The Lebanon VA Medical Center found permanent housing placements for more than 300 homeless veterans over 2022.
The accomplishment was announced by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on Feb. 9 as part of its tallying for the department’s overall goal to place 38,000 homeless veterans nationwide into housing over 2022.
The VA ended up exceeding that goal nationally by more than 6.3%, with 40,401 veterans placed into housing nationwide last year.
The Lebanon VAMC’s goal for last year was to house 250 veterans, a benchmark which it exceeded by 20%.
According to a press release, permanent housing placements are defined as apartments or houses that veterans can rent or own, often with a subsidy, to help make the housing affordable. The VA was also able to help some veterans find homes by reuniting with friends and family.
The Lebanon VAMC works with a number of local organizations to make this happen, including Supportive Services for Veterans and Families, the Veterans Multi-Service Center, Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania Inc., YWCA of Greater Harrisburg, YMCA of Reading/Berks, and Tabor House. The VA also has contracts with Opportunity House and Orangeville Manor.
“I am very proud of the great work our VA Homeless Team continues to accomplish with care provided to Homeless Veterans in South Central Pennsylvania,” said Robert W. Callahan Jr., director and CEO of the Lebanon VAMC.
Callahan said that caring for veterans requires entire communities to come together in partnership.
“Lebanon VA continues to be a national leader in Permanent Housing Placement for Veterans,” said Callahan. “This is not possible without the exceptional efforts of our community organizations, Veteran Service organizations and elected representatives.”
Help for veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk for homelessness is available by calling the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838. For more information, visit the VA Homeless Programs website.
The VA said in the release that it has seen success in lowering the number of veterans experiencing homelessness in America by focusing on an evidence-based “Housing First” approach. This strategy makes housing the first priority, along with providing the “wraparound support” needed to stay house, such as health care, job training, legal and education assistance, and more.
The Lebanon VA serves a nine-county area by providing medical care to the country’s veterans living nearby. The Lebanon VA also oversees community clinics in Lancaster, Mechanicsburg, Pottsville, Wyommissing, York, and Fort Indiantown Gap.
Read More: Despite rain, 10th annual Homeless Vet Awareness Campaign likely hit new high
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