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Council subcommittees report on employment, homelessness and mental‑health outreach; museum to host women veterans exhibit
Summary
Subcommittees updated the council on trade‑fair and hiring initiatives, a city QR code for homelessness resources, mental‑health referral authorizations and a planned women veterans exhibit at the El Paso Museum of History.
Members of the council’s subcommittees reported progress and needs on employment, homelessness, mental health and women‑veterans outreach.
The employment subcommittee (District 5) said it is pursuing partnerships with the city, the Texas Veterans Commission and private employers to host a trade fair and to expand veteran employment and entrepreneurship support. The city was recognized for meeting and exceeding a veteran hiring target it had set, the chair said.
On homelessness, Don Brown (District 6) described a city tool called El Paso Help, accessible by a QR code printed on business cards. The portal lists emergency resources, shelter options and a veterans‑specific tab that links to local services for people experiencing homelessness. Brown said he will distribute cards to council members to share in the community.
Mental health subcommittee chair Donna Warris urged ongoing vigilance and described steps to connect veterans to detox and higher levels of behavioral‑health care. Warris said veterans who arrive at a non‑VA detox facility without prior authorization can receive care but may be billed; she urged veterans to secure authorizations through VA providers when possible. She also said the VA has been approving five‑day outpatient programs for veterans who demonstrate need and who have participated in lower levels of care.
Warris also raised concerns about reports — which she characterized as unconfirmed — that changes to administrative guidance could affect the treatment of diversity‑related matters in some local settings. She said those reports would be followed up with clinic directors and that the subcommittee would report back.
The women veterans program announced a planned exhibit at the El Paso Museum of History opening Aug. 8 and called for donations of memorabilia; organizers also listed several virtual events addressing topics such as eating disorders and suicide prevention for women veterans.
Council members asked that subcommittee recommendations be organized with measurable goals ahead of the April council briefing so the committee can present specific targets and metrics.
