A collaborative model for housing and services for veterans

This presentation is for the beginner to advanced level. It presumes some prior knowledge or experience of working with veterans experiencing homelessness or an interest in beginning such work. Veterans and other consumers are welcome to attend and to participate in the panel discussion. "By 2014 some 1.5 million members of the US armed forces will have served in or around theaters of active combat. Many will continue to serve in Afghanistan, some on their third or fourth deployment. As many as one in five of these returning veterans will have suffered Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or suffer from severe depression, alcohol or drug abuse." -Judge Michael Hawkins, Ohio State Journal of Criminal Law. While veteran homelessness is on the decline, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) revealed that there were 49,933 veterans experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2014. This number is a gross underestimate, as it excludes those not already engaged in shelters and housing services. Studies have shown that, compared to their housed counterparts, veterans experiencing homelessness under-utilize Veteran Affairs (VA) services and benefits. Moreover, those that do not qualify for VA benefits due to discharge status or length of service are at an even greater disadvantage in accessing services for the homeless. Learning to develop an innovative, collaborative outreach program for all veterans will positively position service providers in caring for those with military histories, regardless of discharge status. Three presenters will deliver a PowerPoint presentation and facilitate a panel discussion.