The One Team Approach: A New Chapter in Ending Veteran Homelessness

Veteran homelessness has been a critical issue in the U.S. for decades, and while significant progress has been made, new strategies are necessary to sustain this momentum. The One Team approach, launched by the VA Homeless Programs Office, brings a unified method to addressing Veteran homelessness, ensuring no one slips through the cracks.

What Is the One Team Approach?

One Team is a collaborative strategy designed to streamline the process of housing Veterans. Historically, organizations working on this issue operated in silos, leading to inefficiencies. Veterans who didn’t qualify for one program often found themselves disconnected from other services they were eligible for. Jill Albanese, the director of clinical operations in the VA Homeless Programs Office, emphasized the need for a cultural shift: “We really have to think of ourselves as one system”.

Coordinating the Response

Since 2010, Veteran homelessness has decreased by 52%. However, this progress began to stall in recent years, prompting a renewed focus from the VA. In 2022 and 2023, VA Secretary Denis McDonough set a goal of housing 38,000 Veterans, which was exceeded both years. The target for 2024 is even higher, aiming to house 41,000 Veterans. One Team has been critical to making this possible.

One Team in Action

The One Team approach applies military-like coordination to the issue of homelessness, utilizing tactics such as:

• Case conferencing: Bringing service providers together to address individual Veterans’ needs comprehensively.
• Reallocation of resources: Shifting personnel where needed to reduce wait times and quickly get Veterans into housing.
• Local leadership: Empowering communities to take ownership of the One Team structure, ensuring that they have the leadership necessary to implement this approach.

A New Era of Homelessness Services

Veteran homelessness is more than just a problem for outreach staff. The VA has shifted its focus to a comprehensive system of care that moves Veterans from transitional housing into permanent homes, while also providing essential supportive services. This unified strategy is helping the VA achieve its ambitious housing goals and ensure Veterans receive the care they deserve.

For more details on this initiative, visit the full article on VA News​.