VHA Homeless Programs – Ending Veteran Homelessness

Latest Episodes:

S1EP28: Ending Veteran Homelessness as One Team Aug 12, 2024

Show notes

This month, we’re joined by Jill Albanese, Senior Advisor and Director of Clinical Operations with the VHA Homeless Programs Office to learn about VA’s One Team approach.
Ms. Albanese talks about how homeless response systems operated prior to the One Team approach, what the approach is, and why it’s critical to end Veteran homelessness.
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.
Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/EVH_S1EP28.pdf ===============================
Find your nearest VA: https://www.va.gov/find-locations
Learn more about VA resources to help homeless Veterans: https://www.va.gov/homeless
Read our One Team Approach Implementation Toolkit: https://www.va.gov/homeless/oneteam-toolkit.asp
View a chart visualizing the reduction in Veteran homelessness from 2010 to 2023: https://news.va.gov/126913/veteran-homelessness-increased-by-7-4-in-2023/#post/0
Listen to our episode on coordinated entry: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1ep16-solving-the-coordination-problem-in-your-community--56320162
Read the 2021-2025 Homeless Programs Office Strategic Plan: https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/strategic-plan.asp

Bonus: Houselessness among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Veterans Jul 22, 2024

Show notes

This month, we’re joined by Drs. Marissa Sia and Sara Wong, clinical psychologists from the VA Pacific Islands Healthcare System to learn about houselessness among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Veterans.
Our guests talk about cultural humility, the negative impacts of generational trauma, and why the term “houselessness” is a better fit for this community.
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.
Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/EVH_Bonus_Jul24.pdf ===============================
Find your nearest VA: https://www.va.gov/find-locations
Learn more about VA resources to help homeless Veterans: https://www.va.gov/homeless
Check out additional resources (VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the following linked websites):
https://aanhpi-ohana.org/resources/downloadable-tools/
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/20/us/hawaii-las-vegas-migration.html
https://usafacts.org/articles/aapi-demographics-data-on-pacific-islander-ethnicities-education-and-income/
https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2022/05/aanhpi-population-diverse-geographically-dispersed.html
https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/local-news/2023-01-23/more-native-hawaiians-flock-to-mainland-cities-and-leave-hawaii-citing-high-costs

S1EP27: Using Surge Events to Tackle Unsheltered Homeless Jul 08, 2024

Show notes

This month, we’re joined by Masaki Hirayama, Health Systems Specialist with the VHA Homeless Programs Office to learn about unsheltered surge events.
Ms. Hirayama talks about how dangerous unsheltered homelessness can be for Veterans, how surge events in late 2023 helped connect unsheltered Veterans to housing resources, and important lessons learned that other communities should consider.
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.
Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/EVH_S1EP27.pdf ===============================
Find your nearest VA: https://www.va.gov/find-locations
Learn more about VA resources to help homeless Veterans: https://www.va.gov/homeless
Read our blog on unsheltered surges: https://news.va.gov/128912/tackling-homelessness-veterans-where-they-are/
Read our white paper with detailed recommendations from the unsheltered surges: https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/docs/White_Paper-Unsheltered_Surges_2023_508c.pdf

S1EP26: Using MMUs to Bring Health Care to Homeless Veterans Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

This month, we’re joined by Dr. Jillian Weber, National Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team (HPACT) Program Manager, and Dr. Aayshah Muneerah from the VA Oklahoma City Healthcare System to learn more about VA’s new mobile medical units (MMU) for Veterans.
Our guests talk about what HPACT does, what MMUs are, and how both help bring medical care services directly to homeless Veterans living out on the street.
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.
Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/EVH_S1EP26.pdf
===============================
Find your nearest VA: https://www.va.gov/find-locations
Learn more about VA resources to help homeless Veterans: https://www.va.gov/homeless
Listen to our very first episode of Ending Veteran Homelessness featuring Dr. Jillian Weber: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1ep1-caring-for-the-health-of-homeless-veterans-during-covid-19--49740594
Read our press release announcing the launch of VA’s new mobile medical units: https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-launches-mobile-medical-units-to-increase-access-to-health-care-for-homeless-veterans/
Read about, and view pictures of, the MMU Oklahoma City, OK: https://www.va.gov/oklahoma-city-health-care/stories/oklahoma-city-vas-big-blue-van-hits-the-road-delivering-care-to-unhoused-veterans/
Read about, and view pictures of, the MMU Birmingham, AL: https://news.va.gov/128877/birmingham-va-launches-mobile-medical-unit/

NEWS UPDATE: Innovations in Serving Unsheltered Veterans: The First Year of ALL INside May 29, 2024

Show notes

News update! Jeff Olivet, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, provides an update on ALL INside, a first-of-its-kind initiative to address unsheltered homelessness across the country.
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.
Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/EVH_NewsUpdate_5-29-24.pdf ===============================
Find your nearest VA: https://www.va.gov/find-locations
Learn more about VA resources to help homeless Veterans: https://www.va.gov/homeless
Listen to our episode on All In: The Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1ep9-what-the-new-federal-strategic-plan-to-prevent-and-end-homelessness-means-for-veterans--52344616
Listen to our episode on unsheltered homeless: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1ep13-how-va-helps-unsheltered-veterans-come-inside--53754756
Learn more ALL INside: https://www.usich.gov/federal-strategic-plan/all-inside

