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CHALENG Community Homelessness Assessment, Local Education and Networking Groups

Economic, Public Health, Social Consequences of Homelessness. Beyond the capacity of the VA to solve on its own

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CHALENG Community Homelessness Assessment, Local Education and Networking Groups

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    1. CHALENG Community Homelessness Assessment, Local Education and Networking Groups http://www1.va.gov/homeless

    2. Economic, Public Health, Social Consequences of Homelessness Beyond the capacity of the VA to solve on its own – requires coordinated effort. Emergency shelter, food, welfare provided in community. A homeless person costs NY taxpayers $40,000 year – primarily jail and medical costs. Culhane, 2002 More like to catch and spread HIV, Hep C, TB as active abusers take risks and get inadequate health care Mortality rates among the homeless 2-3x general population Impact on family, not just veteran. Homeless veterans are also mothers and fathers (child care needs).

    3. Purpose Began in 1993 (Public Laws 102-405, 103-446, 105-114) Comprehensive needs assessment Not just a needs lists, move toward local and national solutions A process designed to enhance the continuum of care for homeless veterans through partnerships between VA, other governmental agencies and private community agencies.

    5. Contrasts In Consumer and Provider Assessment Self-Sufficiency vs. Treatment CONSUMER Child care Welfare Long-term housing Financial guardian SSI/SSD Re-entry services Legal Assistance VA Disability/Pension Discharge upgrade Elder care PROVIDER Long-term housing Child care Dental care Re-entry services Legal Assistance Money management Financial guardian Glasses Eye care Transitional housing

    6. Local Focus on Needs Matter

    7. Examples of Local Initiatives on Identified Needs Employment training & placement, including VA developed businesses Expedited SSI/SSD, welfare applications Homeless courts and legal assistance through pro bono attorneys and law schools Emergency assistance: food, clothing, rent Collaboration to access permanent housing through collaborative grants and agreements Transportation through VSOs, local government, and donated bus tickets

    8. Legal Services

    9. Veterans Are Citizens Too Discovering Local Resources National Foundation for Credit Counseling, www.nfcc.org, a counselor can be reached at (800)388-2227 Credit counseling, debt management plans, money management education Counseling is inexpensive and often free for low income. Average cost is $13.

    10. Maslow’s Hierarchy

    11. Purposeful Activity Relationships among community employers Volunteer activities Veterans Industries

    12. Spirituality Faith based support from community churches, temples, mosques Classes in meditation, yoga, tai chi

    13. Friendships Can facilitate with recreation, especially important with men Positive addictions Use of community centers, clubs Municipal, county facilities

    14. Build Relationships Have community events that increase local awareness Can lead to support in other areas Involve veterans In addition to traditional homeless networks

    15. The Need for Counseling and The Impact of Obsession “An obsession is an unwelcome, uncontrollable, and persistent idea, thought, image, or emotion that a person cannot help thinking even though it creates significant distress or anxiety (Encyp. of Mental DO).” Addictions PTSD Grief and Loss Anger Rejection

    16. Breaking Obsessional Thought Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Aerobic Exercise, such as running Meditation Getting Outside of Oneself: Altruistic Activities The Arts Reading Activities requiring intense concentration

    17. The Homeless Veteran Count

    20. Decreasing Numbers of Homeless Veterans NSHAPC (1996) estimated 23% of homeless were veterans. HUD’s Second Annual Homeless Assessment Report (2008) found over a 6 month period 14.3% of sheltered adults homeless were veterans. 2007 AHAR estimated 18.7% during 3 month period. In 2005 one-day PIT count found 17.8% veteran. VA estimate 154,000. Cannot compare CHALENG data directly to HUD HUD did not complete a national unsheltered count. POCs data adjustments have no parallel in HUD. 2007 PIT likely more accurate, required CoCs to complete unsheltered count.

    21. External Causes of Change Demographic Decrease in veterans, 27.5 million in 1990 to 23.5 million in 2007. Decrease in impoverished veterans, 3 million in 1990 to 1.8 million in 2000. Estimated to be 1.4 million in 2006. Methodology CHALENG estimates cross-checked with HUD estimates. This often resulted in a lowering of local estimates.

    22. Programmatic Impact National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers (NSHAPC) conducted in 1996 was only comprehensive national count prior to 2005. GPD barely existed, now 8500 operational beds. Last year 15,000 GPD and 5000 DCHV discharges. 79% housed 1-year after discharge (McGuire, Kasprow, Rosenheck; 2007)

    23. Impact For the past 14 years, process has stimulated collaboration between VA and community providers nationwide. Annual CHALENG report distributed to Congress, media. Keeps homeless veterans issues present in the minds of decision-makers. Has helped direct VA funding streams and programming. Actively engages the consumer in identifying needs and solutions – consistent with the Recovery Model.

    24. What’s Next Assess Needs Include consumer in process Make a plan & follow up Don’t wait for Washington – local efforts are linchpin Active involvement in local network, CoC involvement critical

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