CHALENG Meeting
PHOTO – From left to right: Christopher Schmidt, VAMC Certified Work Therapy Manager; David Warke, VAMC Homeless Grant & Per Diem Coordinator; Lynn Moonen; and Kermit Douglas, CEO Homeless Veteran Program.
The Wilkes-Barre Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) recently hosted the 19th annual meeting of the Community Homelessness Assessment, Local Education and Networking Groups (CHALENG). David Warke, LCSW, Homeless Grant and Per Diem Coordinator at VAMC organized this year’s meeting to gather community partners with the shared mission of ending homelessness among our Veterans. Welcoming remarks were given by William Mericle, VAMC Chief of Social Work. Warke provided an overview and history of the VA’s homeless program over the past 20 years and served as Master of Ceremony.
Community partners presented updates regarding Veteran focused programs offered within their agencies. Community partners included Monsignor Joseph P. Kelly, V.E., MSW, Diocesan Executive Director and Bryant MacPherson, Permanent Supportive Housing Case Manager from Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton; Nolan Duffy, Director of Special Projects for Commission on Economic Opportunities; and Gregory Bott, Development Coordinator from Lehigh Valley Center for Independent living.
VA program staff presenters included Maureen Rebar, Veterans Supportive Housing Coordinator; Kim Sapolis Lacey, Veterans Justice Outreach Coordinator; and Christopher Schmidt, Certified Work Therapy Manager.
Lynn Moonen discussed her personal experience of struggling with homelessness over several years. She shared how multiple events in her life resulted in her need to utilize programs. She talked about how she engaged in VA services, which connected her with VA Grant and Per Diem Transitional Housing operated by the Commission on Economic Opportunity. She was referred to VA Certified Work Therapy programs.
She successfully worked with multiple agencies and programs to regain self-sufficiency, independence, and happiness.
She is now employed full-time and recently purchased her own home with her significant other. Her speech highlighted the need for partnership between programs and agencies to reach the complex needs an individual faces while challenging homelessness.
