Companies
Gate House Vice Chairman Hunter Kurtz moderated a panel for the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) forum on the critical need to address homelessness amidst our nation’s veterans.
“America’s Call to Duty: Ending Veterans’ Homelessness” was hosted by the BPC’s J. Ronald Terwilliger Center for Housing Policy. The panel featured Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA) Chairman, Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, House Committee on Veterans Affairs; Philip Mangano, President and CEO, The American Round Table to Abolish Homelessness; Rosanne Haggerty, President and CEO, Community Solutions; John Kuhn, National Director, Supportive Services for Veteran Families, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and Kathryn Monet, Chief Executive Office, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.
During the forum, the experts discussed the unique challenges facing our veterans population, the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, and strategies that have proven effective in combating veterans homelessness. While there has been tremendous success throughout the country reducing veterans homelessness in recent years, removing tens of thousands from the streets, significant work remains to demonstrate our nation’s commitment to our veterans and to ensure those who have served our country and defended our freedom are stably housed.
Reflecting on his long career in public service, Gate House Chairman Brian Montgomery spoke with DS News about the key lessons he has learned over the years.
Montgomery’s remarkable journey, which began driving in a Vice Presidential motorcade in his home state of Texas, took him to the White House, back to Texas to the Governor’s Mansion, and then back again to the White House and, eventually, to HUD and FHA (twice).
Montgomery was with the President of the United States on 9-11. He was at HUD dealing with the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis and the housing collapse, and in 202, he was back at HUD addressing the unique challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reflecting on what he has taken away from these experiences, Montgomery takes pride in getting things done, in working with people on both sides of the aisle, and seeking common ground. When trying to get something accomplished in Washington, he emphasizes, “Don’t ever assume anything, especially in a political environment. You never know how people will react to something, especially if you’re telling them you need their help.”
Ever year since 9-11, Gate House Chairman and Co-Founder Brian Montgomery has delivered remarks reflecting on his experience on 9-11, when he was traveling with President George W. Bush on that fateful day. For the 20th anniversary of 9-11, Montgomery joined Brigitte Quinn of 1010 Wins to reflect on that harrowing day in history, providing an inside account of the long hours, long day, and several long weeks for White House senior staff as the nation adjusted to a new world in the wake of the terrorist attack.
Montgomery shared what is was like to be part of the White House team during those moments, as the priorities of the Administration and the country shifted overnight. He recalled how the focus of the Bush Presidency turned decisively from all other priorities to one, keeping America safe. He reflected on how Americans came together as one nation, united against a common enemy. When he visited Ground Zero with President Bush just days after 9-11, as an example, Montgomery recalled fondly people lining the streets, holding candles and applauding as the President’s motorcade passed through New York City.