Rapid Response, Lasting Impact: Veterans Housed Through Pierce County Surge
The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs is thrilled to announce the Homeless Outreach Surge event held in Pierce County on July 30 and 31 surpassed every expectation. Over two rewarding days, 16 community providers and 25 unique programs came together to connect Veterans experiencing homelessness with vital housing resources and support services.
Federal VA Homeless Outreach Surge events are intensive, short-term initiatives led by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to rapidly connect unsheltered veterans with housing and essential services. These events typically span a few days and are part of the VA’s broader “Getting Veterans Off the Street” campaign.
Through this campaign, the Federal VA has set goals to move at least 20,000 unsheltered Veterans into interim or permanent housing.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the how the community and our WDVA team came together to serve our Veteran community. Their tireless dedication and compassion have directly connected numerous Veterans with safe, stable housing and new hope in Pierce County,” said WDVA Director David Puente Jr. “This surge event underscores the power of our partnership with the Federal VA and local organizations, proving that when we come together around a shared mission, we can deliver swift, life-changing support to those who served.
As we plan future events, WDVA remains committed to strengthening these collaborations and ensuring every Veteran has the resources and respect they’ve earned.”
Throughout the event, Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Transitional Housing Program, Outreach and Veteran Services team members, and partner providers:
- Educated Veterans on WDVA benefits and services;
- Discussed and filed claims on the spot;
- Assisted with benefit and housing applications;
- Provided transportation to and from the site;
- Guided Veterans to the next available service table;
- Brought incredible enthusiasm and camaraderie.
Surge Outcomes for the event
- 72 total Veterans served
- 52 Coordinated Entry conversations and intakes
- 28 veterans enrolled in VASH (Veterans Administration Supportive Housing)
- Six Veterans enrolled in SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families);
- Eight Veterans entered the CERS Program (Contracted Emergency Residential Services) in Orting
- Three Veterans entered the GPD Program (Grant and Per Diem) in Orting with 3 more set to enter as soon as space is available
- Two Veterans moved into permanent housing within 72 hours due to both the landlord and housing authority collaborating on-site at the event
- Move-in costs paid for two Veterans through Rapid Rehousing
- 15 Veterans served on site by HPACT, the VA’s Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team
Outcomes for the WDVA Transitional Housing Program
- Orting Contracted Emergency Residential Services (CERS):
- Seven Veterans enrolled into the program during the surge
- One additional Veteran entered after the event (total 8)
- Orting Grant and Per Diem (GPD):
- Three Veterans enrolled into the program
- Three more Veterans will enter as soon as space becomes available
- Overall Impact:
- 10 Veterans experiencing homelessness enrolled into WDVA’s Orting Transitional Housing Program as a direct result of the Surge outreach event
Logistics in Action
A highlight of this surge was the seamless coordination between the VA’s housing voucher teams and our WDVA staff. Veterans enrolled in the CERS program received a VA housing voucher housing voucher or comparable permanent housing plan on the very same day—then were immediately referred into CERS. This achievement underscores the power of on-site voucher assignment and direct hand-off, a model of inter-program partnership that CERS was designed to embody. Plans are already underway for another joint event in the future.
Extending Our Thanks
To everyone on site, thank you for:
- Arriving early, staying late, and setting up multiple service rooms to assist Veterans seeking assistance
- Processing Veterans swiftly and compassionately
- Upholding the spirit of teamwork and service
“WDVA thanks everyone who made the Pierce County Surge event possible,” said WDVA’s Transitional Housing Program Manager, Melissa Weitzel. “Together, we’re transforming lives and honoring our commitment to Serving Those Who Served.”
“HUGE kudos to WDVA’s staff members: Carrie Cooke, Anne Bailey, Kolby Davis, Danny Sola, Trent Mortensen, John Stevens, Bill Brown, Candice Corey, Angela Chappell, Dave Shaffer, Leland Cooper, Nicole Vreeland, Don Seese, Robert Bellasalma, Beth Fugate, Kim Schuler, Michael Belanger, Greg Newsom, Britney Cook, Savanna Susuico, and Delena Josephsen for their tremendous efforts in making this Surge a success!”
More Information on WDVA’s Transitional Housing Program
WDVA’s Transitional Housing Program offers short-term, supportive housing solutions designed to help Veterans transition from homelessness into stable, permanent residences. Through tailored case management, on-site benefits counseling, employment assistance, and life-skills training, Veterans engage with a coordinated network of partner agencies to secure VASH vouchers, enroll in supportive services like SSVF, and develop individualized housing plans. By combining emergency residential beds with Grant and Per Diem units, the program creates a flexible pathway that meets Veterans where they are—providing the structure and resources needed to rebuild lives, strengthen community connections, and achieve lasting housing stability.
For more information about WDVA’s Transitional Housing Program or upcoming outreach events, please contact: Washington Department of Veterans Affairs Email: housing@wdva.wa.gov | Phone: (360) 725-2154 |
Stay connected: www.dva.wa.gov/transitional-housing