job opportunity to deserving veterans who are clearly qualified.

I have a degree in Biochemistry and superb experience in the private sector. Every time I apply for a federal job, I get a non sense response that I do not qualify or I do not meet the minimum qualifications when I am doing, or have done the same kind of work in the private sector.

I am a particular case, there are many out there that have been affected by these irresponsible people and most of them are not veterans themselves. 5 or 10 points for being a veteran is a joke, not because of my experience, but veterans should not be given more than a job to support themselves and their families and not charity money. I do not want charity, I want a decent chance to serve again in a different capacity. The vast majority of veterans want a job and hence, no homelessness, no decent veteran wants your pity and given CHARITY, we earned the privilege and those civilian people discriminating against veterans did not, and yet they are a big reason for indirect veteran homelessness.

Response by Sgt Julie Snider made Jun 17 at 2020 10:10 PM

2020-06-17T22:10:29-04:00

I am a an unemployed USAF Veteran who is permanently disabled since 2013. I currently live in my parents living room, but desire my own quarters. My credit is also poor and I’m currently working with a law firm to try and improve my credit. This program is part of RENT TO OWN. Self explanatory, but I must get my score up to 640 before I can apply with them.

My question to you is will you programs help me, too? I’m hoping the aforementioned group will be able to help me but it is as yet unknown.

I am very interested in working with you to acquire housing assistance.

Many thanks in advance for your assistance!
Julie

Response by CPL Lamont Cotton made Jun 17 at 2020 11:22 PM

2020-06-17T23:22:05-04:00

I'm not homeless but I also live in a bad condition. I want to get into stable housing. The community where I live is very dangerous. I was moved here by a Landlord that works with the VA.

Response by TSgt Robert Veach made Jun 17 at 2020 11:47 PM

2020-06-17T23:47:58-04:00

Why are there homeless veterans in the U.S.? I quite school in the 8th grade, but managed to retire from the USAF, and form a university as a Lab/Tech and lived long enough to retire as a senior citizen, I will never be homeless. I cannot understand how todays educated people are being homeless? If I can do it, so can everyone else, what am I missing?

Response by SP5 Bush Davis made Jun 18 at 2020 12:13 AM

2020-06-18T00:13:02-04:00

Where would be on 23 I’m in Miami and exactly what location?

Response by SGT Michael Louis made Jun 18 at 2020 2:18 AM

2020-06-18T02:18:43-04:00

I am not living on the street but I do not have a place to stay. Its with friends at the moment but Im not okay with my situation

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2020 6:52 AM

2020-06-18T06:52:40-04:00

I live homeless partially by choice. The cost of living near my job is not near enough. Va education is garnishing 55% of my pay because some civilian says they over paid me for BAH. They cannot show where they over paid but they sure can slap a garnishment by just saying they did.
My credit score won’t ever be over 640 to qualify because of this. So this is another program created civilian jobs and “says” it helps veterans. How about nonprofit for Vets run by Vets. I have wanted to start a Veteran Run Non Profit for years. If anyone wants to join me give this a “thumbs up”!

Response by Amn Jack Disraeli made Jun 18 at 2020 7:50 AM

2020-06-18T07:50:00-04:00

What are the qualifications for a Veteran to live in a Veteran's home??

Response by CPT David Gowel made Jun 18 at 2020 10:21 AM

2020-06-18T10:21:22-04:00

Thank you all very much for the important work you are doing. For those Veterans you have known to become homeless and then escape homelessness forever, what are the most common actions that have helped those Vets succeed in such a challenging situation (educational/employment programs, substance use programs, networking at VSOs, other)?

Response by PVT Robert Zawodski made Jun 18 at 2020 3:10 PM

2020-06-18T15:10:06-04:00

Redundant long-winded Jabberwocky from the bureaucracy I seen this bad movie multiple times before when this event is all said and done guess what you'll be referred either to a mission or homeless shelter the VA is a fraud...

Response by FA Sammy Sebree made Jun 18 at 2020 3:48 PM

2020-06-18T15:48:26-04:00

I'm a homeless veteran desperate to find a stable place to live, please help me

Response by SrA Ronald Bedenis made Jun 19 at 2020 9:18 AM

2020-06-19T09:18:31-04:00

How can I help. At this time I have applied for a grant to study the feasibility of acquiring a old hotel in Orlando to convert to one bedroom units for veterans

Response by SGT Carl Watson made Jun 21 at 2020 2:24 PM

2020-06-21T14:24:54-04:00

The least that someone could have done is to state a correct email address: http://rly.pt/VAhomeless is not authentic. First it was a ERROR then it offers multiple sites.

VAhomeless

Response by PVT Robert Zawodski made Jun 21 at 2020 9:04 PM

2020-06-21T21:04:53-04:00

VHA I've seen this bad movie multiple times I'll bet a dime to a Donuts the bureaucracy will refer me to a homeless shelter indoor mission keep wear a hatred violence and racism reign supreme

Response by PVT Robert Zawodski made Jun 21 at 2020 9:14 PM

2020-06-21T21:14:42-04:00

Who's fooling who the VA bureaucracy and the politicians on both sides of the aisle hate honorably discharged homeless veterans there's no spin about this reality

Response by SP5 Michael Cates made Jun 22 at 2020 6:14 PM

2020-06-22T18:14:40-04:00

Hi I am Michael Martin Cates! I am a Vietnam Veteran who came home and went to College and got a Teaching Cred. (Sec.) and Opened "Broadway Gymnastic School in 1978 just about ten years after returning from my first Tour of Duty in Vietnam during TET! I have grown it ever sense and just celebrated our 40th year in business! I/we would like to offer ALL Veterans Free Gymnastics Lessons! How do we get the word out?

