Operation Reveille in Birmingham
The day 22 homeless veterans got a place to call home

If the veteran is ready and a home is provided on the same day, local nonprofits help with furniture and household items.

In Birmingham, Operation Reveille started two years ago as an alliance between HUD and the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). The purpose of Operation Reveille is to create a one stop center where homeless veterans can get information and assistance not only with housing but with a wide range of social services as well. The housing assistance component is administered by the Birmingham Housing Authority with HUD-VASH vouchers. This program combines Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance for homeless veterans, with case management and clinical services provided by the VA at medical centers and community-based outreach clinics.

This year the event took place on May 9th; 25 veterans participated. By the end of the day, 22 veterans had completed all the steps needed and received keys to their new homes. Several local non-profits were on hand to help with household items and furniture; resolving minor legal issues; counseling services and life counseling.

A key component of this year's success was an increase in the number of participating landlords. This was generated in part by a Landlord Conference put on by a local VASH Taskforce and the City of Birmingham.

###