|
VA Secretary Eric Shinseki convened a Homeless Veteran Summit in Washington to announce the agency’s plans to establish new programs and enhance existing successful efforts designed to end homelessness among Veterans over the next five years. The Secretary delivered the charge to the Summit on November 3rd to an audience of more than 1400, comprised of VA staff; representatives from other federal departments and agencies; tribal, state and local governments; community organizations; and other stakeholders. Following his announcement, Secretary Shinseki recognized several individuals and organizations selected to receive secretarial awards for outstanding achievement in service to homeless Veterans. These announcements and awards were followed by two and a half days of plenary, breakout and poster presentations highlighting research studies, clinical demonstration projects, and innovative emerging best practices on efforts to prevent and eliminate homelessness among Veterans.
The summit stressed the partnerships between federal, state, and local governments, Veteran service organizations, and community and faith-based groups. In addition, it provided a forum for educational sessions on homeless Veterans programs, prevention, collaboration and partnerships, and best practices. Summit presentations represented the best and brightest ideas from leaders in homeless prevention and intervention services, from both VA and the community with opportunities for audience discussion and participation. The focus was on VA and community partner program improvements, innovations, and initiatives that reflect the departmental emphasis on homelessness prevention and services to low-income Veteran families who are at-risk of homelessness.
The final session on Thursday morning included a detailed breakdown of specific elements associated with the five-year plan to end homelessness among Veterans. These elements included:
- Major expansion of HUD-VASH permanent housing and related case management services;
- Development of VA Homeless Prevention Programs to assist community non-profit organizations working with Veterans and their families to maintain them in their current housing;
- Development of 1-800 call center for homeless Veterans and website;
- Expansion of the Substance Use Disorder Enhancement Initiative;
- Improvements with Veterans coming out of the correctional systems and new efforts to work with law enforcement and courts to (when appropriate) divert Veterans from incarceration and allow them to get treatment and benefits;
- Establishment of the National Center on Homelessness Among Veteran for research, education, and policy;
- Enhanced services for special needs homeless populations: women Veterans, OEF/OIF Veterans, Veterans with cognitive impairments or mild TBI, chronically homeless Veterans, and Veterans in the earlier stages of recovery from serious mental illness and substance use disorders.
|
