Ending Veteran Homelessness with Dr. Kim Cook & Tamah-Lani Noh of U.S Vets

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Interview Transcription

ADRIENNE:
Welcome back, and thanks for listening to the Team Lally Real Estate Show, home of the guaranteed sold program, or we’ll buy it. I’m Adrienne and I’m Attilio have any questions, just give us a call at 7999596, or check us out on the web at Team lally.com

ATTILIO:
Our first guest is the Vice President of Clinical Services at US Vets born and raised on Oahu. She has dedicated her career to supporting veterans, overseeing programs that provide housing and care for nearly 850 veterans each night. She is passionate advocate for holistic wellness and community services,

ADRIENNE:
and that is Dr Kim Cook. Also joining us is a retired veteran with 30 years of service in the Hawaii Air National Guard and US Air Force. She is currently the program director and is known for her leadership in Drug Prevention and Community Engagement. Please welcome our other guest, Tamah-Lani Noh.

ATTILIO:
hello, hello. Can you both hear us?

DR. KIM COOK:
Yes, we can hear you.

ATTILIO:
Yeah. So we always like having the US Vets on the show, because it’s obviously, you know, we’re out in Kapolei, and you guys are our neighbors right there in our own community. And, yeah, we’ve, we’ve come out to visit the the site and everything and like that. It’s very, very nice. But Adrienne’s got a question for you.

ADRIENNE:
Okay, so I guess we’ll, we can kind of go back and forth. So for, yeah, for both of you. So So Dr Kim Cook, what inspired you to get into this field?

DR. KIM COOK:
Oh, yeah, that’s such a great question. So first off, I just want to thank you guys for having us. You guys have been great partners for so long with us. So thank you. So what inspired me to get into the field is, you know, I’ve always known from when I was really little that I wanted to be a healer of some kind, and I had an opportunity. It was my junior year in high school. I unfortunately had a really close friend that attempted suicide, and it was sort of the beginning of my search to understand how, how people get to a place where they feel like there is no other option. And so that started my career in psychology. I got all of my education that I needed, and found myself at us that’s almost 15 years ago. Have a deep passion for serving our veteran community. My father was a veteran, so personally connected to this work, and it was just such a great marriage to be able to not only serve the veteran population, but also do it, because it is my passion to help other people so

ADRIENNE:
well, nice. And then, Tamah-Lani, what was your inspiration to get into the field, and how long have you been with the US Vets?

TAMAH-LANI:
Wow,

again, I get excited when I get an opportunity to share what. Me to where I’m at, and I’ll tell you, it’s just so exciting, because I don’t have that dream of being and working with veterans and the homeless from when I was young, unlike Dr Cook, for me, it was I raised a drug using child, so drug prevention, drug education has been always part of my life. That’s been my calling. And then, of course, when I started to work with veterans, I had that opportunity to see veterans living out on the street, living on the slopes of Diamond Head. And when I housed my first veteran, I was hooked. I know that we can help them. I know what they need. And it’s just been a blessing for us to be working with with us vets, because it hits a population of people that’s near and dear to my heart.

ATTILIO:
Yeah, the So, what are the unique needs? What unique needs the veterans have that the US vets provide support for?

DR. KIM COOK:
I think the thing that we really are proud of in our work, and you know, we’ve been, we’ve been in Hawaii since 2003 is that we really provide a comprehensive support model. So at any point on the homeless continuum, whether it’s prevention support all the way to permanent housing, we really try our best to provide supportive services at every point. So it’s not just housing that we provide. We also surround every veteran that comes into our program supportive service that they need, and it’s really driven by by their needs, not what we think they need, but what what they want. So some of that might look like workforce development services, mental health support, substance abuse treatment. I mean, we, you know, it’s a wide gamut of services that we provide and and we’re really proud of that, because, you know, when I started at US cuts. 15 years ago, we didn’t have a lot of support and services that we provide. But now, with our expansion of services, we are able to provide a really comprehensive support model. And so we are able to provide, you know, anything from mental health support, which you know some of our veterans in these but living in Hawaii, as you folks know, we have a very high cost of living. Affordable housing is a crisis here. And so we know at US Vets that although some people have the misconception that homelessness is tied to drug use or mental health, it really is just poverty and a lack of affordable housing. And so what we want to do is meet that gap and provide that housing support so that they’re able to rehabilitate in the other areas that they need.

