“Understandably, veterans can be wary and not trust us immediately – especially if they are women or struggling with mental health conditions. This isn’t only about getting veterans housed; we’re also establishing relationships with them out where they feel the safest – which may be in their tent or on a bench they frequent. It’s worth it to come out here determined to make a connection.” - Tonya Greenlee, Swords’ Outreach
Swords to Plowshares partnered with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ San Francisco office during their annual Homeless Surge.
What’s the Surge? During this 3-day event, teams of service providers from different agencies conduct direct street outreach throughout San Francisco, visiting encampments to find and engage with veterans currently unhoused.
What’s the goal? To enter these veterans into the VA’s coordinated entry program on the spot, assess their needs, and connect them to available housing as quickly as possible.
Tonya Greenlee, an outreach case manager at Swords, played a critical and proactive part in the Surge. In her role, she keeps track of veterans who are unsheltered, including their contact information and regular places where they rest their heads at night. Throughout the three days, Tonya was calling veterans she knew, setting up meeting times, and relaying information about the Surge’s on-the-spot services.
What housing options were offered? When the Surge team meets a veteran, they quickly assess the veteran’s situation and work with the SF VA Downtown Clinic to confirm military service, discharge status, and other identification information in order to offer housing options that best fit the veteran’s needs and eligibility. This may include:
In total, 16 veterans accepted housing options offered to them: 5 veterans are sheltered in transitional housing with on-site care, and 11 veterans now have a HUD-VASH voucher and active housing plan. That’s 16 veterans put on the path to permanent housing!
“Understandably, veterans can be wary and not trust us immediately – especially if they are women or struggling with mental health conditions. This isn’t only about getting veterans housed; we’re also establishing relationships with them out where they feel the safest – which may be in their tent or on a bench they frequent. It’s worth it to come out here determined to make a connection.” - Tonya Greenlee, Swords’ Outreach
From the streets of San Francisco to behind the barber chair, Zack’s story is one of resilience, community, and second chances – a reminder that with the right support, every veteran has the power to rebuild.
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