Posted on Jun 16, 2020
VHA Homeless Programs was here on June 23rd, at 3PM EST. What questions do you have about resources for Veterans who are homeless?
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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.
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.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
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Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 37
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Amn Jack Disraeli
Dear SGT Carl Watson,
Thanks for the good information. I will keep up with this information; if I am so disabled to qualify for admission to a Veterans' Home I would like to do that.
Most Sincerely,
Jack Disraeli (USAF: Honorable discharge)
Thanks for the good information. I will keep up with this information; if I am so disabled to qualify for admission to a Veterans' Home I would like to do that.
Most Sincerely,
Jack Disraeli (USAF: Honorable discharge)
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Anthony Love
If you are referring to a State Veteran's home, rules and qualifications vary from state to state. It can range from a home requiring the veteran to be totally disabled and unable to earn an income to another home evaluating residency in the home on the basis of medical need or age. Others may have different qualifications all together.
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John Kuhn
Hello Amn Jack Disraeli. I am assuming you are talking about State Soldiers Homes. This varies by state as they are actually run by the state, not VA. Check with your State's Military and Veterans Affairs Department.
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SGT Carl Watson
John Kuhn - I was in Phoenix and on the east side of the VAMC attached was a clinic supported apparently by the VA for veterans that needed special treatment or care and on the west side not attached but separated only by a VA VAMC parking lot was a possibly State Soldiers Home. I never saw a veteran to come out or walk out of the Home. I think that you have provided some good advice.
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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”!
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”!
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SrA (Join to see)
Hello John, in 2015 I was in Atlanta looking for work and a cheaper cost of living. I went to the Va. Their homeless assistance consisted of having a washer and dryer. A as in ONE of each. They told me I could apply for medical assistance. I thought why not. I was having issues from my first enlistment. The Va. in Atlanta is built on an old base. Half was turned into a.movie studio and the other half is many beautiful and empty offices. The nice civilian none prior service rep that helped me get medical walked me through empty off after office. There were dozens. Finally we get to a modest corner office with 3 desks. I comment to him. All those single desk offices and you have to share this one? No he says. They are all available no one else works in those offices or in the two empty desks in his office. Old barracks used as offices and not shelter for vets not jobs for anyone. Please! I would take a moldy room I have to clean up if they had not turned them into empty offices. John Kuhn
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SrA (Join to see)
The last time I tried to ask for housing assistance I was pulled aside by a social worker and told that they were trying to build a case to tale my son away from me. That I should be careful what I say. I was lucky that I could show my son has a safe place to live. And because I have a job I am not eligible for housing assistance.John Kuhn
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SrA (Join to see)
John Kuhn - I made the calls. I got one call back. That call was only an intake person to gather my information. They said they would refer me to other agencies that would be reaching out to me. Still waiting. No call, or email. I am posting this to draw attention to the little VA does.
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SrA (Join to see)
Anthony Love - I had this happen before. Last time I was owned $2000 for my final move after ETSing move home. Fort Mead's Transportation office claimed they could not find my paperwork and refused to pay the second half I was owned. Several years later they got new software in the transportation office. My old account was found as not completed. The $2000 they owed me became $1500 I owed them. After disputing it they added penalties and reported it on my credit. So disputing it could cost me more financial pain. If there is get me a phone number to call. I will gladly post my findings afterwards.
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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
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Jeffery Quarles
You can reach out to the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans. There is someone available 7 days a week 24 hours per day who can connect you with resources in your area [login to see]
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SrA (Join to see)
Hi SP5 Davis - This event will take place on this page. The VA organizations listed above will be online at 3PM EST today (June 23rd) to answer questions in writing.
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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.
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.
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SGT Carl Watson
I do not know why your applications are not accepted but I want to know why you would want a government job if you do not have any problems getting jobs inn the private sector. Nine percent of the postal workers are veterans or 9,000 postal employees are veterans. I recently read that several private businesses are available to hire veterans at Walgreen's, Walmart, CVS, Pizza Hut and many other companies.
Don't get me wrong because I had a veteran representative that refused to refer me to a company because he said that the company had too many lay-off's. The next month the company were hiring more people.
Don't get me wrong because I had a veteran representative that refused to refer me to a company because he said that the company had too many lay-off's. The next month the company were hiring more people.
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PO3 Alex Bravo
Because the government sets the standards and regulations all industries must follow. That means working with the latest possible technologies out there, which is not necessarily true in the private sector. The ability and access to work on how industries work is a continuous challenge.
