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Dept. of Veterans Affairs Accessing Services for Homeless Veterans

Dept. of Veterans Affairs Accessing Services for Homeless Veterans. Julie Irwin, LCSW NY / NJ Veterans Integrated Service Network 3 Homeless Care Line Manager. An Overview. Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

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Dept. of Veterans Affairs Accessing Services for Homeless Veterans

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  1. Dept. of Veterans AffairsAccessing Services forHomeless Veterans Julie Irwin, LCSW NY / NJ Veterans Integrated Service Network 3 Homeless Care Line Manager

  2. An Overview Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) National Cemetery Administration (NCA) Vet Centers

  3. Important Facts • Every VA benefit must be applied for – none are automatic • Military service must be verified • Character of discharge is important • National Guard & Reserve are eligible if activated “federally” and complete the term of duty

  4. Eligibility for VA Healthcare • Minimum duty requirements – 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty for those entering service after 10/16/1981 • Prior to 10/16/1981 – one day of service is required • Don’t try this at home…lots of exceptions and special circumstances exist • There are eligibility specialists at every VA medical center.

  5. Discharge Upgrades • Application must be within 15 years of the discharge • The Department of Veterans Affairs cannot assist with discharge upgrades • Refer to: • Veterans Service Organizations • State Office / Division of Veterans Affairs

  6. Veterans Health Administration

  7. Veterans Integrated Service Network: VISN 3

  8. VA Health Care Services • Primary and Specialty Medical Care • Mental Health Treatment (inpatient, outpatient, residential) • Substance Abuse Treatment (inpatient, outpatient, residential) • Pharmacy Benefits • Homeless Services including Homeless Veterans Dental Initiative • Returning Veterans (OEF/OIF/ND) Care Coordination • Women Veterans Care Coordination

  9. VA’s Strategy to Eliminate Homelessness Among Veterans • VHA homeless programs were initiated by Public Law 100-6 in 1987 • In November 3, 2009, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki announces a Five Year Plan to End Homelessness Among Veterans • Key philosophy of “No Wrong Door” means that all Veterans seeking to prevent or get out of homelessness must have easy access to programs and services. Any door a Veteran comes to – at a Medical Center, a Regional Office, or a Community Organization – must offer them assistance.

  10. Six Strategic Pillars to End Homelessness Among Veterans Outreach/ Education Treatment Prevention Income/ Employment/ Benefits Housing and Supportive Services Community Partnerships “NO WRONG DOOR”

  11. VA’s Homeless Services • Outreach (HCHV, CRRC, Stand Downs) • National Call Center for Homeless Veterans (NCCHV) • Prevention (HCRV, VJO, SSVF) • Residential Rehabilitation (DCHV, RRTP) • Vocational Rehabilitation (CWT, Supported Employment, VBA) • Transitional Housing (HCHV Contract Housing, GPD, CWT/TR) • Permanent Housing (HUD-VASH) • Partnerships and Community Coordination (CHALENG, Homeless Summits, HUD CoC participation)

  12. Special Issues – Women Veterans • Women Veterans tend to have more chronic histories of trauma • Women Veterans and Veteran families tend not to use traditional homeless shelter systems and services in the same ways as single adults; harder to find • Ask, “Did you serve in the military?” • Vet Centers are a great resource for Military Sexual Trauma treatment • VA cannot provide direct services to a Veteran’s family members unless that family member is an eligible Veteran

  13. Accessing VA Services • Homeless Veteran in need of help now? Call 1-877-4AID VET (1-877-424-3838) “MAKE THE CALL!” • Go to any VA medical center, outpatient clinic, or VBA Regional Office • Ask for Women Veterans Coordinator • Ask for OEF/OIF/OND Coordinator • Ask for Homeless Coordinator • Use the VA website: www.va.gov/homeless

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