Veteran_ Resource_ book_2014

EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Food banks solicit and warehouse donated food and other products. This food is
then distributed to a variety of community agencies which serve people in need.
Many food banks provide food to hundreds of organizations that would likely not
be able to obtain a steady supply of food or store enough food to meet the needs
of the people they serve. Some food banks also operate programs that distribute
food directly to individuals. To locate a nearby food bank, go to
www.cafoodbanks.org or call (866) 321-4435.
VA JUSTICE OUTREACH INITIATIVE
Each VA Medical Center has been asked to designate a facility-based Veterans
Justice Outreach Specialist who will be responsible for direct outreach,
assessment, and case management for justice-involved veterans in local courts
and jails, and liaison with local justice system partners. For more information on
the Veteran Justice Outreach Initiative and to find a Veterans Justice Outreach
Specialist in the area, go to www.va.gov/homeless/vjo.asp.
HOMELESS COURTS
Homeless courts are special court sessions held in local shelters or other
community sites designed for homeless citizens to resolve outstanding
misdemeanor warrants. Homeless defendants sometimes fail to appear in
traditional courts, not because of disregard for the court system, but because
of the status of their condition. Many homeless people are reluctant to attend
court given the uncertainty of court proceedings and the threat of custody.
Unresolved legal issues can ultimately preclude homeless people from
accessing desperately needed services such as employment, housing, public
assistance, and treatment programs.
The American Bar Association (ABA) has also developed and approved policies
related to homeless courts, including basic principles for homeless court
programs, which could be found at www.americanbar.org/groups/public_
services/homelessness_poverty/resources/homeless_courts.html.
The ABA Commission on Homelessness and Poverty offers technical support.
For information, contact Amy Horton-Newell at the ABA Washington Office at
(202) 662-1693 or at homeless@abanet.org.
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