VA Secretary tells Luncheon 'No veteran should be homeless'

Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough told a National Press Club Headliners Luncheon Tuesday that his department will soon be announcing new initiatives to help the nation's nearly 40,000 homeless veterans find housing. 

VA Secretary

"No veteran should be homeless," McDonough said during the annual speech timed to the celebration of Veterans Day, which is Thursday.

The VA has found at least temporary housing for about 40 vets who drew national attention to the issue by camping adjacent to the West Los Angeles Medical Center, McDonough said. He vowed to find housing for another 500 by the holidays. That will still leave nearly 4,000 homeless vets in Los Angeles County, or about 10% of the national total.

The department will build on efforts in LA, including drafting a manifest on individual underlying issues such as drug abuse, mental health and unemployment to help address the issue nationwide, McDonough said.

The VA has expanded its virtual-health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, including virtual-therapy sessions to help with suicide prevention since 14% of the nation's suicides are veterans. So far, this year 5.6 million sessions have been held. The VA also maintains 24-hour telephone and on-line crisis services.

The VA recently extended medical services to veterans suffering the aftereffects of exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War and McDonough said other toxic exposures are likely to be added, including broader coverage for those exposed to toxic burn dumps during the Gulf War. 

More than 90% of VA health care professionals have been vaccinated, but McDonough said a smaller percentage of non-medical personnel are covered. Although the department will not question an employee's claim of religious exemption, he said those refusing coverage will receive counselling and could face termination. He noted that each branch of the armed services will decide how to classify the discharge of service personnel who refuse vaccination. A less than honorable discharge can deny or restrict a veteran's VA benefits.

McDonough, who is not a veteran, said there is a risk of veterans feeling isolated because so few citizens serve in the modern volunteer military. He called on non-veterans to reach out to vets to let them know their service is appreciated.