Susan Angel on Veteran Affairs
Posted by Maria Mac Lean
on Apr 12, 2015
Today we were visited by Susan Angel, her background is Veterans affair. She is from Redondo Beach and went to school at the University of Hawaii. While she was at college she interned at the VA Hospital there and decided that is what she wanted to do, was work with Veterans.
In 2009, former Secretary of Veteran Affairs Eric Shinseki said, "No one who has served their country should find themselves without hope and a home" At this time 1% of Americans served in the military, yet over 30% of the homeless population were veterans. The VA had served homeless but the number kept rising. Shinseki changed the paradigm: to end homelessness, the VA could do this alone.
In an unprecedented push and a directive from the President, the VA aggressively involved 19 federal agencies to do work across agencies to address this social issue. Initially VA and HUD were the strongest partners. With leadership support inter-agency was shared and goals were set that were completely dependent upon both agencies succeeding. The results of the joint efforts were on track and put on the public domain.
In 2010, the very first decline in Veteran homelessness occurred through joint efforts of VA, HUD and the community. In 2014 the decrease of homeless Veterans with 49,933, a 33% decrease. As a result, VA & HUD received the Service to America Award. This was the first time the award went to collaborating agencies.
What are the root causes of homelessness; poverty and lack of affordable housing with contributing factors such as substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, unemployment, multiple deployments, social isolation and military sexual trauma. 15% of homeless Vets are women and there are also many more Vets that are incarcerated.
What made the difference after so many years of trying to provide expanding services? First there is the Housing First National Call Center 1-877-424-3838. There are also community goals to identify and house every VET in a community and the ability to serve the families of Vets before they are homeless through HUDVASH vouchers. These vouchers came as part of the Congressional Bipartisan support to fund HUDVASH vouchers.
When we began this effort, no one thought it was possible to end homelessness. But the significant progress, achieved through Federal coordination efforts, partnerships with the community, and congressional support ending homelessness is very possible.
In June 2014, Michelle Obama challenged mayors, governors, and other local officials to join this effort and to end Veteran homelessness in their communities. New Orleans was the first to achieve this goal with Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Houston close to achieving this goal.
In 2009, former Secretary of Veteran Affairs Eric Shinseki said, "No one who has served their country should find themselves without hope and a home" At this time 1% of Americans served in the military, yet over 30% of the homeless population were veterans. The VA had served homeless but the number kept rising. Shinseki changed the paradigm: to end homelessness, the VA could do this alone.
In an unprecedented push and a directive from the President, the VA aggressively involved 19 federal agencies to do work across agencies to address this social issue. Initially VA and HUD were the strongest partners. With leadership support inter-agency was shared and goals were set that were completely dependent upon both agencies succeeding. The results of the joint efforts were on track and put on the public domain.
In 2010, the very first decline in Veteran homelessness occurred through joint efforts of VA, HUD and the community. In 2014 the decrease of homeless Veterans with 49,933, a 33% decrease. As a result, VA & HUD received the Service to America Award. This was the first time the award went to collaborating agencies.
What are the root causes of homelessness; poverty and lack of affordable housing with contributing factors such as substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, unemployment, multiple deployments, social isolation and military sexual trauma. 15% of homeless Vets are women and there are also many more Vets that are incarcerated.
What made the difference after so many years of trying to provide expanding services? First there is the Housing First National Call Center 1-877-424-3838. There are also community goals to identify and house every VET in a community and the ability to serve the families of Vets before they are homeless through HUDVASH vouchers. These vouchers came as part of the Congressional Bipartisan support to fund HUDVASH vouchers.
When we began this effort, no one thought it was possible to end homelessness. But the significant progress, achieved through Federal coordination efforts, partnerships with the community, and congressional support ending homelessness is very possible.
In June 2014, Michelle Obama challenged mayors, governors, and other local officials to join this effort and to end Veteran homelessness in their communities. New Orleans was the first to achieve this goal with Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Houston close to achieving this goal.
Susan Angel on Left is shown here with President John Boogaard. To learn more about veteran affairs please log on to: http://www.va.gov/We Need You!!!
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The Paramount Rotary Dollars for Scholars Poker Tournament at Gus’ Deli in Paramount is quickly approaching and we are looking for donations for our raffle baskets and poker prizes. If you are a business, or know a business who is willing to donate Gift Cards, Hotel Stay, Admission Tickets, Weekend Getaways, Large items, electronic items, etc.. we will gladly take it. Also if you are looking to sponsor in anyway this wonderful event please call Maria at 562- 634-3980 so we can take care of your donation.
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