|
To further its mission of ending Veteran homelessness, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) has launched a rapid temporary housing initiative, which provides Veterans wishing to get off the streets with a safe, clean place to reside that same day and begin the process of finding permanent housing.
Key components of the initiative include:
- A dedicated mini call-center to screen for eligibility and connect Veterans with transitional housing programs at the West LA VA campus or in the community.
- Rapid housing training for VA staff.
- Expanded low-barrier-to-entry emergency housing inventory at the West LA VA campus and in the community.
Those elements, combined with existing resources, ensure that all Veterans will be connected to shelter, homeless services or other VA support. Veterans experiencing homelessness will receive a response from a temporary housing provider/program liaison within 3 hours of contacting VA during normal business hours.
Veterans and those in the community working with Veterans can reach the mini call-center at 310-268-3350 from 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Friday.
Veterans in need of shelter after normal business hours will be able to secure a bed at two transitional housing programs. Partners operating these programs have amended their guidelines to accept Veterans that same day. These operators are:
-
New Directions: Building 116 at the West LA VA, 11301 Wilshire Blvd.
- 310-597-2891 or 310-597-6950. Monday – Friday, up to 8 p.m.
-
Volunteers of America (VOA): Multiple locations available.
- 213-563-7979. 24 hours, 7 days a week.
 Sr. Social Worker Jennifer Lott responding to an inquiry at the rapid housing mini-call center in Building 257 at West LA VA North Campus
Beyond the gratification of supporting Veterans, there are several benefits for property owners who participate in VA’s HUD-VASH supportive housing program, including a cash bonus for every new lease signed with a Veteran.
Read more about one property owner’s experience with HUD-VASH and how the program benefits Veterans HERE.
VAGLAHS, food delivery platform DoorDash, and electric bike company Zoomo have partnered in a pilot project called Pathways to Success, with the goal of helping homeless and formerly homeless Veterans become financially self-sufficient and stable.
“This program is a blessing for Veterans, especially for the ones out there that’ve been homeless or had mental health issues. Just getting a job brings back a sense of purpose, motivation, a thriving – I feel like I belong in the community.” - Veteran & Pathways participant José Lopez, U.S. Marine.
In addition to a low-barrier entry to employment, the program will also provide financial coaching and empowerment materials to help Veterans better transition to living independently in the community.
Click HERE to read more
 Veteran & Pathways participant José Lopez, U.S. Marine, on the day he received his new e-bike from Zoomo and DoorDash.
A regular exercise routine helps combat depression and anxiety.
Veterans are eligible for FREE membership at the Veterans Center for Recreation & Education (VCRE) at the Brentwood School through a VA partnership. As members, Veterans are entitled to FREE use of:
- weight room, training room, & fitness center
- aquatic center
- tennis courts
- outdoor track
- basketball pavilion
- and other programs, education, & events
For more information & FREE membership sign up, visit: https://www.bwscampus.com/veteran-partnership
Peer support specialists are trained in mental health practices and certified to help other Veterans in their recovery from substance abuse, depression, or PTSD. They work with therapists and case managers as part of a treatment team.
As a collaborator, peer support specialists are in the forefront of recovery-oriented care. Research suggests peers may be the most effective advocates for a Veteran’s long-term recovery.
Learn how you can become a certified peer support HERE.
 Peer support specialist Monte Daugharty, who was once homeless, delivers a new mattress and pillows to a Veteran living at the emergency temporary shelter site CTRS (Care, Treatment, and Rehabilitative Services) Program.
|
