Challenge
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reported that one in five homeless adults (one in three homeless adult males) in the United States is a Veteran. Although difficult to measure accurately, the number of homeless Veterans in 2009 was estimated to be 107,000, representing every war and generation, including current Operation Enduring Freedom-Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) operations.
The Washington, DC VA Medical Center (DC VAMC) has a goal of ending homelessness among Veterans by the year 2014. This goal is supported by President Obama and the VA Secretary.
Solution
In an effort to support VA’s “zero tolerance” on homelessness among Veterans, Atlas Research provided the DC VAMC with case managers who worked with the surrounding community to enhance homeless Veteran participation in VA services and facilitated immediate clinical assessment and consultation.
Through this Homeless and Homeless Prevention Services project, the case managers collaborated with community organizations to identify homeless Veterans; enroll homeless Veterans into the VA system; complete mental and physical assessments; and focus on locating, reaching out to, and educating homeless Veterans on available health services.
Result
The Homeless and Homeless Prevention Services case managers and project team focused on identifying homeless or at-risk for homelessness Veterans, determining service needs, enhancing Veteran enrollment, and facilitating clinical assessment and consultation.