S1EP25: Reducing the Risk of Harm from Drug and Alcohol Use May 13, 2024

Show notes

This month, we’re joined by Meredith Malpass, Regional Coordinator for the HUD-VASH to learn about Harm Reduction.
Ms. Malpass talks about what Harm Reduction is, how you may already be using Harm Reduction in your daily life, and how it can help Veterans experiencing homelessness and housing instability better engage in their care.
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.
Closed Caption Transcript is available at:
https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/EVH_S1EP25.pdf
===============================
Find your nearest VA: https://www.va.gov/find-locations
Learn more about VA resources to help homeless Veterans: https://www.va.gov/homeless
Listen to our episode on Housing First: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1ep21-what-s-the-big-deal-with-housing-first--58200313
Learn more about risk factors for Veteran homelessness: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25595171
Read the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/press-announcements/20231113/hhs-samhsa-release-2022-nsduh-data
Read the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Harm Reduction resources: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/harm-reduction
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VA does not endorse the University of California and is not responsible for the content of the following linked websites:
Read the University of California San Francisco’s Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative’s California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness: https://homelessness.ucsf.edu/our-impact/studies/california-statewide-study-people-experiencing-homelessness

S1EP24: How Understanding Trauma Helps VA Better Serve Homeless Veterans Apr 08, 2024

Show notes

This month, we’re joined by Karen Guthrie, David Martino, and Dave Chesley from the VA Boston Healthcare System’s Care Coordination, Advocacy, Treatment, and Connections to Housing, or CATCH, program to learn more about trauma-informed care.
Our guest talked about what trauma-informed care is, how the CATCH program lives out trauma-informed values, and how all of this helps Veterans keep their power and personal voice.
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.
Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/EVH_S1EP24.pdf ===============================
Find your nearest VA: https://www.va.gov/find-locations
Learn more about VA resources to help homeless Veterans: https://www.va.gov/homeless
Read research on the health impacts of trauma: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207191/
Download the Practical Guide for Implementing a Trauma-Informed Approach from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep23-06-05-005.pdf

NEWS UPDATE - Announcing VA's FY 2024 Homelessness Goals Mar 14, 2024

Show notes

News update! Jill Albanese, director of clinical operations for the VA Homeless Programs Office joins us with more exciting news about VA’s fiscal year 2024 Homelessness Goals!
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.
Closed Caption Transcript is available at:
https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/EVH_NewsUpdate_3-14-24.pdf
===============================
Find your nearest VA: https://www.va.gov/find-locations
Learn more about VA resources to help homeless Veterans: https://www.va.gov/homeless
Hear the results of VA’s 2023 Homelessness Goals: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/news-update-va-housed-46-000-homeless-veterans-in-2023--58461159
Learn more about renting to homeless Veterans: https://www.va.gov/homeless/landlords.asp
Learn more about hiring homeless Veterans: https://www.va.gov/homeless/cec-contacts.asp

S1EP23: We Want YOU(r Feedback about Homeless Services)! Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

This month, we’re joined by Jessica Blue-Howells, Deputy Director of Veterans Justice Programs to learn about Project CHALENG (Community Homelessness Assessment, Local Education and Networking Groups).
Ms. Blue-Howells talked about what CHALENG is, how feedback submitted through CHALENG improves coordination and services, and how you… yes YOU… can participate!
Take the 2024 CHALENG Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CHALENG2024
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.
Closed Caption Transcript is available at:
https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/EVH_S1EP23.pdf
===============================
Find your nearest VA: https://www.va.gov/find-locations
Learn more about VA resources to help homeless Veterans: https://www.va.gov/homeless
Learn more about Project CHALENG: https://www.va.gov/homeless/chaleng.asp
Watch our presentation on the legal and policy foundations of VA Homeless Programs: https://players.brightcove.net/2851863979001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5989356062001
Read our white paper on effective implementations of Project CHALENG: https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/docs/White-Paper-Effective-Implementations-of-Project-CHALENG-508.pdf#
Read our white paper on permanent supportive housing for Veterans with a history of sexual offense: https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/docs/White-Paper-Palo-Alto-HCS-PSH-for-Veterans-with-Hx-of-Sexual-Offense-FINAL.pdf#
Learn more about the Homeless Veterans Dental Program: https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/dental.asp
Learn more about Legal Services for Veterans Programs: https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/LSV.asp
Learn more about Supportive Services for Veteran Families: https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.html

BONUS: She Wears the Boots: Veterans Justice Programs Feb 08, 2024

Show notes

We’ve got a special bonus for you today from our sister podcast, She Wears the Boots.
She Wears the Boots is a VA podcast sponsored by the Office of Women’s Health in the Veterans Health Administration. Women Veterans are a growing and diverse group featuring professionals, mothers, and retirees of varying ages, racial and ethnic backgrounds, gender identities, and sexual orientations. She Wears the Boots highlights how VA partners with women Veterans and their health by interviewing experts from VA on numerous topics, representing a broad range of VA programs.
Their February 2024 episode featured Sean Clark, national director for Veterans Justice Programs in the Homeless Programs Office. During the episode, Sean talks about the VA programs available to justice-involved Veterans, the pathways to access those programs, and what Veterans can expect if they decide to enroll. We’re bringing you the episode in its entirety to you here.
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.
Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/EVH_Bonus_SWTB.pdf ===============================
Find your nearest VA: https://www.va.gov/find-locations
Learn more about VA resources to help homeless Veterans: https://www.va.gov/homeless
Subscribe to She Wears the Boots: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/she-wears-the-boots-a-podcast-for-women-veterans--4604047
Learn more about Veterans Justice Outreach Programs https://www.va.gov/homeless/vjo.asp

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