U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Dr. James B. Peake was elected Chair of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness at the March 6, 2008 Full Council meeting in Washington DC. Dr. Peake (l) is shown here with Council Executive Director Philip Mangano.
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The mission of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness is to coordinate a federal response to homelessness and to constellate a National Partnership of every level of government and every element of the private sector to reduce and end homelessness, with a priority on chronic homelessness. The effective targeting of federal resources, and state, county, and city jurisdictional 10-Year Plans are key to this national approach.
I. More Federal Resources, Effective Targeting, and Collaboration
- July 2008. VA announces opportunities to create housing for homeless veterans on underutilized VA Medical Center campuses using Enhanced Use Lease Authority.
- Women Veterans are focus of National Summit as VA Secretary expands health and treatment resources to more communities.
II. Representing the Interests of Homeless Veterans in State,
County and City 10-Year Plans to End Chronic Homelessness.
The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness believes that every state, county, or city jurisdictional 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness needs to give special attention and consideration to homeless veterans. Best practice in the convening of planning partnerships includes the early engagement of individuals and organizations that can effectively speak to the needs of homeless veterans and are knowledgeable about the resources and proven strategies to serve them. Results-driven 10-Year Plans will address directly the issue of homeless veterans including the development of jurisdictional data on their needs and the design of partnerships and investments that prevent and end their homelessness.
DID YOU KNOW?
VA is now accepting on-line applications for disability and other VA benefits through its VONAPP system.
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It is critical that states, counties and cities engaged in 10-Year Plan efforts be aware of and access resources available from the VA and from state and local departments and offices representing the interests of veterans to inform the development and implementation of their plans. These resources include, but are not limited to:
The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness will continue to encourage and support special consideration for the needs of homeless veterans in 10-Year Plans through the dissemination of information on helpful resources and innovations in planning and programs for veterans:
VA-New York City Initiative to End Veterans Homelessness “OPERATION HOME”
VA 30-City Initiative to Reduce the Incidence of Veterans Homelessness Through Expanded Substance Abuse Counseling
King County, WA Veterans and Human Services Levy
Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs Homeless Veterans Action Plan
10-YEAR PLANS WITH VETERANS STRATEGY EXAMPLES
FEDERAL AGENCY WEB SITES WITH HOMELESS SPECIFIC PAGES:
Community Homeless Assessment, Local Education and Networking Group (CHALENG) report on homeless veterans.
2008 edition of the “Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents” booklet.
State by State Incarcerated Veterans Re-Entry Guides
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