NDF-NCOA Hosts Forum

NCOA Journal
Sept-Oct 01

NCOA Hosts Forum For Homeless Veterans

NCOA President Dave Sommers hosted a special one day Homeless Veteran Community Service Forum in conjunction with the Association's annual convention in Orlando, FL.

Speaking with earnst conviction, Sommers welcomed the delegates to NCOA's first formal national forum deploring the reality that so many combat veterans are homeless in their native land.

The forum provided a regional community setting in which nationally recognized advocates for America's homeless veterans shared program information based on their national perspective. Apparent in the discussions was the reality that local assessment must be the basis for community action. Also apparent was the reality that communities must mobilize federal, state and local resources to establish the required continuum of care to move the veteran from the streets, through physical and mental health processes, to transitional housing and meaningful employment opportunities. And, throughout the whole process provide the logistical support to feed, clothe, house and sustain this special group in safe and secure environments. Communication between homeless providers was seen as critical in all programs that have been effective.

Richard C. Schneider, NCOA Director of Veterans/State Affairs, and also Chairman of the Veteran Organizations Homeless Council in Washington moderated the forum. He and Linda Boone, Executive Director, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans presented a legislative perspective on veteran homelessness and special federal grant programs available to support community programs.

The Volunteers of America - Florida brought with them a special mobile van used throughout the state to establish contact with homeless veterans and begin their journey home. The van and its "distinguished" staff was on display at convention. Visitors saw first hand the ultimate service delivery vehicle for the war against homelessness. Included in the van is a primary health care delivery station; complete dental suite; and a veterans benefit delivery station where the counselor has state of the art electronics to communicate with the VA Regional Office and anywhere else deemed necessary. In fact, the medical and communication's capability has resulted in unique cases where a homeless veteran's original claim was adjudicated in one day.

Leaders in the Forum included Pete Dougherty, Director VA Homeless Programs, Department of Veterans Affairs; Michael Roanhouse, Department of Housing and Urban Development; Mary Jo Holin, Project Director, Abt Associates, Inc (HUD homeless subcontractor); Kathy Spearman, President, Volunteers of America - Florida; and Mark Holberg, New England Shelter for Homeless. VOA-Florida Mobile Van team briefers included: Linda Butler, nurse; and Kevin O'Donnell, benefits counselor.

The NCOA National Defense Foundation has worked nationally to provide financial grants to assist veteran homeless programs. The grants are designed to assist in the care and tendering of America's veterans to facilitate their transition off the streets through a continuum of care program to break the shackle of homelessness.

Grants totaling more than $28,000 were presented during the homeless forum by Sommers.

Return to NDF

Home / President's Letter / About NCOA / Legislative Action
Today's Services / Employment Assistance / Chapters


	NCOA Journal Sept-Oct 01 NCOA Hosts Forum For Homeless Veterans NCOA President Dave Sommers hosted a special one day Homeless Veteran Community Service Forum in conjunction with the Association's annual convention in Orlando, FL. Speaking with earnst conviction, Sommers welcomed the delegates to NCOA's first formal national forum deploring the reality that so many combat veterans are homeless in their native land. The forum provided a regional community setting in which nationally recognized advocates for America's homeless veterans shared program information based on their national perspective. Apparent in the discussions was the reality that local assessment must be the basis for community action. Also apparent was the reality that communities must mobilize federal, state and local resources to establish the required continuum of care to move the veteran from the streets, through physical and mental health processes, to transitional housing and meaningful employment opportunities. And, throughout the whole process provide the logistical support to feed, clothe, house and sustain this special group in safe and secure environments. Communication between homeless providers was seen as critical in all programs that have been effective. Richard C. Schneider, NCOA Director of Veterans/State Affairs, and also Chairman of the Veteran Organizations Homeless Council in Washington moderated the forum. He and Linda Boone, Executive Director, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans presented a legislative perspective on veteran homelessness and special federal grant programs available to support community programs. The Volunteers of America - Florida brought with them a special mobile van used throughout the state to establish contact with homeless veterans and begin their journey home. The van and its "distinguished" staff was on display at convention. Visitors saw first hand the ultimate service delivery vehicle for the war against homelessness. Included in the van is a primary health care delivery station; complete dental suite; and a veterans benefit delivery station where the counselor has state of the art electronics to communicate with the VA Regional Office and anywhere else deemed necessary. In fact, the medical and communication's capability has resulted in unique cases where a homeless veteran's original claim was adjudicated in one day. Leaders in the Forum included Pete Dougherty, Director VA Homeless Programs, Department of Veterans Affairs; Michael Roanhouse, Department of Housing and Urban Development; Mary Jo Holin, Project Director, Abt Associates, Inc (HUD homeless subcontractor); Kathy Spearman, President, Volunteers of America - Florida; and Mark Holberg, New England Shelter for Homeless. VOA-Florida Mobile Van team briefers included: Linda Butler, nurse; and Kevin O'Donnell, benefits counselor. The NCOA National Defense Foundation has worked nationally to provide financial grants to assist veteran homeless programs. The grants are designed to assist in the care and tendering of America's veterans to facilitate their transition off the streets through a continuum of care program to break the shackle of homelessness. Grants totaling more than $28,000 were presented during the homeless forum by Sommers. Return to NDF Home / President's Letter / About NCOA / Legislative Action Today's Services / Employment Assistance / Chapters