GLA Expands Care for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness in Downtown LA
VA’s Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team (HPACT) has upgraded and expanded in downtown LA’s Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center (LAACC) at 351 E. Temple Street from a fourth-floor shared space to an exclusive, significantly larger area on the first floor.
HPACT is integrative, team-oriented care where unhoused Veterans have immediate access to medical staff, social workers, psychologists, nurses and housing resources, all in one location.
The team, as of Dec. 12, 2023, is now available to assist Veterans experiencing homelessness on both a walk-in and by-appointment basis in the newly renovated space.
“I think being on the first floor just makes it so accessible,” said HPACT Social Work Supervisor Andy Truong, who’s been the lead contact for the expansion project.
Offering a Warm Welcome
Previously, HPACT was located on the fourth floor in a shared space. A doorbell was used to alert HPACT staff.
“It was kind of secluded,” said Truong.
Now, a front desk greets Veterans with a bright, floral mural and a comfortable, spacious waiting area. Six exam rooms are on site. There are offices for social work and psychology, a conference room, a break room and storage area.
The former space also only had one nurse practitioner and a few offices. Mental health services were operating out of a different area and weren’t integrated on site per the HPACT model. Now, the team is all in the same set of offices and medical staff has expanded to include a primary care nurse practitioner and physician. The physician also does clinical outreach work in nearby transitional housing programs.
“Whenever there's a mental health issue, we can just access the team right next door rather than having to message them and pray that we connect,” said Truong of the new setup.
In addition to experiencing homelessness, many of the Veterans who are served by HPACT have mental health conditions and/or chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes or substance use disorder. Through HPACT, all of their needs are addressed.
Ending Veteran Homelessness
The investment in this new space comes as VA continues its commitment to ending Veteran homelessness.
While the number of Veterans experiencing homelessness nationwide has increased 7.4% since 2022, due largely to an end to COVID-era eviction protections and a lack of affordable housing, significant progress has still been made. Since 2010, the number of Veterans experiencing homelessness in the United States has declined by more than 52%.
In 2023, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) exceeded its housing goals. 1,790 Veterans were placed in permanent supportive housing, 19% more than its goal of 1,500 and 38% more than last year’s total of 1,301, in part thanks to the work of HPACT.
Serving a Diverse Population
For mental health concerns, two psychologists are on site to see Veterans in the new space, Dr. Kyoko Canizales and Dr. Derek Novacek.
“I’m passionate about helping the most vulnerable, disadvantaged and marginalized Veterans,” said Novacek of his work with HPACT. “This is a way to give back and serve those who served our country and to help the most marginalized people have a better tomorrow.”
Novacek adds that providing health care for Veterans experiencing homelessness is also a racial equity issue. “Black Veterans are extremely overrepresented among the homeless Veteran population,” he said.
Black Veterans comprised one-third of Veterans experiencing homelessness and a quarter of Veterans experiencing unsheltered homelessness while they make up 12% of the overall Veteran population, according to a 2021 report by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“I think a lot of times our Veterans feel judged and not understood and heard,” said Canizales, adding that representation matters. “Black Veterans have told me how important and helpful it’s been to have a Black psychologist. They’re not used to having providers of color.”
The team emphasizes that mental health is just as important as physical health, and having that service on site helps Veterans receive the comprehensive care they need and deserve.
“I think we do a great job of meeting them where they are and getting their needs met. The ability to address their mental health needs is paramount for their recovery,” said Canizales.
Providing Full-Service Care
A shower, bathroom and laundry machines have also been installed for Veterans on site at LAACC. Those services are currently being staffed and will be ready for use soon.
“HPACT should be full-service primary care and now we are,” said Truong. “I think it's a very important process to have us all together to provide the best services that we can for Veterans. We're just all excited for everything to be up and running.”
Novacek agrees and adds that investing in the new HPACT clinic shows Veterans that VA is committed to their care. “This bright, new, renovated space sends a message to Veterans that we see you, we care about you and we are going to help you navigate this process of getting the services and care you need.”
HPACT at LAACC is open for walk-ins for Veterans experiencing homelessness from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. If Veterans prefer to make an appointment in advance, they can reach the call center at 877-251-7295.