To give an example, think of lead on products coming from China to the United States. Who do you think set the standards and testing for lead detection and its concentration? Another more recent example COVID-19, who tells companies and approve their medication or vaccinations are safe for public use? government agencies have to ensure and approve or deny all products for the public consumption.
That means, working with not only the latest technologies, but also the very best group of scientists. The job itself is not much of an issue for me, but to get involved with the best and in that serve in a different capacity is also what people like me want.
Veterans are proven good workers, reliable and willing to serve. Federal jobs it should be a privilege reserved for veterans and families first at any skill level to continue serving this country. Besides, only a percentage of the population has the guts to serve (and this includes veterans families), why would you not want veterans as part of a requirement for federal jobs when there are many homeless veterans out there willing to serve? If the system does not work for someone like me, how difficult is for another veteran to be given the chance?
To give an example, think of lead on products coming from China to the United States. Who do you think set the standards and testing for lead detection and its concentration? Another more recent example COVID-19, who tells companies and approve their medication or vaccinations are safe for public use? government agencies have to ensure and approve or deny all products for the public consumption.
That means, working with not only the latest technologies, but also the very best group of scientists. The job itself is not much of an issue for me, but to get involved with the best and in that serve in a different capacity is also what people like me want.
Veterans are proven good workers, reliable and willing to serve. Federal jobs it should be a privilege reserved for veterans and families first at any skill level to continue serving this country. Besides, only a percentage of the population has the guts to serve (and this includes veterans families), why would you not want veterans as part of a requirement for federal jobs when there are many homeless veterans out there willing to serve? If the system does not work for someone like me, how difficult is for another veteran to be given the chance?
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SGT Carl Watson
Thanks for your response and I will respond that I have worked as a contractor since 1966 when I was eighteen with multiple companies from an aircraft mechanic assembler to an electrical engineer. I applied for an electrician job at a federal government Naval Base and I was told that I failed the Algebra test although I had made a "B" in Algebra-Trigonometry at a college just the previous semester, When I requested to see the test under the policy I was told that the test was destroyed prior to when it was supposed to. I never looked back to ever applying again for a government job. I have worked in Research and Development at Northrop; In modifications at Boeing; At electrical engineering at Lockheed-Martin as we a most companies offer the technology, not the government. Secondly, the government may consider you too qualified, not sure. I do know that the government is looking for someone that wants to kiss their buns.
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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....
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SGT Carl Watson
Are the VSO's open now because I had to email my headquarters. I'm 72 now and I was robbed in 2017 just visiting relatives in Memphis. This place has gone down to the dogs and I would hate to see some cities with this virus going on. There is a Hotline for the VA but I heard that sometimes the put on hold or no answer are problems. I hope that the telephone number above is helpful for this veteran who needs help, now. Traveling at 70 is not safe these days especially on a bus or train and veterans should not have to leave their state.
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PVT Robert Zawodski
The VA is a fraud a Canard you dial up this 800 phone number you better make sure you do not say that you're suicidal because the a****** that you're talking to will dial up the cops and now you have a real event that might wind up into a fatality
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John Kuhn
Private Zawodski, it may not feel like it, but there are resources available that can address your housing and connect you to other Veterans. The crisis hotline is an important resource as SN Marque Hudspeth suggests.
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Anthony Love
You don't have to call, you can text 838255 and communicate that way. Also, you can go to the website to chat anonymously at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat. For help with getting out of homeless, call [login to see] .
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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.
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SGT Carl Watson
Why doesn't the VA have a list of apartments, townhouses and houses for rent for veterans and to advise us with guidance to rent with good or bad credit for disabled or non-disabled?
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John Kuhn
Hello Sgt Carl Watson. 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 [login to see] ) for assistance. SSVF will pay for temporary hotel/motel placements while helping you find and pay for permanent housing.
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Anthony Love
SGT Watson, not sure when the last time you visited the VA, but if not recent, give them another chance. you can reach them directly at [login to see] Mon-Fri 7:30 am to 4:00 pm or if you can't call at that time, contact the Homeless Veterans Hotline at
[login to see]
[login to see]
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SGT Carl Watson
John Kuhn - Cannot and will not call on a phone. I find the government and the VA stuck in the past especially for the disabled.
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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.
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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
Roger Bon, MSgt, USAF, Retired
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