Annie Johnson, veterans program advisor for the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, told Operation Outreach that the agency is funded through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and runs the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program that directs prevention and case-management dollars to veteran households in Central Florida.

"We are funded through the VA," Johnson said, explaining that HSN works alongside nonprofits, local government, faith-based organizations and businesses to connect people experiencing homelessness with stable housing and services. She said HSN prioritizes the most vulnerable because funding is limited.

Johnson described program features intended to keep veterans housed and move people to stability: a comprehensive case-management team that assesses clients, links them to employment and education resources and refers them to partner providers; prevention payments to stop an imminent loss of housing; and temporary placements while a permanent option is found. "We try to house a veteran within 90 days," she said, while acknowledging that criminal records, evictions and low income can delay placement.

For short-term stays, Johnson listed options available through HSN and partners: shelter beds, VA-funded Grants Per Diem (GPD) transitional programs and emergency hotel stays paid through HSN for up to 60 days.

Johnson offered a concrete count: "For the year, we have assisted 1,160 veteran households. In that number, we serve 724 veterans." She said HSN also coordinates with clinical partners when needed; as one example she described a blind veteran with medical needs whose care was coordinated with Aspire Health Partners and the VA and who was placed in a long-term nursing facility.

The interview also included a veteran beneficiary’s account. Julissa, who said she served in the U.S. Army beginning in 2009, described being displaced in 2021 when her apartment roof collapsed. She said she contacted the VA and was linked to HSN; "within 24 hours, I was linked with a case manager who assisted me," she said. Julissa described 176 days of moving between hotels before HSN found housing nearer her job, and said HSN provided rental and electrical assistance, monthly check-ins and a dedicated caseworker that helped her save and stabilize.

Julissa said she has lived in permanent housing for almost four years and recommended that other veterans "take that first step" and reach out: "There are people that are willing to help without judgment."

Robinson closed the episode by directing viewers to ocfl.net/veterans for links and contact information for HSN and other resources and encouraged veterans to use the listed contacts to request assistance.