ADRIENNE:
Yeah, yeah, Attilio and I had come out to your, your guys site, and then took a tour of, like, a next door area that US Vets. I don’t know if you guys are still managing, but the tiny homes that, yeah, like that was a really, you know, big project, is

ATTILIO:
that still part of you guys organization? And if so, give us an update,

TAMAH-LANI:
sure, yes. So since we met you, that’s exactly the one update we wanted to highlight. Is, yes, we are still managing that tiny homes project. It’s a project in partnership with the governor’s office, as well, as you know, the statewide strategy to provide affordable options for individuals experiencing homelessness. So we have 36 residents that can live on that property. And you know that particular property for us is not veteran specific, although there are units that are prioritized for veterans, but we really did feel like when taking on the project, we wanted to take on the project because we we wanted it to be our way of being able to give back to the larger community. So we’re very, very proud to say that we are always at least 90% full, you know, and we have think we only have maybe one or two units available. And it really provides folks the opportunity to live in a communal environment, a safe, communal environment where they get the support that they need, accessible right there on property. So we have built, go ahead.

ADRIENNE: 33:41
So with that being said, that you’re 90% full if one of our listeners is in need of housing, how do they qualify or get on that list? What does that look like to get into a tiny home?

TAMAH-LANI:
Yeah. So they can reach out to our we have an outreach team. So our outreach team is responsible for all of our programs. So if there’s a listener out there that is in need of housing or any supportive services, they can contact our outreach team. That number is 808-630-0771, it’s our main line and and that outreach provider will basically triage, and, you know, determine what the veteran needs, and then I let the veteran know what eligible housing services there are. So that would be the best way for any, anyone that’s in the community. And again, that particular project is not veteran specific, so it can also be open to non veterans as well. I think that’s

ATTILIO:
important for the community to know, because some people, you know, they can’t give to everything, and they have a selection process of what they want to support. So supporting the US vets, supports our entire community with with the tiny homes that you have available. I wanted to ask you, and I’m just curious, you know, most of the people that that call in to get services, is it directly the the the homeless, or that person? Or is it somebody on their behalf trying to help them out? What do you guys find?

DR. KIM COOK:
Yeah, we find we find that it usually is the direct person that reaches out to us directly through our line, yeah, but we also have a news right? So we have different supports in the community that allow us to have other referral sources. But yeah, the veteran will usually call on his or her behalf. And good, you know, either inquire about the services we provide, or, you know, they’re in need, so they know that we are here to provide that, which is great. So we’re glad the numbers getting out there. Yeah. And

ATTILIO:
that number, again, is 6300771, is that right? Yes,

DR. KIM COOK:
that is correct. 630,

ADRIENNE:
and then also, like for the non veterans that maybe would qualify for this tiny home program, is that the same number, or there, is there a different website or different way to connect?

TAMAH-LANI:
Yeah, so we do have like on all of our social media channels, you will be able to find, you know, the tiny homes community highlighted in there, and it does have information. However, we always like to give the community just one number, because, you know, it can cause some reason, but yeah, that would be the best number. And that person, our outreach coordinator, Divina, will triage that for that individual and find the most appropriate program for them. We really have a model of of finding a yes. So when someone calls us, we really want to try to figure out how we can provide them the support that they need in any program.

ATTILIO:
How can, how can people in the community get involved with the mission, you know what? And before we even you know, go ahead, let us let our listeners know what is the mission of US Vets.

TAMAH-LANI:
The mission, simply is to eradicate veterans, not just in the state of Hawaii, but across the nation. So US Vets has a presence nation, and we nationwide. So we believe that no veteran should sleep on the same streets that he or she was asked to defend, and so we’re here to eradicate that issue. Nice,

ATTILIO:
great mission. And so the how can people in the community get in, get involved, to help support?

