“She is a fierce advocate for vulnerable and marginalized populations,” VA Salt Lake City employee awarded by Utah Homeless Services Board
By Gregory House, Public affairs specialist
When Meisha Jensen began working with the Homeless and Justice Clinical Recovery Program at the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System (VASLCHCS), she quickly became a driving force in how the health care system approaches coordinated care for Veterans experiencing homelessness.
“Homeless outreach is a very taxing job,” said Meisha Jensen, a Coordinated Entry Specialist with VASLCHCS. “You’re going to encampments, shelters and meeting people on the streets and it’s not a job for everybody, so they were looking for someone who is very passionate about homeless outreach when I was hired.”
Jensen’s work has not gone unnoticed by her peers in partnering agencies. The Utah Homeless Services Board gave her an Outstanding Leader Award for her continued efforts. Jensen received the honor on June 25 at the Utah State Capitol, surrounded by peers, state leaders, and fellow advocates.
The award recognizes Jensen’s leadership in expanding Utah’s coordinated entry system for Veterans, ensuring those in need are connected to the right resources quickly and effectively. Her work helped streamline processes between the VA and community partners, improved outreach to Veterans in crisis, and strengthened trust within the Veteran community.
“To take a Veteran out of that situation and to see all the pieces come together,” Jensen said. “All of a sudden, it’s this army of teams from the VA wrapping them up with primary health care, mental health care, and the other benefits they have earned from the VA.”
Jensen takes her role seriously and never hesitates to talk to someone who may be in need.
“Meisha has never met a stranger,” said Amy Earle, Director of the Homeless & Justice Clinical Recovery Program in her nomination for Jensen. “She is exuberant in talking about homeless issues to anyone who will listen. She is a fierce advocate for vulnerable and marginalized populations, especially homeless Veterans.”
“I don’t feel like I deserve an award like this, I feel like there are so many teams and people at the VA who I work with who put their heart and soul into getting them the care that they need. I work among heroes,” said Jensen
Jensen’s contributions were especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. As services across the country shifted or paused, she remained a constant—finding safe housing solutions, advocating for policy changes, and mentoring new staff and partners navigating unprecedented times.
“The secret to Meisha Jensen, that I don’t think any of us will ever know, is that she makes it look so effortless.” said Earle. “She’s probably in three meetings at once and still doing all this stuff and making it look, again, so effortless and doing it with such a wonderful attitude.”
For Jensen, this is more than a job, this is the right thing to do.
The Utah Office of Homeless Services and the Homeless Services Board select just a few individuals each year for this recognition. It is awarded to leaders who demonstrate innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to ending homelessness.
Jensen’s work is a reminder that real change often happens through persistence, partnerships, and people who care deeply. Her legacy is one of systems changed and lives transformed.
"I want to figure out a way to help individuals experiencing homelessness get out of homelessness and into housing because I feel like it’s one of our most vulnerable populations," said Jensen.
To make a donation to the Homeless & Justice Clinical Recovery Program contact the Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) Office via email: VHASLCVoluntaryService@va.gov or office telephone: 801-582-1565 extension 4699.
If you or someone you know is a Veteran who is homeless, have them reach out to our homeless outreach team at 801-582-1565 ex 2746. Veterans who would like an assessment with the homeless outreach team should contact their primary care provider and ask them to submit a homeless consult.