Providing practical assistance, as needed and appropriate, to HUD-VASH Veterans, including but not limited to: (a) Accompanying the Veteran to clinical appointments and self-help group meetings and assisting with obtaining a sponsor if the Veteran chooses to participate in a 12-step program; (b) Helping with the housing search and move-in process; (c) Assisting the Veteran with access to vocational training, and employment resources; (d) Assisting Veterans in obtaining furniture and other necessities for their apartment, through collaboration with Voluntary Services and community providers; (e) Identifying Veteran interest, encouraging participation in and connecting to appropriate recreational activities; (f) Helping Veterans articulate concerns and advocate effectively for themselves with providers; (g) Modeling skills for a positive lifestyle and community engagement; (h) Assisting with linkages to mental health and substance abuse services in VA and the community; and. Peer specialists perform a variety of therapeutic and supportive tasks that include assisting Veterans in articulating their goals for recovery and personal wellness, learning, and practicing new skills, helping them monitor their progress, assisting them in their treatment, modeling effective coping techniques and self-help strategies based on the peer specialists own recovery experience, and supporting them in advocating for themselves to obtain effective services.