Morano asks about inter-agency coordination for LGBTQ veterans

A couple of questions before we wrap up related to your coordination with other agencies.

Which city agencies does DVS most frequently coordinate with regarding services for LGBT?

TQ plus veterans and what form does that coordination generally take?

Yeah, I think that is specifically for LGBTQ plus veterans.

We definitely see more connection with the mayor's office to end gender based violence when we're thinking about those cases for military sexual trauma.

And that usually comes from a warm handoff from our staff members right over to the office.

I think more in general, what we're seeing is that LGBTQ plus veterans, in addition to just discharge upgrades and some benefits there, they're still reaching out to access housing services or claim support or just other services that veterans are reaching out for.

So that's increased coordination with DHS, with DSS.

And I know that Donna could probably speak a little bit more to those referrals.

Yes, I work closely with the mayor's office to end gender-based violence.

I have a direct line of communication.

So if any veteran is coming in and they express any type of assault or once they feel, I always tell my team to

create a safe space, hear what the veteran is not saying so that they can understand what they're really going through.

And once they hear like certain keywords and they express, you know, privately things that have happened, you know, we kind of elaborate and let them know like we're also veterans.

I'm a veteran.

A lot of times my staff come and get me.

They have certain situations they need, you know, for the help with.

And I just let them know, like, hey, I'm a veteran as well.

I've experienced different things in the military, just like you.

I'm no different.

Just because I'm on this side of the table doesn't mean that I can't, I can't, I don't understand what you're going through.

So it's just about giving a person a safe space.

Once they get that safe space, I let them know that.

I want to help as much as I can.

I want to be able to get you the help that you need.

So I'm able to call, you know, the wonderful staff over at the mayor's office and the base violence to get them that help and security that they need.