WASHINGTON – The General Services Administration (GSA) has honored 11 members of a Chicago-based team from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for “innovative practices” in the use of excess government property.
The employees, all from the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in Chicago, developed a project in which Catholic Charities of Chicago renovated existing, unused buildings at the facility into transitional housing and assisted living units for homeless veterans.
“By being innovative managers, these savvy VA employees have allowed the Department to spend its precious resources for veterans, not for the upkeep of unneeded buildings,” said the Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “This is a prime example of conscientious, compassionate management.”
On any given night, VA officials estimate about 2,000 veterans are homeless in the Chicago area. The new housing fills a critical need in the area’s program for the homeless.
The GSA award, called the “Real Property Award for Innovative Practices,” includes a $10,000 prize that will be shared by the 11 VA employees for their roles in developing and implementing the project.
The employees are Deepa Agusala, Lara Horvith, Jeanne Obrochta, Ray Bogush, Michael Lesnet, Michael Rogala, Rao Vadlimudi, Tim Morgan, Mary Ann Romeo, Tony Travia and Ron Chambers.
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