TAMAH-LANI:
Yeah, there’s so many different ways I can give you just maybe a few specific ways that folks can get involved. So we do have an upcoming golf tournament that we are promoting, and that’s going to be at Ewa Beach Country Club. It’s our 11th annual. No Vet Left Behind golf tournament. It’s a really fun day for us. So we would like everybody to come out. We’re still looking for sponsors, golfers donations. Three years ago, we would love to engage with you in that way. We also want to highlight that we have our make Tamil year cause campaign. So us tips has a campaign, specifically starting on October 1, and we are still looking for partners. It is a campaign that has allowed us to raise nearly $1 million nationally. So it’s a very successful campaign, but we are not able to do it without our camel for our cause partners. So we’re still looking for and you can find all that information on our website as well, and you know, just what every person can do, I think, is, I always share with folks, is what we call a US friend, raising, raising a wire cause. You know, if anybody’s interested to ever come out for a site tour, get interested in wanting to join a community service project. We have community service projects like multiple priority months that people can come and volunteer. We want to engage with our community, so if anybody’s ever interested in just and learning a little bit more about us, we can definitely give you a contact for that as well. Just share and raise awareness on the issue.

ADRIENNE:
Now, I’ve got a question for both of you guys, because I know that you interact with, maybe, like, you know, different veterans throughout your your day or your time there with us vets. And I’d like to just you know, for you, to share an example of us each a success story, of someone who you know has come through the program and you’ve been able to, you know, just help create a new pathway for that, yes,

ATTILIO:
share a success story.

TAMAH-LANI:
So I always have one favorite. There’s many success stories that we have, we’ve been witness to, but the one my favorite success story that I always share, he is a local boy, a local veteran here grew up, you know, here in Hawaii. So it’s always such a close connection for us. He served in Iraq and was the medic as part of the you know, had very difficult and challenging circumstances that he had to deal with upon coming home. It was really difficult for him to reintegrate back into his family. Him, you know, divorced, abusing substances, then eventually found himself in prison and was searching through the phone book and reached out, saw us, reached out to us. He came to the program, and since that very day, has made a complete mission, and so much so that he left. Our program. And he talks about, he talks about, to this day, we’re still in touch, and he always shares how, you know, he just took everything that we we gave him, he did, and because of that, he left us. He decided that he wanted to go back to school. He got his bachelor’s degree. He ended up getting his master’s degree, and now he actually serves as a clinical director in a community outpatient clinic on an outer eye, and we have just loved him so much that he now serves on our National Board of Directors. And so, you know, it really, it really goes to show, I success stories, one of my favorites, because it really goes to show that, you know, if, if veterans are willing to ask for help, and they come, you know, I think that’s the hardest part, is just asking for help once they come into the door, though, we have all the resources accessible to them, and it’s possible for veterans like him and for so many more. So we’re very honored to do this work. And for veterans like him,

ATTILIO:
you know, give people an idea of where most of your you know, on an annual basis, where do you think most of you guys? Funding comes

DR. KIM COOK:
from our particular funding here in Hawaii and actually nationwide, it’s pretty synonymous. So here in Hawaii, 80% of our funding comes from federal sources. So the Department of Veterans Affairs is our biggest partner and funder, but we have so many others. Of course, city and county, state of Hawaii, they’re all very great partners. So for us, you know, our goal, really at US Vets, is to diversify our funding. We really want to, you know, connect more with some of our philanthropic partners and any donors in the community that want to help to support those efforts for us, because we have so many ideas on how to expand services, especially in the prevention area, which is a big movement in the homeless arena. So we want to take, take note of that and get on top of expanding that part of our service as well. So, but we are mostly federally funded, and

ATTILIO:
then tell us again, what’s the date for the golf tournament? Speaking of funding,

TAMAH-LANI:
yeah, the golf tournament, sure. So it is october 28 and the short is at 11am Ewa beach Country Club again. So we want everybody to come up to that.

ATTILIO:
And here’s the shout out to the business owners out there. You golfers, Adrienne and I, we don’t golf, but pregnant from sponsoring a tea.

ADRIENNE: 
Yeah, that’s we usually are tea sponsors. We do so

ATTILIO: 
to you other businesses owners out there, here’s a way that you can increase your own profit while, while increasing your donations and support for a nonprofit when consumers, it’s called for benefit marketing. This came from the president of Tom’s Shoes, where you you buy a shoe, and then when you buy a shoe from Tom shoes, they’ll give a shoe to someone in need who doesn’t have shoes. And so what they found is that when a business you know actively is supporting nonprofits in their community, when the consumer comes across that business comparatively to other businesses, and they can’t tell the difference between each either 190, 8% of the time, they’ll go with the business that is giving back to the community. So it’s a good reason for people to come and support

ADRIENNE: 
and are you guys giving away prizes also at this tournament. Are you looking for prize sponsors?