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jun 22 at 2020 9:42 PM

2020-06-22T21:42:43-04:00

Thanks for having this important conversation. If you’re a veteran who lost your job due to COVID-19 and can’t make housing payments, what resources are available to help get back on track and avoid losing your home?

Response by CPL Randolph Martinez made Jun 23 at 2020 11:25 AM

2020-06-23T11:25:30-04:00

Where is this meeting today?

Response by John Kuhn made Jun 23 at 2020 3:57 PM

2020-06-23T15:57:01-04:00

Thank you for joining us today to discuss these important resources. Many Veterans and their families are now finding themselves in a situation they never thought possible. Perhaps unemployed for the first time in many years and facing accumulating debt, they are unfamiliar with VA programs that may be able to provide assistance. I encourage you to share what you have learned and let Veterans know they can reach out to [login to see] for assistance. Thank you for your service!

Response by Anthony Love made Jun 23 at 2020 3:57 PM

2020-06-23T15:57:09-04:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in the discussion. If you are in search of additional information, please go to our website http://www.va.gov/homeless or call [login to see] . If you have additional questions email [login to see] .

homeless

Response by Jeffery Quarles made Jun 23 at 2020 3:58 PM

2020-06-23T15:58:18-04:00

Thanks for your questions and comments today. If you know someone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness they can receive help 24 hours a day 7 days a week from the National Call Center on Veterans Homelessness at [login to see] .

Response by Matthew Stimmel made Jun 23 at 2020 4:01 PM

2020-06-23T16:01:03-04:00

Thank you for your participation. If you know a Veteran who is involved with the criminal justice system or is currently incarcerated who could benefit from outreach and/or linkage to VA services, please visit theVeterans Justice Outreach (https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/VJO.asp) and Health Care for Re-Entry Veterans (https://www.va.gov/homeless/reentry.asp) websites.

VJO.asp)

Response by Jillian Weber made Jun 23 at 2020 4:11 PM

2020-06-23T16:11:04-04:00

Thank you all for joining the discussion and your interest in learning about VHA Homeless Programs. Additional information about Homeless-Patient Aligned Care Teams (H-PACT) can be found at https://www.va.gov/homeless/h_pact.asp. To find the closest VA Medical Center to you please visit http://www.va.gov/directory and please be sure to call in advance for changes in policies and procedures during this COVID-19 emergency.

h_pact.asp.

Response by Sgt Dunshae Taylor made Jun 24 at 2020 3:03 AM

2020-06-24T03:03:41-04:00

I’m currently located at the extended stay in Dearborn next to Fairlane mall. I was put in this hotel for over a month so far but my time is running out.

My situation is weird but it’s just because it’s system based, I’m a marine veteran who last year was approved for a HUD Vash voucher but no apartment would still accept me. So I moved to Peru to have a better cost of living but a close friend died in March and I flew back here to the US before the outbreak.

So I became homeless again in the same situation when all I’m trying to do is find stability for my mind and for my kids to have a stable place to spend time with.

Response by SGT Vanessa Brown made Jun 24 at 2020 11:47 PM

2020-06-24T23:47:07-04:00

Would the VA consider purchasing housing for Veterans who are at risk of homelessness?
My name is V. Brown. I am a Real estate Agent in Central NJ. I often receive referral clients from the VA. These are Veteran clients in need of housing. Most of them make too much money to qualify for VA assistance and yet credit issues are a barrier to obtaining rental housing. Low credit scores should not be considered for U.S. Veterans especially when they are gainfully employed. Also, when a Veteran tries to use the VA eligibility to purchase a home, again the same credit issues remain a barrier to housing. Our country could do better by our Veterans concerning housing be forgoing any credit issues, or purchase housing on the Veterans behalf.

V. Brown (SGT)
U.S. Army Veteran
Weichert Realtors

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2020 12:40 AM

2020-06-25T00:40:39-04:00

How can a Nation which supposedly prides itself on a Strong Military; kick these Homeless Veterans to the curb by not assisting them in their time of need, when they served you so well in your time of need?

Response by SPC Floyd Hall made Jun 25 at 2020 10:29 PM

2020-06-25T22:29:51-04:00

Why am I receiving this email 2 days after the event occured?

Response by MSgt Roger Bon made Jun 26 at 2020 10:34 PM

2020-06-26T22:34:57-04:00

I do believe some veterans are homeless because they prefer to live that way and take advantage of the free B's. Others have a mental and/or physical deficiency that limits their ability to function in society. Finding these individuals adequate housing is not the complete answer for their problem. Assisting these homeless is more complex than just housing; learning to leave the past behind and moving forward is the more difficult part of the solution.

Roger Bon, MSgt, USAF, Retired

Response by Capt David Turner made Sep 17 at 2020 11:12 PM

2020-09-17T23:12:02-04:00

I was a homeless vet. I went to them, they referred me to the community organizations, who said they couldn't help me. It doesn't work. At least in my experience it didnt. I lived in my truck.