Veteran homelessness is a critical issue that must be addressed with urgency, compassion, and a collaborative spirit. That’s why the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans Conference served as an essential platform for sharing innovative ideas and best practices that can help end this crisis. MACV’s Sara Riegle, Colleen Salinas, Nathaniel Saltz, and Amanda Hooper presented at the conference to share their expertise, experience, and insights on homelessness prevention, community collaboration, and sustainable solutions, and several MACV leaders also attended the conference. Everyone made the most of their time in Washington, D.C!

“The conference allows us to dive deeper into our government partners’ long-term strategies, identify best practices on the ground, develop relationships, and collaborate to solve challenges facing our communities.” -Nathaniel Saltz, MACV Chief Program Officer

During the conference, Sara Riegle, MACV Vice President of Property Operations, and Colleen Salinas, Landlord Engagement Program Manager, presented on addressing some critical tensions between housing providers involved in service delivery and housing management.

Nathaniel Salz, MACV Chief Program Officer, presented with Derek Holt and Bridgette Gil from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs on creating thoughtful pathways to housing for all Veterans experiencing homelessness.

“The conference was an eye-opening experience on Veteran homelessness at a national level. It was an honor to present and have to opportunity to learn from other experts.” -Amanda Hooper MACV Senior Resource Specialist

Amanda Hooper, MACV Senior Resource Specialist, presented on the importance of recognizing agency strengths and bridging gaps within the community to break the cycle of poverty. She emphasized the need to develop and maintain partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies to leverage resources and expertise to promote housing stability and independence.

Thanks for following our journey as we traveled to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans Conference. Our team participated in enjoyable team-building activities, including sightseeing at several national monuments. Additionally, we presented valuable insights and best practices to guide organizations in their efforts to support veterans experiencing homelessness. Recognizing agency strengths and building collaborative relationships within the community can help us create sustainable and equitable solutions to complex challenges.

We look forward to future opportunities to connect with other passionate individuals and organizations dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the Veterans we serve!