TAMAH-LANI: 
Absolutely, we’re still looking for sponsors, golfers, donations for prizes. Yes, all of that. We’re still looking for folks. So there’s, there’s room for everyone to get involved. Awesome.

ADRIENNE: 
Okay, yeah. And so they just go to the US vets website. All the info there is usvets.org, and they can connect with you guys that way. And

ATTILIO: 
if there’s a vet indeed, 63007716300771,

or if you know of a vet that needs this help, get that number to them or or call and take make an appointment, bring them with you, come visit, right? Mm, hmm, yeah, okay. Um, were there before we wrap it up, though? Was there any kind of final thoughts that you guys wanted to share with us, or anything that we haven’t talked about, that you want to share as we, uh, wrap up this part of the show.

TAMAH-LANI:
Yeah, just two final things. One is, we, one of our big dreams here at US Vets in the next couple of years is, you know, we’re expanding so much here in Hawaii. Of course, we’re honored to do the work with all the partners we have. But we are looking for a new site. So we’re looking for, you know, possible relocation. All of our programs are scattered, so our dream is to put all of our services on one campus, yes, and so as partners in the community, you folks, we definitely want to pick your brains and your expertise on how we might be able to make that dream a reality. So wanted to definitely share that. And for anybody that has a social media, we want you to follow us. We are pretty active on our social media channels, and that’s the best way to get involved in real time. So, you know, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and then, of course, our website for more information. We want all of you to come along on our journey, because it’s really important for us to connect on. That way with all of you,

ADRIENNE: 
or this, for this new location or site, if you can give us some, like, specifics of what would be that, like, the size location, just kind of put it out there, because maybe, you know, that person is listening right now that and they want to sell,

TAMAH-LANI: 
yeah, so we, you know, I think you when, in the introduction, you know, we serve about 850 households annually, per year, and so, you know, we want a campus that’s going to be able to accommodate that. We also have a vision on this campus, besides the 850 you know, possible units that we might have is also our administrative quarters. So we, right now in Hawaii, we have close to 100 employees that we that service here in Hawaii. So we want to have administrative space. And, you know, I think we also are looking for recreational space. So anything that, again, the therapeutic model is something that us abides by and we embrace here. So we definitely want space for things that are therapeutic, whether that be a therapeutic garden or, you know, the, I mean, the dream is, so the process of, actually, you know, we have, we’re working with folks to to get specifics on, like, the specs for what a building might look like. So if anybody is out there listening and has resource, we definitely want to connect with you, because we want to keep this conversation going with our community in any way that we can

ATTILIO: 
Okay, well, every November we do, we do a pie party at our place. Yes, and anybody walks in the door gets a pie in the face. No, that’s not what we doing, silly. Oh, gets a pie in the face. No, you get a free pumpkin pie. It’s the size of a wagon wheel, you know, the ones from Costco. But what we are going to do as part of our promotion is encourage people to drop off any kind of donations for us vets, as well as cash. Thank you, cash. And at our next pie pie pickup, free pie giveaway, if you guys don’t come out, we’ll come bring one to you guys, and we hope that people will want to participate and support team Lally and supporting us vets. And in fact, Adrienne was a vet, so I’m still a veteran. You’re still a veteran.

DR. KIM COOK: 
Oh, thank you for your service. Yeah,

ATTILIO: 
yes, all right. And thank you guys so much for being on the show again. That number is 6300771, and the the website is a US vets.org Yeah.

ADRIENNE: 
And then there’s the cause, cause for camo, starting October 1, and then the golf

ATTILIO: 
tournament, october 28 All right, awesome.

ADRIENNE: 
Thank you guys. Thank you for joining us today.

ATTILIO: 
Thank you so much.

DR. KIM COOK:
Thank you so much for having us. All right, take care. Yes. Really appreciate it. Thank you. You’re

ADRIENNE: 
welcome. Okay, that’s US Vets. Go check their website out, US vets.org, and see how you can support and get involved. Yeah,

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