Jesse K. Vazzano

Jesse Vazzano serves as the National Director of Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) for the Veterans Health Administration. HUD-VASH provides Housing Choice Vouchers, from HUD, and wrap-around case management and supportive services, from VA, to homeless Veterans and their families. It is the largest permanent supportive housing program in the country. HUD-VASH prioritizes housing the most vulnerable and acute homeless Veterans, utilizing the principles of Housing First. Prior to working with HUD-VASH, Ms. Vazzano served as the Network Homeless Coordinator for the VA Capitol Health Care Network for several years and was responsible for the operational oversight of homeless services for the VA medical centers in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Martinsburg, WV.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Vazzano worked as the Health Care for Homeless Veterans Coordinator at the Bedford, MA and White River Junction, VT VA Medical Centers. While at White River Junction, she also served as the Grant and Per Diem Liaison and an outreach worker. Prior to working in Federal service, Ms. Vazzano worked in Baltimore City as an HIV/AIDS peer educator; a transitional housing and permanent supportive housing program manager; and as a Shelter Plus Care coordinator. Additionally, she has worked as a consultant in leadership development and succession planning. Ms. Vazzano has a BA from the University of Maryland College Park and a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland Baltimore.

AC19 Presentation: New Approaches to Housing Our Heroes