Omaha, NE – The VA of Nebraska-Western Iowa opened a homeless Veterans Day services center in Omaha this past September.
Linda Twomey is the Mental Health Specialty Programs Manager for the VA of Nebraska-Western Iowa. She says the day service center is a clinic where veterans have access to social workers, who function as case mangers and vocational rehabilitation staff to provide a one-stop shop for homeless veterans.
Twomey says when veterans first come in, their needs are assessed. Staff will then assist them in accessing the appropriate VA and community resources.
"They could have used it once or ten times in the month, but they are finding it really helps them get some resources that they don't have access to like laundry facilities, they are really grateful for that. They also have some computer access. And some access to staff to help them make applications and that's been very well received."
In the last six months, the VA has hired five new staff to help homeless veterans find jobs in the community. These individuals assist the vets with resumes and accompany them on job searches.
Details on the VA's programs are available by calling 877-424-3838.